Somehow, some way, I think I knew this was going to happen before my children left the nest.
For reasons I cannot explain (and some I can), we are homeschooling Grayson this year.
And when I say it’s a leap of faith, I mean it’s a leap across a chasm the size of the Grand Canyon–times a million.
We never thought we would homeschool.
I didn’t think anything was wrong with it, but man, I never thought I’d do it.
As one of my favorite bloggers, Edie, says, “it’s a delicate thing” to talk about such an intimate topic. The danger of hurting someone or opening up yourself to lots of opinion (good or bad) is scary.
my little guy at 3
Here’s the thing. It just feels right.
And I say that after 2 years of prayer & moving through all the fears and doubts that have kept me from going for it so far.
God kept gently tugging on my practical heartstrings, and I kept gently tugging back. It never occurred to me the problem was me.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t deserve an award or anything, and our homeschooling year will probably look closer to tea with the Mad Hatter than an afternoon with Einstein, but something clicked in us this summer that led us to step out of the boat.
I’m so grateful for Grayson’s teacher, Miss Cindy, who incredibly supports us & gave Gray such an amazing year last year. For now, this is the right thing for us & we’re excited/thrilled/terrified to see where we land.
I encourage y’all to go for it in your homes all the time, and God has been gently calling, “go for it. it’s not forever. my grace is sufficient for you. where you lack, I AM full. you’ll have to step out of your comfort zone & when you fall, because you will, I’ll be there to catch you.”
While these first steps may be shaky, my bet is that, with His steady embrace, we’ll be riding the waves in no time.
I think you’ll have a wonderful year! My daughter is going off to preschool in just 9 days and I’m both excited for her and terrified. She hasn’t even been to school yet, and I feel the pull to keep her home with me!
I’ll be praying for wisdom and courage as you start this new journey!
Such a beautiful post! With talent and faith like yours, you can’t go wrong. I’m sure you will be as successful in this endeavor as you have been with all the others you have taken on! God bless you!
A friend of mine who homeschools once told me she thinks it is a calling. I really liked that. I was homeschooled for part of my schooling so naturally I’ve thought about homeschooling my own children, but so far have not. It has worked out well for us. I simply haven’t been called to do it (yet) and that’s fine. A good friend of mine recently has felt the tugging and like you she is being very brave and going for it and I’m sure it will work out well for both of you!
May God bless you through this next journey in your life. I’m sure both you and your children will be grateful for the decision you made. There s nothing better than teaching your children at their pace and your style. Best of luck to you, it will all feel very natural in no time!
Congrats! You will love it 🙂 I’ve been homeschooling for four years, it has completely changed my relationship with my children (for the better) and I love how much I get to learn in the process!
Just make sure you keep your perfectly imperfect flair! Imperfect is the perfect way to do it 🙂
Oh darlin’! You know we homeschool all three of ours! Our oldest is twelve, which means we’ve homeschooled for 8 years!!!!! Insane to even think about. And yes, *I* was the problem when God tugged at us to do it too. If you want to chat, you’ve got my number.
xo,
Shannon
My oldest just turned 9 and we have been homeschooling from the beginning. I’m thrilled you have decided to give it a try. Feel free to connect with others with questions, concerns, or ideas.
Best wishes as you guys embark on this new journey!
After being a teacher for 5 years, I can truly say that I wish I’d been in a position to do that when my 5 beautiful babies needed it most. Now ranging from 21 to 13, the last 2 are in 8th grade and 11th grade, and I almost went for it this year.
I admire you for making this commitment because it is a big sacrifice for you and tends to fly in the face of convention these days (which I think we as Jesus’uns are supposed to do, but that’s a PRIVATE message! LOL) and give our kids the opportunity to learn about life and school in an untainted environment with our own values reflected. I hope this is all coming out right, the bottom line is that you are spot on. Where you are weak, He is strong, and since He is for you, who could be against you?
It is definitely not for everyone and it is not an easy decision by any means. I know you are going to have your peaks and valleys, but take it from me, the benefits of your worst day are going to be stellar compared to the some school systems’ best days.
