May 15, 2024 – Help! I Forgot Why I Am Homeschooling!

Hey, Mama!

Gena Suarez, Publisher of TOS

Remember Your Why

Hey Mama,

Feeling a bit overwhelmed lately? Wondering why you started homeschooling in the first place? Let’s take a moment to reflect and ponder the heart of your journey. You chose this path for a reason, and it’s good to revisit that when the days get long and the math problems seem endless.

Think back to those first days, your home buzzing with the excitement of new books and the promise of a personalized education where your children could flourish under your care. What a calling! You envisioned a space where learning went beyond the textbooks, where life skills, character development, and, most importantly, God’s truths were as much a part of the curriculum as arithmetic and grammar. Remember that dream? It’s still alive, Mama. It’s not gone.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges and forget the big picture. Maybe today was tough. Perhaps there were tears over a tough chapter or a science project gone awry. Maybe it wasn’t even homeschool-related at all. Your dog barfed again on the carpet, and you slipped and fell on it. Gross. And it didn’t help that your two oldest were at each other’s throats all day. Why do they fight so much?! Forget the meatloaf. It burnt again, just like it did last week. 

You are so not alone. This is all of us. The carpet will be clean again, your kids will learn to love each other, and one of these days, you’ll have a really great meatloaf if you start using a timer. (grin)

Seriously, each day brings opportunities to instill values that last a lifetime. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, KJV.) It’s not just academics; you know that. 

In those moments when you question your decision, consider the unique needs of each child. You’ve been given a special role—no one knows your kids like you do. You see their struggles and their triumphs. You have the chance to tailor their education to fit them perfectly. Isn’t that a gift worth the effort? And in those really tough moments, remember, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, KJV). God is with you in this, renewing your strength daily.

And hey, let’s not forget to lean on each other. If you’re feeling isolated, reach out to your homeschool network or church community. These connections can be your lifeline on difficult days. Remember, the community is there to support you just as you support them. Sharing your struggles and successes can help another mama just like you.

So, here’s your call to action, Mama: take a moment today to jot down the reasons you started homeschooling. Stick that list somewhere you can see it when the going gets tough. And tonight, when you tuck those little ones in bed, take a second to watch them sleep, so peaceful and so loved. Remember, you’re doing this for them because the Lord has put you on this path. He’s not going to leave you.

You’ve got this. Eyes up. Keep steering your ship with grace and love, trusting in Him who guides you— the One doing the actual steering, because He orders our steps every day. He’s got you, your family, and this beautiful homeschool journey under His wing.  Just sayin’ Mama, His hand is still on your head.

-gena

Homeschool with a Friend!  When you homeschool with Classical Conversations, you become part of a community of local families. Find your local community at classicalconversations.com/tos.

Heidi Mosher

Look at Homeschooling Like This

We don’t have to homeschool; we get to.

I don’t remember where I first discovered that phrase. Maybe it was right here in The Homeschool Minute or in The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. Anyway, I’d like to thank whoever came up with that saying. It’s gold. One day when my kids reminisce about childhood, that is likely one of the phrases they’ll remember their mom repeating. I say it over and over because it reminds us that homeschooling is an honor, not a burden. Being together as a family is natural, and the homeschooling lifestyle allows us to spend our quick years together.

The years are quick indeed, but in truth, the years include many challenging days. That’s why reminders of why we homeschool are vital. Here are a few more ways to look at your homeschool endeavor and remind yourself that it’s a good thing you’re doing, pouring your life into your kids.

• Write down every reason why you homeschool. Keep your list visible, perhaps in your planner or on your bathroom mirror. Update every year or every month. Notice your constants.
• Take a look at your homeschool life by taking pictures of your school days. Line the kids up with their artwork or next to a stack of read-alouds. Snap candid pictures of them in their study spots or completing a science experiment. Keep those sweet pics on display as reminders of your why.
• Think on the rich relationships your family has built through homeschooling—not only as a family, but also with other homeschooling families, co-op teachers, music instructors, and with the Lord.  
• Look around your house with new eyes. View the mess as proof that you are living a full life. Homes are built for living in, and yours is the setting for your family’s unique story.
• Be amazed at the hours you invest in your family through homeschooling. At about six hours a day and around one hundred eighty days per school year, that’s over one thousand hours a year of together time available for milestones and memories.

I’ll say it again—the years are quick! Why not spend them together? You don’t have to; you get to.

About the author

Heidi Mosher is honored to write for The Homeschool Minute, as it was the lifeline of her early homeschooling years. She is thankful to be the mother of four—two recent homeschool graduates and two who are currently homeschooled.

