How Homeschooling Has Helped Me Live a Slower Life and Why We Are Choosing It
We have been homeschooling for two and a half years. We started this school year with little fanfare or preparation. We cracked open a new box of pencils and markers, picked up some books from the library, and opened our curriculum. Homeschool has become a natural part of our days. Despite our extended summer break, we returned to a rhythm that is not unlike our summer days but includes some more directed learning.
Homeschooling has found us right in the middle of adjusting to a new simpler life. I believe homeschooling was a piece missing in our rhythm. Homeschooling has brought ease to our days and helps foster the uncluttered childhood we have dreamed of for our kids. Homeschooling has forced me to slow down, to focus on being present, and really get to know my children and their unique needs. Homeschooling has been just as good for my children as it has for me.
It is a challenge to do things differently, define our values, and live them out, especially when so much of that goes against the paradigm I was raised in and the culture around us. I am often met with slightly upturned faces and pensive nods when I tell people that we homeschool. There seems to be a long list of assumptions that come with our choice. But the more precise we become on what is important to us, the clearer I am about why we are doing this. Now, even on the hard days, when I find myself hiding in my room feeling ultimately defeated and asking myself why this is so hard, why they don't just go to school, why I feel like I'm not good enough to teach my children, I'm reminded about OUR why.
I can bravely answer myself, saying, "Because we desire a slower life. Because we believe as parents, we are the best educators for our kids right now. Because we believe that connection is more important than curriculum, and we desire an uncluttered childhood for our children. And the homeschooling is gifting us more time and presence with our children.”
I accept that it is a privilege to have the capacity to keep our kids home and teach them, to have the space for them to learn and grow, to have careers that are flexible enough to allow for it, and an education system that will enable us to do it.
I accept that it feels hard because it is. Doing things differently is hard. Creating your own path is hard. Raising and educating kids is hard. But we don't need to run from hard things. We can do hard things. Coming up against hard isn't a signal to quit. I think it's a sign that what you are working for is worth it.
However, doubt creeps in sometimes. After all, I am human. I have been raised in a world where performance and outcomes are the measuring sticks, and being busy is a badge of honor. But for today, I am staying in my lane. I will continue to lean into the hard, and create an uncluttered childhood for my children to grow and thrive. I will continue to choose connection over curriculum and presence over perfection.
Whether you are homeschooling, navigating change, feeling the weight of the world, or just struggling today, I am here for you. I am here to tell you to stay in your lane and keep fighting for what you believe in, just one moment, one day at a time.