My homeschool soapbox

So at dinner the other night with Chris and Heather, the subject of homeschooling came up. Heather shared a conversation she had with a friend who called asking why she homeschools. I loved Heather's answer and hopefully I will do it justice. She said that God has called us as parents to teach and train our children - especially when it comes to character. When we send our kids to school, essentially it's their peers who are teaching them.

What about socialization? If you're a homeschool mom, how many times have you heard that question? To me, socialization is learning how to get along with all types of people. I certainly didn't learn that in my diverse public school. I learned that from Hubby when he taught me what a relationship with Jesus Christ is really about.

What about education? Personally, I think education is highly overrated. Have you watched Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? But our kids need to be educated so they can get a good job - especially our sons, right? Why? So they can spend too much time in the office like some husbands I know? Who gives us our jobs and determines our future, anyway? Hubby doesn't have the job he has because of his education from UCF. He's not doing anything remotely close to what he went to school for. God put him where he is today. And we're thankful for it.

Does that mean I think education is unimportant? Absolutely not. Education can be a tool for advancing the Gospel (although it's definitely not a requirement). I want my children to be able to articulate their faith. I want them to be able to defend what they believe intelligently. I want them to speak the truth in love and eloquence. But academics are not the focus.

On the other hand, as a testimony to homeschooling, colleges and universities are seeking homeschoolers because they are better self-disciplined for that type of educational arena and because they are more likely to excel. And Hubby was just telling me he heard on talk radio that schools are wanting to keep homeschooled kids out of the spelling bees because they keep winning! Ha! There’s your education argument!

Ultimately, the decision to homeschool is between you and God. I do not stand in judgment of anyone who chooses to send their kids to public or private school. I am just passionate about what I believe. So there's my soapbox.