If you think homeschooling is the easier choice, think again. Here’s why we homeschool and why you might want to think about it for your family.
It’s really not the easier choice. Truth be told, there have been plenty of times when we even questioned if it was right for our family. It’s a lot of work and A LOT of together time. A. LOT.
But in this season of life, it’s what’s best for our kids and what’s best for us. Even on those days when I’m tempted to chase down the school bus. Today I had another reminder, okay two really, of why it’s been a good decision for us.
Reason #346 Why We Homeschool: Family
The two boys have body wave board things that they love to use when we’re at the beach. They would ride the waves in to shore all day long if we let them. It’s a week of water-logged fun that leaves them exhausted and happy.
Well, this week the youngest, their 6 year old sister, has been watching from the beach. Usually content to wet her feet and then build sand castles, she has developed a budding curiosity for the fun she sees her brothers having. And today she decided to do something about it.
After a quick morning trip to the 5 & Dime, she used her saved up money to buy herself her own body wave board thing. It’s just her size and her brothers encouraged her and cheered her on as she tentatively took to the water with it for the first time. The 57 degree ocean temperature had her making a break for it back to our spot on the beach for awhile, but her brothers continued to check on her and encourage her to come out. After a few more timid attempts and runs back to the beach, she finally gave it one more shot before we had to go.
The oldest took her under his wing and demonstrated how to do it. No, don’t kneel on it. Don’t be scared when the wave comes in, just ride it out. Patiently he explained and encouraged and taught. Her middle brother gave her high-fives and cheered her on. She couldn’t have asked for two bigger fans and supporters than what she found in them.
And as I watched and listened, my mama heart swelled with pride and gratitude that we have been able to give them this amazingly close sibling bond. Sure they argue and fight and drive each other bananas, but at the end of the day, they have a bond that can’t be broken.
There’s something to be said for all of that time we spend together.
That was reaffirmed later in the day when we were watching some home hunting show and the couple said they wanted a house where everyone could be separate and away from one another. The youngest turned to us aghast, and said, “Don’t they want to spend time together?!”
Yes, homeschooling may not be for everyone, but for us, the sense of family and sibling bonds we’re building because of it make it all worth while.