Teachers are amazing, they are selfless in ways that most people don’t understand, but the system is broken, and it takes so much to create a classroom that can reach all of the children it serves, that it often is unattainable.
Good luck, God Bless, and we are all here… cheering you on!
Love from Texas!
Allison
Awesome, Shaunna! I’ve often pondered homeschooling my boys but haven’t gotten to a point that I’ve seriously considered it. I always worry that it’s more about me and my need to keep them safe and protected and that stops me from doing more than pondering. I hope you guys love it and I can’t wait to hear how it works for you!
Congratulations on making the decision to homeschool! It is extremely rewarding and will feel completely natural in no time. I’m a teacher and still felt uncomfortable just going for it, but now that I’ve stayed home to do it for a few years now, it’s hard to imagine why I ever put my child in school in the first place!! LOL Who says that it’s the norm to put your kids in school???
If you haven’t already, try ‘yahoo groups’ and find local homeschoolers who will welcome you and organize field trips, playdates and phys. ed. classes together at a local rec. centre. The kids have a blast and really enjoy feeling they have ‘one up’ on the local schoolers because they can do their math in their P.J.’s!! ;O) Best wishes!!
About to start year 12 of homeschooling! It’s a wonderful journey. I also prayed about it for 2 years and had to patiently wait for my husband’s approval. Blessings to you and your family! I wouldn’t trade a minute of it. Look into Charlotte Mason’s approach to homeschooling. She has some really neat approaches to teaching children.
I think this is my first time commenting on your blog but I read it regularly. Circumstances led me to homeschool out daughter last semester (2nd half of 3rd grade). I was scared to death but very blessed to have found a wonderful homeschool organization close by. It won’t lie, it was difficult and challenging at time but it was what we needed to do for her at the time and was worth every bit of blood, sweat and tears we poured into it. We were lucky to have family pitch in and help from time to time and overall to make it a fun and educational time for my daughter. She is now caught up and ready to go to a new school. ( next week.. sniff) If I had to do it over again I would…
Also, the “stigma” of homeschooling has changed SO MUCH. It is much more “acceptable” these days.. I do encourage you to try to find a homeschooling resource near you ( if you haven’t already) to help out with questions and allow you to take advantage of programs, resources, field trips, etc. really helps with the social aspect for you and him!! Good luck 🙂
Best wishes! I hope you love it! We found it was a lifestyle change that was worth it. Now with Common Core adopted by so many states, we are especially glad to still have the option.
Girl, be NOT afraid! You will be able to do this. I did it for four months in a hotel room after moving 900 miles away from friends and family with a two-week old baby! I was TERRIFIED!!!! It is overwhelming at first, but once you get in your grove, you can do it. A wise homeschooling veteran told me at the time, “When you start getting stressed and you fear messing up, relax! That’s the beauty of homeschool. You can correct as you go along and change accordingly. Everything will be fine!” You can do it, and great post on acting on faith! Love it.
My youngest just graduated from “Living Room High” (as my kids call it), bringing my 15 years of homeschooling to a close. I’d like to share a few of the things I learned a myself over the years. 🙂
1. Don’t give in to the urge to justify your choice to those who disagree. It’s pointless and can hurt your confidence.
2. Education is more effective if one focuses on learning how to learn than on memorizing facts.
3. The big goals of homeschooling can seem daunting at times. It is helpful to have long term goals but, focus on the short-term ,manageable steps.
Enjoy the journey!
Kris
Shaunna,
Two of my very best friends had the exact same experience. No intention to home school, yet when the time came, they both felt that was the best choice for their kids. I have another good friend who always thought she would homeschool, but then felt inspired to send her kids to public school. All of these choices have been the right ones for the children in question. I am glad you are listening to the promptings in your heart. That always seems to be the best path, no matter how odd or unexpected it seems at the time.
