Some of the benefits of homeschooling are obvious: your kids can work at their own pace, no bullies, no evolution/critical race theory/gender confusion/sex ed, freedom to develop personal interests, etc. However, there are other benefits that are not as obvious. These kind of blessings are a precious gift to the mother’s heart.
The subtle blessings of homeschooling, more than anything else, have been the thing that has carried me forward despite the stress and the overwhelm. Maybe a good private school, such as a Christian Montessori or Charlotte Mason type school, could manage to equal homeschooling in other ways — but not in these:
- Seeing my children of all ages – from teens all the way down to the baby – spend lots of time together and enjoy being with each other.
- Being able to disciple my children in the ways of the Lord as opportunities arise throughout the day, according to the model presented in Deuteronomy 6:7.
- Being present to help my children navigate conflict and pray over problems as they occur.
- Experiencing all of life – academics, homemaking, child raising, character development, discipleship, spontaneous investigating, enjoying nature, gardening, physical movement, creativity, worship, etc. – as fully integrated instead of segregated into strict categories.
- Having time for random hugs, snuggles, laughs, and serious conversations with my children.
Yes, there have been troubles. It’s not ever been easy. I could outsource to a school for certain things, but no school could ever replace these soul-fulfilling blessings. I don’t want my time with my children to be relegated to the margins of the day — to after they get back from school and before they leave the next day. The sweetest blessing of my life has been to be present with my children all day long!
And just as this has been a blessing to me, it has been to them, as well.
They may fight and argue at times. The cleanup and chores may seem never ending. They may feel they need more space and quiet. They may want more friends. I get that. And yet, nothing can replace the gift of more time with your family.
One day, this will all be gone.
The childish fighting and arguing will have turned into grown-up conversations. The messy house will be clean. These rooms will echo with quiet. There will be opportunities for them to meet new friends at work, college, and other places.
But this time in our lives — this is something we will never get back. Ever.
I want to grab on to this season of life and enjoy every single drop of blessing. I’m so thankful that homeschooling has helped me do that.
What are some gifts of homeschooling that you wouldn’t trade? Tell us in the comments!
~Jessica
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