Is Homeschooling Right For My Family?

Choosing the right type of education for your child(children) is never easy.  Public school, private school, and homeschooling—each type of education has its advantages and disadvantages.  It’s important to pray for wisdom and discernment so you can make the right decision for your family.

While homeschooling offers you the most flexibility and autonomy over your child’s education, it also means you carry the majority of the weight that is normally divided among school teachers, staff, and community members.  There are tons of free resources for homeschoolers but it is still your responsibility to seek them out.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of homeschooling your child(children) this is normal.  Perhaps you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of information and wish there was an easier way to wade through the various teaching methods and excess curriculums and programs online.  If you didn’t grow up in a homeschool community you might want to stick with the familiar because you’re afraid of the unknown.

On the other hand, you might love the idea of homeschooling but struggle with feelings of inadequacy.  Maybe you’re afraid you will fail your child because you don’t have a teaching degree or a college degree at all.  Maybe you lack patience, energy, organizational skills, or creativity and feel like giving up before you even get started.

Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'”

The Lord can help you overcome feelings of overwhelm, inadequacy, and fear.  If any of this resonates with you then have no fear!  The Holy Spirit is ready and willing to equip and guide you along the right path!

Here are some questions to ponder when deciding whether you should homeschool your child(children):

1. Do you believe you are your child’s primary teacher?

2. Have you prayed about homeschooling and sought godly counsel?

3. Do you believe that God has equipped you with the necessary tools to be a successful homeschool teacher?

4. Are you willing to learn, unlearn or change if necessary?

5. Are you willing to make personal sacrifices to make homeschooling possible?

6. Do you have a village that supports you? If not, are you willing to ask for help?

7. If married, is your spouse in agreement with the decision to homeschool?

8. If married, can you afford to live on one income?  If not, are you willing to work a flexible schedule to make homeschooling possible?

9. Is your child attending a public school?  If yes, are you willing to pull them out?

10. Are you familiar with your state’s laws regarding homeschooling?

11. Do you have multiple children?  If yes, are you willing to homeschool all your kids?

These are just some questions to ponder and pray about but it’s a good start.  There may be other questions to consider depending on your family size and dynamics.  Once you have discussed the questions and concerns with your spouse (if married) I encourage you to pray and trust God for an answer.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

This is one of my favorite passages of scripture.  I meditate on it often before making any huge decisions.

As you pray about whether homeschooling is right for your family, I hope that you receive the wisdom, discernment, and courage you need to make the right choice for your child(children).  What’s best for my family may not be what’s best for your family and vice versa.  Each family is different and every child has unique abilities and needs.

So do your research and ask questions about homeschooling.  Pray and walk by faith.  Trust God to help you make the right decision at the right time.  Once you get your answer trust God to guide you along the chosen path.  Mama, you’ve got this because the Lord is on your side!! 💪🏽

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