And thanks for being so open about your divine inspiration. You do it with such grace. Very helpful to us other, more novice bloggers. 🙂
You’ll do great! Just think, you’re already getting practice as a teacher with all your lovely lady friends. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face light up with sudden understanding, and know you had a part in it. 🙂
Shaunna,
We homeschool all three of our kids……our oldest is a senior in high school next year! I NEVER imagined that we would be homeschooling, after all, WE had a good plan. 😉
I have been unbelievably surprised and constantly blessed….not because of the actual homeschooling, but because we were obedient. When we do that it’s always a great fit.
Time flies….it seems just yesterday that our 17 year old son was starting kindergarten. We are doing college visits now….wow! The special time I’ve had with my children are priceless…..I would not trade it for anything.
If you need any help or direction…..just let me know…I’ll be happy to share any info I have.
Blessings,
Daune
Here’s to all the best for you and your family as you start school…at home. This resonated with me. I totally know how you feel; that was me years ago when I started with our 2 children in 2nd and 3rd grade. I felt the tug from God but was so not going to be a homeschool Mom! I eventually yielded and the children love it. I still don’t consider myself very good at it, but it works for us and our lifestyle.
This post brought me to tears. It’s my heart right now. It’s what I’ve been praying, thinking, worrying. I have also felt that tug on my heart and will be homeschooling my kindergartener this year. So nervous and never thought I’d even be a stay at home mom, much less a homeschooling mom. But, here I am. And I’m very excited. I love all of the words of encouragement from other homeschool moms. It’s definitely a tight knit group full of love and support. I hope you are so blessed this year.
I’m sure you all will have a great year! I had NEVER wanted to homeschool, yet felt the need to 2 years ago (we refer to it as the “Year of Obedience” ;). It was a great experience! And I was happy to send them back to school last year and that was great, too. There is never a one size fits all for every kid, every year! Have fun!!
Yes, go for it! When God tells ya something, it’s not a bad idea to listen 😉
As a former teacher, mother of two sons-now grown wonderful men–I really understand the idea that there are various ways to teach.
Our oldest son was a “kindergarten pull-out”. For reasons to long to mention here, we pulled him out of kindergarten at the Christmas break. It was THE best thing for him. (What can I say, at age 6 he was reading and comprehending at a grade level 10!) Our other son, equally as smart but much more social, LOVED kindergarten. (All those new toys and so many kids to play with!) There is truly no “one size fits all” for educating.
You will be blessed beyond measure. Not because you “are” home schooling, but because you are following the “still small voice” in your heart.
Enjoy your year to come! And do keep us posted on your progress.
I’ve been homeschooling my 3 children (twin boys 8 and daughter 9) going into our 5th year. They are 3rd & 4th graders now and the time has just gone by so crazy fast. I just take things year by year and see where God leads us as we go. I have to tell you that those first years are WONDERFUL and so much fun. Teaching them to read and learn so many new things in those primary years is such an awesome experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I realize it’s not for everyone, but for our family it was amazing! Going to children’s plays, ballets, baking, and just cuddled up learning on the couch are precious times that I wouldn’t change for anything.
I wish you the very best in your new journey.
You’re a natural teacher — and He’s already equipped you with everything you’ll need to thrive in the homeschooling environment. (Your son, too!)
Our faith walk isn’t without growing pains, but know that it’s going to be okay. Trust the promise that He has good plans for you.
Hugs,
TMT
When my oldest was in eighth grade, I was dragged into home educating kicking and screaming. I felt as if it were my only option. And, you know what? My oldest is 20. She doesn’t even live at home anymore and I am still home educating. Our family loves the freedom that comes with not being tied to the public school schedule. We have appreciated learning together. It has brought us closer. I know it isn’t for everyone (and we were a public school family for years and years), but it works for us.
Julie, that sounds so much like our story! Our oldest was in 5th grade and it felt like our last resort, never thought I’d do it! Here we are starting our 4th year and we LOVE it! It’s a lifestyle of learning together as a family!
Be encouraged! Remember in the times when you are discouraged (they will come) that those are the times God is using to teach YOU. Draw near to Him and depend on Him. Homeschooling is a hraet education for kids but I have found it also teaches me a lot about myself and my relationship with my family and God. Blessings.
