10 Reasons to Keep Homeschooling: A Pep Talk for the Hard Days

Let’s just go ahead and say it: homeschooling is hard. The planning, the organizing, the goal setting. It’s a challenge even on good days! Then there are the days when the kids are whining, the curriculum isn’t working, the dishes never seem to get done, and every obstacle seem insurmountable. We all have had those days. Maybe even those weeks… or months.

Before you load up your crew and drop them off at the nearest public school, take a deep breath (and maybe a nap) and remind yourself of why you do this homeschooling gig!

1. God called you to this.
   When God calls you to something, He will provide all you need to carry it out. He will equip you for the task, and He will sustain you when things get dicey. Rest in His provision and care. Remember that God doesn’t make mistakes, and He certainly didn’t make one when He called you to homeschooling. Pray over your homeschool and lean on His understanding.
2. You want to disciple your children.
   You want to raise your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. You don’t want the public schools to raise them in the ways of the world. This itself is important enough to persevere. Nobody else is better suited for this job!
3. You want them to be socialized.
   Properly socialized, that is, with a variety of experiences with a variety of ages. Not socialized by a bunch of kids their own age and maturity. You also want them to have the years of relationship-focus that matters most. Relationships are what matter most, and relationships in the family are of primary importance. This is priceless character building time you don’t want to miss out on!
4. You want them to be well-equipped for real life.
   Along the same lines as proper socialization, you want your children to be students that are equipped for real life, not spending their days in rows of desks. The real life of serving others, reaching people for Christ, working in the world, and experiencing life from the safe training seat of family… these are excellent things!
5. You want to encourage a love of learning. 
   A learning experience that sparks interest and imagination while being flexible to the needs and interests of your child. Everything is a learning experience and education is a family affair. So much better than school in a box!
6. You want to be with them in these precious few years.
   You may need a break right this moment, but you know that spending this time with your kids in these school years is important to you. The years will pass all too quickly.
7. You will learn and grow too.
   This is your great chance at a second education alongside your children! You will learn as they learn, academically and relationaly. Not to mention all the ways God will use homeschooling to develop you to a deeper spiritual maturity. Nobody can raise up children for the Lord without undergoing major personal growth!
8. You can’t afford not to.
   Homeschooling can cost some money (although it can be done frugally). However, sending your child to public school will cost much more in terms of the damage you’ll have to try to undo, the ungodly worldview they’ll be steeped in, and the ineffective learning system they’ll need to endure.
9. You will not regret it.
   I have never met someone who regrets having homeschooled their kids. There will be ups and downs, but you, your kids, and your whole family will be better for it in the end!
10. Pajamas every day.
    ‘Nuff said.

Yes, homeschooling is hard. Raising kids to know and love the Lord is hard. Heck, keeping them clothed and fed can be hard enough! But it’s worth it, dear mamma. Take that deep breath (and maybe that nap). Rest in His grace and provision. Keep homeschooling. You can do this!