As a homeschooler, I have many conversations along life’s way about homeschool. I’ll be at the dentist, at the doctor, at speech therapy, at the playground, the library, a soccer game, the grocery store; basically all of the places we go in life, and this conversation happens.

Our Conversation

Upon one such occasion, I was participating in my son’s appointment when the concept of teaching my son to read came up. This dear lady, who is also a mom, complimented me on the fact that I taught my son to read in our homeschool.

She knew we were a homeschooling family. She and I hadn’t talked about it much, but she saw my kiddo read the charts she had shared. We both delighted in how well he could read, and that’s when she commented on our homeschool.

“And YOU taught him how to do that!” she said so kindly.

“And I can’t even get my kids to do their homework!” she quickly remarked.

I wasn’t sure of what to say, but I promptly mentioned how hard it is to teach your own kids.

“It’s definitely hard work to teach your own. I know!” I said.

We shared how precious it is to watch them grow in their skills, and the appointment moved on.

Thought No. 1

Looking back, I felt sad that she was quick to be hard on herself as a mom.

We moms can be so hard on ourselves when it comes to our motherhood.

I get it!

On most days, I’d give myself a meager “C-.” This is because I know some of the thoughts in my own mind as I care for the kids. I’m not always “sunshine and roses.” Sadly, there are days that I’d rather be doing other things than caring for my kiddos. I feel terrible when I think this way. So, there’s the “C-.”

But the TRUTH is, we moms care a whole lot about these precious children. I say, “No more C- grades!” Grades are subjective, arbitrary, unloving, and just plain unnecessary.

The TRUTH is, we are imperfectly human and sometimes weak, frustrated, overwhelmed, or just plain tired. We can also be lazy or selfish, sad or troubled, and maybe even angry. All of these things make us human. We can come to the ONE who is perfect and strong and able to carry us through; that ONE is Jesus.

He has such grace for us. We can give ourselves grace too.

Trust in Him to enable us to do what He’s called us to do: mother our children.

Thought No. 2

In addition to this, I feel it isn’t right for kids to be required to do even MORE work after a seven-hour school day.

First, does it really take seven hours to progress in their daily learning? I say, “Emphatically, NO.” In fact there are studies to prove the opposite to be true both for children, and for adults in all types of learning.

More importantly, couldn’t their time be better used during those seven hours? I say, “Most definitely, YES!” A better use of their time would be play! Play during the seven hours at school, and even more play after they come home.

Play encourages the soul by releasing endorphins, the “feel good” hormone.

Play re-energizes the brain, giving it better capacity for learning and making connections.

Play can cement concepts even better than study.

Play is so important.

My Reply

All things considered, my conversation with this fellow mom was an endearing moment. I’m grateful she felt the freedom to share a possible hardship in her personal life. She was encouraging to me, and I hope I was encouraging to her.

After considering these thoughts about time, play, homework, and relationship, I wish I had the quick thinking to reply something like this:

“It’s no wonder homework would be a struggle; After a seven-hour school day, what child wants to come home and do more school work? Don’t be hard on yourself. We moms work so hard on behalf of our kids. You’re doing such a great job! I know it.”

At our last appointment, she made the comment again about the homework. This time, I explained that I never thought I would homeschool. I truly never did. Life changes up, and here we are.

Now, I know what my reply will be. I hope I can encourage her. I may even start up the conversation again, if the time is right.

Conclusion

This conversation is a token of a greater conversation being had among parents today. With the many shifts in the public school policies, it’s no wonder people are starting to ask, “Should we homeschool?”

It’s a tough question. Many objections come up right away. This post is about one of them. There are many more:

• I could never do that!
• I don’t have the patience for it.
• What about socialization?
• Could a parent be home to do this? What about the full time or part time job I’d have to let go?
• What would the family say?
• What would my friends or other parents say?
• What if my spouse isn’t supportive?
• I can’t teach Algebra or Grammar!
• How could I be with my kids ALL day?
• and the list goes on ……

Some of these objections are valid and very good to consider. I believe in homeschooling, but I also believe every family has to choose what is best for their crew. The choice of schooling their children is theirs alone, and their needs for schooling will be different than another family’s needs.

What objection have you heard in this conversation? What conversations have you had in the waiting room or on the soccer sidelines? I’d love to hear your story. Please share in the comments below.

Thanks for reading, and keep walking friend,

Christina