To be honest, homeschooling has never been on my list of things I have EVER wanted to do. I have an education degree and taught for the first 5 years of our marriage before going on to develop and direct a prevention program, speaking in front of audiences of thousands of students each year …. but homeschooling? No way! It’s funny how God has a way of changing a heart sometimes. I really can’t explain it any other way, except to say that God gave me a burning passion to connect and build stronger relationships with my children during these formative years. So, I’m putting my corporate career on hold for a different journey – one year with my children at home, schooling and exploring, snuggling and playing, cooking and building, traveling and blogging, and whatever else we dream of doing. Then, at the end of one year, we’ll look back. Sitting down as a family, we’ll talk about what we learned, how we grew, and what the next year should look like.
Our homeschooling year will officially begin in August of 2020. This is the start of school for most children. As far as school goes, our family has never known anything other than backpacks, classrooms, an amazing school community, and homework coupled with after-school activities. Truly, we’ve had great school experiences with our kids. However, life is taking a turn. And to be honest with you, I’m a bit relieved. At this moment, it is the beginning of summer and the whole world waits and worries that their children will be asked to return to school with face masks and rubber gloves to continue their learning in a much more controlled environment, safe from Covid-19. My heart aches for those being tasked with this decision. As next school year approaches, it seems that quite a few others may be considering the homeschool route, as well. If that is the case, let’s go through this together.
If you are considering a change in direction in light of all that is going on around you, here are a few things to consider:
FINANCES
Will your family be able to make it on one income? If this is a high priority for you, but you can’t afford it, consider Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University course to cut down on debt, adjust living expenses, or put your family on a budget.
THE TRANSITION
What will your children think of this change? My recommendation is to begin with simple, low-key discussions about the possibilities. My oldest daughter
just finished her 6th grade year and was set to enter middle school, with all of its exciting freedoms. When we began discussing this option, she was not interested in the least. She loves school! However, as time passed and we talked through the advantages of being able to work at your own pace, spend time traveling with the family, and explore other interests, her excitement began to grow. It didn’t take long for her to be the most passionate about it. At one point, we even back tracked, but she was the one to say, “Let’s go for it!” As we have been quarantined at home, our little family has had a practice run at the whole experience; I can honestly say, we were surprised at how smoothly it went.
CURRICULUM
This is the aspect that I have been most apprehensive about. With all of the options out there, it can get quite overwhelming. Please feel free to leave comments below with your recommendations. I will be doing my own research and plan to make a decision here in the next month or two. I’ll keep you updated on what research I do and which curriculum we choose.
STAYING CONNECTED
Homeschooling does not mean shutting yourself away from the world. We are committing to seek out opportunities for our children to come together with their closest friends, continue in the activities they are most passionate about, and find new meaning in connecting with others of all ages. We are looking forward to having more time to serve more together through all of this. And, of course, there’s that bit about learning from different people and cultures from the places we visit.
Live for moments you can’t put into words.
Through this journey, we hope to encourage others to take steps to prioritize relationships …. friendships, marriages, and their children. In today’s society, careers, money, and the ever-increasing pressure to put your child on every sports team, go to every birthday party, and allow them to have every form of social media available, is chipping away at the foundation of the home. We encourage you to see your home as the safe place for your children to come to and be loved, feel cherished, and feel safe. Take the time to pour into your marriage so that you both can be a united front, ready to stand for your children and up to them when society pushes their boundaries and when they push yours. If you are walking this journey as a single parent, know that you are enough. We support you as you seek to have those loving and also hard encounters with your children, many times carrying that burden alone. God knows the struggle of each parent and is willing to be your strength and guidance, if you seek HIM.
Homeschooling in the midst of COVID-19.
We are currently going through something unimaginable … a world pandemic that has shut down our norm, wrecked the economy, and caused much political unrest. For some of us, it has been a forced slowing down of life. For others, it has meant chaos and burdens far heavier than before. Many are struggling with financial setbacks, the loss of a loved one, and emotional distress. Wherever you are right now, I encourage you to take steps to try to slow down and catch your breath. Seek God for wisdom and call out to HIM for help when your heart is too heavy to carry your burden alone. God is willing and ready to carry your heavy load on HIS shoulders while giving you rest. All your bills and problems may not be gone, but HE will lead you to deliverance. It may look different than what you were hoping for or expecting, but God promises to be the shield for those who find shelter in the ROCK. Many times, help comes in the form of a friend, family, the community, or even a perfect stranger.
I think we have all found that we can make do with a lot less than we would’ve thought we could 12 weeks ago.
And, as far as travel and adventuring …. we are all waiting to see when the world will open back up. When it does, just keep in mind that family time does not have to be expensive or miles away. It simply has to be together; a time in space when you commit to the individuals in your life without distractions or pressure to perform. We hope you will join us in finding these moments to connect every day, near or far. The memories you make will stay with you for a lifetime.
Related Articles
Related
35 Christmas Traditions for Families
There are so many exciting ways to celebrate Christmas!! For us, traditions are a wonderful way to create memories that bond our family together. It’s the traditions that your family most likely will remember years after everyone is grown. Check out this list for ideas to add to your own family traditions.
Are you COLO-READY?? Packing & planning!
Being prepared for your upcoming vacation means planning ahead. Follow these tips to be ready for anything while visiting the beautiful state of Colorado.
Colorado Roadtrip with Kids
Take your kids hiking in the most beautiful mountains Colorado has to offer! No masks required in the high country.
This is my new favorite blog! So much fun! Can’t wait to follow the adventures of the Wells family, and get a lot of good traveling tips!
Thank you, Megan. We’re excited to see where your family goes next, too! Is Hawaii still on the list?