How Homeschooling Changes Families

It’s no doubt that homeschooling changes families lives, but I never realized how much it would impact us.

Every once in a while, I sit down and really contemplate our homeschool. I don’t want to become so consumed in doing something I’m passionate about that I miss any red flags. While our plan is to homeschool as long as possible, if at any time, it would be better for my kids to attend public school, I wouldn’t hesitate to enroll them.

I truly want what is best for them.

On my most recent sit down, I began to think of how our family had changed since we first began homeschooling.

The first and most amazing thing was obvious: We are closer, much, much closer to one another.

We know each other’s strengths and struggles and exactly what makes each other tick. We know exactly how much sleep each of us needs to function nicely and the smallest details of our family members’ personalities. I believe that is the way God intended families.

The second thing that popped into my head was the change of pace we’ve experienced.

I’m not dealing with the things other parents are. The neighborhood kids are “practicing” waking up early and their parents struggling to find after school babysitters. And then there’s the Open House that forces you to have dinner at 4:30 or 9:00, whichever time fits into your schedule the best.

I find myself satisfied with our decision to take our time into our own hands.

I am so happy that we have exited the “rat race.”

Our mornings used to be filled with rushed bowls of cereal. There was a mad scramble for backpacks, scurrying to find that one dreaded shoe that was always lost and the inevitable daily meltdown. Compare that scenario to our mornings now. The day begins by lounging around the house reading books until everyone wakes up and can join us for breakfast. Some days we splurge and have homemade waffles and some days we simply grab a Pop Tart.

There is no rush. There is no crying. There is no yelling at each other in frustration.

There is a blanket of calmness covering our home.

The final huge thing that seemed to make a difference to our family was the desire to fit in with society.

No longer do my kids care if they wear Justice clothing, the hottest trends or have the latest gadgets. There is no begging for expensive toys, expecting everything to be handed to them or a feeling of entitlement. The hours my husband spends away from home to provide for us aren’t overlooked. They appreciate him and his job and think twice before asking to buy something. No longer do they compare what they have to what other kids have. We have no desires to keep up with the Jones’. They are broke and we are, too. {LOL}

The switch in our entire family’s mindset has been amazing. Without sitting in the parent pick up line at school, I don’t have much to compare myself to, so I no longer care what “other moms” are doing. I do my best, try my best and strive to be the best mom I can for my own children, instead of to impress the other moms. My husband doesn’t have to worry about working overtime to provide the entire family with the latest iPhone. My kids don’t worry about being “cool” because, let’s face it: being homeschooled kind of tosses that option straight out the window.