Why We Homeschool Our Children (And What We’d Tell Any New Family)

Why We Chose Homeschooling—and How It’s Changed My Heart

When my older two children were just three and four years old, I had them in a private daycare—one I genuinely believed would let them be kids. I expected songs, outdoor play, finger paints, and maybe some gentle introduction to letters and numbers. But what I saw was something else entirely.

Teachers, understandably human, were clearly burned out—some seemed like they didn’t even enjoy being around children anymore. The tone they used when speaking to the kids made me deeply uncomfortable. It was subtle, but constant. And while nothing physical happened, my mother’s heart was telling me this wasn’t right.

I saw how little boys especially were getting in trouble constantly… for being boys. For wiggling, for talking, for running. For being loud and curious and energetic. When they weren’t being scolded, they were being given homework—at three and four years old.

That was when I realized: we didn’t want to spend the next 12 years bumping heads with teachers or systems that didn’t see our kids for who they really are. We didn’t want our children developing anxiety or resentment toward learning. We wanted something different.

When Concerns Become Convictions

My biggest concern, especially for my boys, was the lack of movement and freedom. I don’t believe children should sit still for 30-minute stretches in elementary school. They should be outside, exploring, asking questions, running, and discovering God’s creation. Sitting at a desk 4 to 8 hours a day is not developmentally appropriate—it’s stifling.

And then there’s testing. Today’s system is all about passing standardized tests, and I’ve never believed that’s how you truly measure understanding. If a child can’t read one word on a test question, they might miss the whole question—when they actually knew the answer. But unless that child has an IEP, the teacher isn’t allowed to help clarify. That’s just broken to me. Education should help a child succeed, not trip them up on technicalities.

A Heart Transformed by Homeschooling

At first, I’ll admit—I wasn’t excited about being with my kids all day. I used to feel like I just wanted to drop them off, and then when we got home in the evenings, I wanted quiet. I was tired. I didn’t want to be bothered. But the more I prayed about homeschooling, the more God began to change my heart.

Now, I love being with my kids. I love watching them grow. I’ve seen firsthand how peace, joy, and curiosity return to a child when pressure is lifted and their natural hunger to learn is honored.

A Bigger Vision for Their Future

As the world continues to shift—culturally and technologically—our homeschooling goals have shifted too. I no longer push the idea that college is the only path. I’m exposing my children to trades, business skills, and most importantly, to the truth that God provides. He has a calling for each of them. I want them to discover that calling early and to walk in confidence, not confusion.

To the Mama Who's Unsure

If you’re on the fence about homeschooling, the first thing I’d say is this: pray. Let God work through your uncertainty. He’ll arrange those feelings in your heart in ways that bring peace and clarity. And if you’re someone who doesn’t feel close to God or doesn’t know how to hear Him—tell Him that. Ask Him to help you hear His voice.

Then take small steps. Watch The Homeschool Awakening by Kirk Cameron. Check out your local homeschool laws on HSLDA.org. In your first year, keep it simple—just focus on reading, writing, and math. Let your kids decompress from the public school model. You don’t need desks, a fancy curriculum, or a homeschool room. Just be together. Learn together. Heal together.

It took almost two years for my kids to stop raising their hands to ask if they could use the bathroom. That’s how long it can take to undo the pressure and routines.

But I promise you this: the fruit is worth it.