Why are we homeschooling?

I have people ask me this question from time to time, "Why are you homeschooling?" There are many reasons. I have not been disappointed in our local schools or any teacher in particular.

Here is my basic list of reasons:
1. Spiritual- We want to be able to teach my children about God, the Bible, instill faith and character in them.

2. Academics- We can give them a better quality education, teach to their interests, and the one-on-one relationship is the best way to learn. (any educator can't dispute that!)

3. Family- We desire that they be closer to siblings, see Dad at lunch and when he is available (day off during the week), take vacations whenever we want, be friends with their siblings, work and do jobs at home together during the day.

4. Protection- from what they might learn in school, bad friends, guns, violence, bullies, teasing-- gives them a higher self-image and ensures a better level of safety.

5. Learning- I/ we can see the joys, am able to help them learn, don't miss the a-ha! moment when they figure out "I can read!" or "I get it!"; less homework

6. Duty- We believe God tells us to educate them in His ways and the ways of the world... Deut. 6 (see below) and I know them the best as their mother.

7. Joy- no school fear or worry, no bullies, harassment, peer pressure

8. Opportunities- to develop their gifts and talents, interests, can volunteer and even develop their own business as a teen.

9. Experience- Public schools are constantly cutting funding-- cutting out music, labs, computers and more. I can provide all of those things and more for my students at home.

10. World- gives them a support system to explore the world and be a light to the lost people. They can explore the river, beach, volunteer, sing any song in a nursing home, go on mission trips, bike ride, learn to shop and spend money in a wise manner, etc., etc.,
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"Government schooling is the most radical adventure on history. It kills the family by monopolizing the best times of childhood and by teaching disrespect for home and parents."- John Taylor Gotto
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I know homeschooling can be a "hot topic" with others. I just want to be ready to give an answer for why I do what I am doing (1 Peter 3, see below). I feel that God has called our family to homeschool our children. We don't know that we will always be homeschooling, but we really do enjoy it (most days!) I am using my college degree (Elementary/ Early Childhood Education) as their mother, but not all homeschooling parents have education degrees. Many are just parents that care what their kids are learning, feel called to have their kids at home, and many want to teach them about God.

Deuteronomy 6: 5-9
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

1 Peter 3:14-16

^" But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."