Do you long to be free?



Why do you homeschool?  Why do you choose the curriculum you use?  Are you satisfied with the results?  Or do you long to be free?  Free from the expectations, free from the check boxes, free to homeschool differently - simply.

This past weekend, I ran into a long-time homeschooler friend.  As we gravitated towards each other, I sensed her exhaustion.  She had joined another co-op group.  Her family now participates in 5 outside groups.  As she enumerated the many valuable aspects of the groups, I nodded politely, but unconvinced.  I do not judge, I applaud.  She's a mother, doing her best while homeschooling three children and taking care of her home.  Her time, her children, her co-ops - she makes those choices.  I just wonder if she longs to be free...

No matter where you are in your homeschool journey, a veteran on a well worn path or a newbie with just a few lessons underway, it is ok to rethink the already planned.  It is ok to pause and reflect and refocus.

Does this sound familiar?

"We can’t read today, kids. We have too much math to do.
Mommy would love to play with you; but you need to finish your schoolwork first. And don’t forget about yesterday’s work.
We’ll do that later, after we do school."
 

Heidi St. John at The Busy Homeschool Mom shared a revealing essay on her homeschool journey and choices.  She says "I often find myself a hostage of homeschooling rather than a mom who is enjoying the gift that she has been given through homeschooling."

 

After reading her story, I was inspired to evaluate our homeschool days and to appreciate the simplicity we have chosen this year by focusing on reading.

Thank you Lord for the gift of homeschooling, thank you for the choice and the strength to be free.