Logistics of Homeschooling

Rebekah and Elizabeth examining a spider

Not surprisingly, the question it seems most people initially ask when it comes to Homeschooling is this: 

"How on earth can it all (the schoolwork, cooking, cleaning, relationships, extra activities, church, etc., etc.) be accomplished?" (Or some variation, thereof)

I wish I had kept track of how many times this question has been asked when someone learns we homeschool. Yes, the "socialization" question comes up, too. But that is for another discussion. 

The only way I really know to answer this question is to explain it in terms of a lifestyle. What I mean by that is, when you make the conscious decision to take up the mantle of "teacher of my children", there is a paradigm shift in the way you look at each activity and decision you make in your day. When you accept that responsibility, it provides a framework into which all your other "jobs" fit. 

After my relationship with the Lord, and being my husband's helpmeet, the training of my children comes before everything else. It is a season of life that requires my full and undivided attention. Many other "good" things must wait until this season is complete. We have to choose very carefully what goes on "our list" as a family. If it does not help us in this season, even if it is a "worthy" activity, we must say "no" to it for now.


In providing them a "proper" education, the Lord would have me show them His Handiwork and His Authorship of all "content" areas we cover in our schooling. But as a homeschooler, our learning does not simply include mathematics, or Greek and Latin roots. It extends to include every part of our life as a family.

This is where the fruit is so abundant. 

When my children understand that all the work of our hands and minds is intended to Glorify Him, they capture the scope of what a true education provides. Anytime knowledge, skill or work is separated from the Author of Life, it is a vain pursuit. It has at that point become an end unto itself. The Life is gone. The only reason to pursue "academics" is to better understand Him. It is not to "be successful" when we grow up. That is a byproduct of a much bigger purpose.

Kregg and five of our seven, plus a "borrowed" one

The Lord intends for every moment of our day to draw us into a fuller understanding of Who He Is and how we can better reflect His Glory. When that becomes the framework, then the household chores and family responsibilities are as much a part of schooling as are science and logic. There is no separation or compartmentalization to our lives. It is ALL about the same thing. 

Some of the kids helping Kregg with an outdoor project

That makes a huge difference. Everyone helps with whatever needs to be done. And that is why the logistics work. That is also why I am more convinced than ever that this is what the Lord asks of me each day.

I didn't understand all of this eighteen years ago, when I started homeschooling. Thankfully, He has patiently continued to reveal these principles. Part of me would love to go back and start this journey from the beginning, knowing what I now know. 

But, He knew. And He Faithfully redeems the parts I didn't do well. Because He loves them more than I do, He will continue to redeem the parts I don't do well in the future. 

My hope is that what I have learned through all these years may help to shorten the time it takes someone else to capture a larger vision for what He can do through our homes and our children. 

We serve an Awesome God. We must allow Him to expand our short-sighted and limited understanding of what are families are supposed to be and do. The only way to do this is by receiving His Vision for our families. And it is "more than we could ever ask or imagine"!