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Alexandria Letkeman

Why Am I Even Doing This?

Homeschooling is an act of love and commitment to your child’s education and well-being. It’s a choice to tailor learning experiences to suit their individual needs, interests, and pace—something that traditional settings might not accommodate.

However, it’s not without its hurdles. Burnout and frustration can creep in, obscuring the joys and rewards of homeschooling. Sometimes, we ask ourselves, “Why am I even doing this??” If you are struggling with burnout, frustration, or doubt, you are not alone.

Consider these strategies to mitigate burnout:

Embrace Flexibility: One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is flexibility. If a certain schedule or curriculum isn’t working, give yourself permission to adjust. Find what works for you, and for your child.

Connect with Others: Joining homeschooling groups, both online and in your community, can offer support, resources, and much-needed camaraderie. Sharing experiences and solutions with other homeschooling parents can provide new perspectives and reduce feelings of isolation.

Schedule Me-Time: It’s essential to carve out time for yourself. Engage in activities that rejuvenate your spirit and passion, be it reading, gardening, or any other hobby. Remember that self-care isn’t only bubble baths! A happy, fulfilled parent is the backbone of a successful homeschool.

Celebrate Achievements: Take time to celebrate both small and big achievements. This not only boosts morale but also reminds you of the progress and impact of your efforts. Plus, it’s just plain fun!

When you have moments of doubt or hair-tearing frustration, remember that your efforts affect not only your child, but you as well. So, when the question “Why am I even doing this?” arises, go back to the beginning. Pause and reassess your reasons for homeschooling. Was it for a richer, more hands-on experience? Flexibility? A safer educational environment? Revisiting these reasons can reignite your passion and purpose. So, ask yourself, “Why am I homeschooling?”

If you are struggling and in need of some encouragement, take a look at our Gold Care Club. Get answers to your toughest questions and personalized training when you need it. We are here to encourage you, never to embarrass you.

Blessings,
Alex Letkeman, The HomeScholar

About the author

Alexandria Letkeman began homeschooling with her family in middle school and has recently graduated with honors in 2020. Together with her husband, she has developed a passion for financial literacy, classical writing, and the freedom that homeschooling provides. In pursuit of those passions, she and her husband aim to continue the legacy of The HomeScholar and continue helping homeschool parents homeschool with confidence. One day, Alex plans to start a homesteading farm in Texas featuring mini cows.

Pillar of Hope

Danika Cooley

Three Reasons to Homeschool—The Last One Changes Everything

It’s easy to lose track of the reason behind our actions, especially when the going gets a little rough. There are days, weeks, even years, when our kids rebel, when our finances are tight, and when math—why is it always math?—has everyone in tears.

There are three primary reasons to lay down your life sacrificially and homeschool your kids. First, one-on-one academics are superior to one-on-thirty lessons. Second, family relationships in homeschools have the opportunity to blossom because of the time spent with one another. Third, homeschooling affords parents the opportunity to truly disciple children, spending time leading them to and instructing them in the Word of God.

I love the fact that my homeschooled kids each received an individualized, highly academic education. Their schooling helped prepare them to function well in higher education. I also love the fact that my sons call me on a regular basis, that they travel home to see us, and that they love their dad. They even go on vacation together.

The most valuable aspect of homeschooling for us, though, was the time it afforded my husband and I to disciple our kids. We read through God’s Word together almost four times cover-to-cover. The boys did hands-on projects to understand what they were learning, and they dove deep into systematic theology and the background of the Bible. I even put together a high school leadership class with books on spiritual disciplines and Christian living. What a joy to know that our boys are attending church, reading the Bible daily, and praying!

On days when you despair of completing the task the Lord has put before you, remember your job is to love your kids and point them to Jesus. That’s the reason to homeschool that changes everything.

About the author

Danika Cooley is an award-winning children’s author who blogs about Bible books, crafts, activities, and snacks at Thinking Kids . Her books include Help Your Kids Learn and Love the Bible, Bible Investigators: Creation, and the Who What Why series, a line of Christian history for 7–11-year-olds. Grab your free three-week sample of her popular Bible Road Trip™ curriculum here.

Challenges are inevitable. Every individual encounters them. From juggling prayer time to resisting the urge to compare to other homeschool families, or managing the energy of active young children, there are moments when the homeschooling journey feels overwhelming. Homeschooling through the Rough Spots on SchoolhouseTeachers.com offers both encouragement and practical suggestions to give moms the confidence to persist on this educational path.