1. Flexibility. . . We can do school anywhere. We have done school in the car, at my parents' house, the hospital, and the library. If necessary, we can swap a weekday for a weekend day. We can do it all in one sitting or we can do it in small chunks. I am able to do a few subjects with the kids together which we all like.
2. We live at our own pace. . . This doesn't just apply to how quickly (or slowly) we move through our curriculum, but also to the movement of our day. We wake up naturally, not to alarms. Well, the kids do anyway; I usually set my alarm so I can get up to exercise before the kids get up. But if I am feeling tired, I'll hit the snooze or even turn it off in order to get a bit more sleep. This makes a big difference for E as she is NOT a morning person. Also, we are not constrained by the schedule of a school - getting out the door at a certain time to get there or having to be in the area or stop to get kids from school. We can work our days off around D's schedule instead of being on different time tables.
3. Field trips. . . Homeschooling has allowed us to go many more places than if the kids were in school. We've been places I didn't know about even though they were local. We have been able to take advantage of "big ticket" places such as the San Diego Safari Park, the Aquarium of the Pacific, Legoland, Sea World, and the LA Zoo. We've been able to go to these places on days that are less crowded and at a BIG discount. We've also been able to take advantage of free admission days at various museums because we're available during the week.
4. Control over what we study. . . We don't have to worry about our kids being exposed to anything that goes against our beliefs and values; we can bring up challenging topics when we feel the kids are ready and from a biblical perspective. We get to choose the things that interest us. The kids had a voice in choosing to study astronomy this year. They had the idea to write a family newspaper once a month. I was able to do California history with E this year and will study American history next year and then ancient history in 6th grade because that's what I want to do!
5. Reading. . . My kids have time for free reading. Both of them can be found with a book in their hands first thing in the morning, in the car, at the breakfast table, at free time during the day, and always before bed. I know from E's Christian school experience that there was no time for free reading during the week. The time between getting out of school and going to bed was too short; her reading was confined to the weekend. Although keeping track of library books can make me crazy, I am grateful that my kids can read and LOVE to do so.
6. Sibling bonding. . . Okay, this is a work in progress; but there is more time to develop this special relationship because they are together all day. It also provides good lessons in character development as there is someone else to consider daily. Some days are amazingly fun and cooperative; others make me want to lock them in their rooms until they're ready to move out! But overall, it's been good for their relationship.
7. Extra activities. . . When E was in school, we felt very limited to what we could participate in because there was always homework and the need to follow a strict bedtime so she could get up for school in the morning. We now feel we have the freedom to allow the kids to participate in sports or lessons or clubs. We are still very cautious about how much we do because we value time together over being separated, but E has enjoyed doing sports and has expressed a desire to learn guitar in the future. These are things that are now possible.
8. Teaching. . . When I was a kid, I wanted to be a teacher. I was a classroom teacher for nine years. I loved it. But I love being home with my kids more and getting to be there teacher. Homeschooling for me is the best of both worlds - being home with my kids and using my gift.
9. Mommy growth. . . I can't overlook how I am challenged to grow daily as I serve my children. It is daily dying to self. I freely admit that I do blow it; but I give it my all. My kids keep me in daily connection with the Lord as I seek Him to get me through each day. I have not arrived, but I have grown, and seek to continue to be a better mom.
10. The gift of time. . . The days and years sometimes seem to go by so fast. E is already 10 and almost 11. In less than 8 years she'll be considered an adult and ready to move on to more independent activities like college and work. I treasure the extra time I have with the kids. Building a relationship that will one day turn into a friendship fills me with anticipation. My mom is one of my best friends and I hope to have the same positive relationship with my own kids one day. I want them to want to return home.
Some days are hard. Some days are amazing. Regardless of the type of day we're having, I'm still glad we are homeschooling. More importantly, my kids are glad we are homeschooling. I ask them every now and then if they want to go to school. They always answer me with a firm, "No". That brings me joy!
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