Disclosure: Affiliate link included. As we plod through each day, it’s easy to question the decision to homeschool. Have you ever thought to yourself, “Is it worth it?” If you’re like me, you have. Let me give you my top three reasons why it is worth it. 1. The personalized education in homeschooling has given you the opportunity to prepare your children for their adult career. If you purchase a boxed-curriculum or choose another great option, you can provide your child with a thorough education. Making an extra effort to personalize their curriculum can boost their learning. You don’t have to write your own curriculum or spend a huge amount of money. But, it does take some research to see how your child learns best. Planning around their learning styles and interests will propel them farther because they will be motivated to learn. As I learned the hard way, mom has to be flexible, because children change. Some children change much more than others. Moms have to be willing to grow their curriculum to match these changes. As children reach high-school age, many of them will be focused on one career path. If this is your child, you’ll be able to plan their course schedule to fit this focus. For all those kids who have no clue about their future, it’s important to push them into classes that will benefit any path. I found it very helpful to study the more advanced courses in math, english, and science. 2. Being with your children everyday allows you to train them in: intellect, character, and spiritual life. Now that you’ve decided on the curriculum, there is a plan in place to develop their intellect. Whether children learn with living books or textbooks, they will grow in knowledge. It’s also important to work on critical thinking. Purchasing critical thinking curriculum can be very helpful. Kids need to learn how to think, not just what to think. Character training happens in every home. You’re teaching them character, whether you want to or not. Children will copy you: how you act, how you speak, your tone, attitude, and more. Because I want to teach my children good character, I must show it myself. There are many great character training curriculum and software. It’s good to find character resources that fit into your beliefs. Whatever your belief system, world-view, or theology, CT can be woven in, helping you to shape the character of your children. This is often combined with spiritual life training. Spiritual training begins at a young age. We read Bible story books to our children often. They participated in Bible verse memorization and Bible clubs. Their spiritual training at church was also continued on a daily basis at home. There are many wonderful Bible curriculum to choose from. As children experience everyday conflicts, it’s the perfect time to naturally bring in character and spiritual training. In this way, their growth is progressive and gentle. 3. Homeschooling will change you….the teacher. The hardest part of homeschooling is the realization that the mom/teacher has no where to hide. Not only do moms have mom/teacher-duty 24/7, but this means that moms are the greatest influencer on their children. This shocked me! After a few weeks of homeschooling my children, it hit me: I can’t hide anything from them! Moms can’t fake their good attitudes or spiritual life in front of their kids. Kids will see right through it. When moms get stressed and respond poorly, the kids will see it. Every part of the mom’s character is on display. I soon realized that I needed God to grow me up and grow me deep in His Word. I wanted to be the right example to them and be able to influence them for good. Homeschooling: Is It Worth It? Yes, it is. It’s not easy, but the rewards are unbelievable. When your children become adults, you’ll see that it was worth it. Don’t ever give in to discouragement. The journey is a long one. Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal. 6:9 Here are some of our favorite Homeschool resources! @2018, copyright Lisa Ehrman
