Homeschooling- Finding Your Why

"We who teach should make it clear to ourselves that our aim in education is less conduct than character; conduct may be arrived at as we have seen by indirect routes, but it is of value to the world only as it has its source in character."

(Charlotte Mason Volume 6, chapter 8)

I've been homeschooling since my youngest was school age. He's now 14. My initial decision came from the main driving factor that after years of infertility, loss and finally adoption, I couldn't fathom sending him away to school for 8 hours a day when I wanted to be with him as much as possible. So I entered the world of homeschool. I don't regret my choice in educating at home but my "why" has grown over the years.

What I do wish someone would have told me all those years ago was to take time to consider the end goal of my child as person. We as parents have but a short window to guide and cultivate what is natural to every born person and that influence can be heightened if we as the guide have a clearer map to travel by.

If you are considering homeschooling or have been for years, I think this exercise is well worth the effort. When I began working out my "why" for homeschooling it changed our family culture in many positive ways. I continue to reassess and clarify my "why" as it helps keep my focus clearer and I am at peace knowing it will always be growing and changing just as my family does.

Some questions to consider:

*Do I want to copy the public school system? If no, can it look different?

*Can the love of learning be the focus and what methods best cultivate this?

*Is there more to education than just learning facts and taking tests?

*What foundations do I want my child to have when they leave home?