Why Do We Homeschool?

The four clowns still in our homeschool

We have been asked many times over the past eighteen years of homeschooling, "Why? Why would we choose to teach our children at home?" I could (and have) explained it many different ways. But the best explanation for our choice is expressed in this quote by Susan Card, wife of Michael Card, one of our favorite Christian musical artists:

"We don't want to be strangers to their souls."

That expresses the most important part of what happens when we spend such large blocks of time with each of our children. 

If we sent them away for several hours each day, I wouldn't be as aware of the fact that Joshua struggles so much with seeking the approval of man, or that he is growing a beautiful servant heart. 

I wouldn't know to what degree Elizabeth needs better balance between doing a job well and perfectionism, or that she does such an excellent job with technical drawings. 

The fact that Ben needs constant external structure provided for him because he does not require it of himself would not be as easily dealt with, and I wouldn't see how much his attitude has improved when faced with a difficult problem. 

And I certainly wouldn't be able to address the fact that Rebekah is bright enough to figure a way around almost anything so that she doesn't have to exactly obey. And I wouldn't be able to watch as she wins the battle with herself as she chooses to be more respectful.


There is simply no way a teacher in charge of 20+ children could focus enough attention on each of these young hearts to be able to see the rate of growth that we see in our home. I know. I used to teach school.

For us, we cannot accomplish all that we desire as parents to accomplish in the time that would be left to us after school and during the evening hours. By having them with us almost constantly, we are able to encourage them in their giftings and in their spiritual growth all day, every day. It also keeps me in prayer for them as we walk through our days.  

Another major benefit to homeschooling is the effect it has on me. If I were not doing this job all day everyday, it would be much easier for me to be selfish, self-centered, much less diligent (conditions I am quite naturally prone to). By always having an audience of impressionable minds and hearts, I must allow Him to purify all my thoughts, words, and actions all the time. He is so Faithful. I am such a slow learner. But He is so Faithful. I have often joked that He called me to homeschool because I need to stay in the "crockpot", slowly growing tender.