It is always hard when you feel like you must prepare yourselves for negative responses. I always find that so disheartening as we should always strive to build one another up.
Good for you for going with your heart strings pulled by God.
We home schooled our daughter for a time and it was a magical experience. With our son we have felt pulled to not hide our light under a basket and share it within the public school system and that has been amazing too.
Blessings and encouragement to you all!
Shaunna, thank you for sharing your life with your readers and thank you for being such an incredible example of someone who listens to God’s voice and allows Him to work in their life!
We heard that exact message this morning that we can’t see God’s miracles in our lives until we step out of the boat! Gods not going to take us out the boat and place us on the water, we have to take that step of faith! Keep trusting in our God and He will be your strength in times of weakness!
Love and cherish every moment with your beautiful boy! May God bless you and keep you!
I’m so excited for you! I was home-schooled myself from sixth grade through High School & I’m eternally grateful my parents took that leap of faith with me. We don’t have our own kiddos yet but I already sense it will be a scary decision someday. I hope I’m willing to step out in faith & do it if that’s where God leads. 🙂
You’ll do great!
Congrats on your decision! I know it is hard to jump in. I did 8 years ago with my oldest daughter. She has graduated and now I am homeschooling my youngest. It is not for everyone, but we love it. It has brought our family together in ways I would have never thought possible. (not to mention how fun it is to do school in your sweats and t-shirts 🙂 ). I can honestly say we have never been happier. It is hard work and society puts pressures on you as well, but God gives graces and strength when you need it. So I say, “jump in, the water is fine.” Enjoy this exciting year ahead of you!!!
I’m sure you will do great as will your son 🙂 Good luck and look forward to reading your homeschooling journey!
Thank you, friend. We’re resting in His promise that He makes me strong in my weakness!
🙂
shaunna
You struck a note as we have made the same decision this year, to home school our daughter who is going into 5th grade. Always enjoy reading your blog, now I will enjoy reading your journey through home school. I think when the dust settles I shall resume blogging again. Blessings!
This is such a beautiful post. So honest and touching. Thank you for sharing this delicate decision with us. As an educator, and one time home school dreamer, I look forward to reading more.
There’s no place like home. And no better teacher than the original one.
~Bliss~
Anything that God whispers in your ear… you are wise to set time apart to search
your heart, pray for wisdom, step out in faith and just do it..
I feel the key to happy, healthy children ( or anything else for that matter ) is keeping
the BALANCE in life. And, after reading your blog for awhile now, I would say you
are going to have a fullfilling year homeschooling your son. Have fun ! They grow
up amazingly fast…
How exciting!! I never thought I would be a stay at home mom until my first son was born and I just knew I couldn’t start a teaching career and put him in day care. Then about 6 months ago I just knew I couldn’t put him in school and be away from him all day. My husband and I decided that I would homeschool him, and eventually his younger brother as well. He just turned two so we’re not even doing formal preschool at this point, but I need to start researching what I want to teach him. I love it!
Congratulations! I homeschool my 3 boys (7th, 4th, and kinder this year!) While, I’m the first to admit it is not easy, how many things worth doing are? I love the relationships created and especially the ones between the boys. How many 12 year olds are able to enjoy playing with their 5 year old brother?
I also enjoy the flexibility. We just spent 16 days camping around the state, studying history, nature, culture…fabulous learning and great family memories.
How fun for you guys! We love homeschooling, other than 1 semester it is all we know. (9th & 7th grades) I’m so excited for you and your family in this venture. There are so many home school resources, don’t ever feel you are alone in the process. It is always a process and we are all – have been – or will be “there” again. Just ask, you are bound to get more than enough information :-D. Stick to what works best for YOUR family – you know what is best, trust that God will guide in even this.
Thanks for sharing! I can relate, we NEVER thought we would homeschool but when our oldest was finishing 5th grade, we felt we had to do it. Here we are with 9th and 3rd graders starting our 4th year and LOVE it! We just took a “field trip” to Mexico and then a 12 day tour of the Eastern US, visiting 13 states! We learned so much together, while some kids were reading about the battle at Gettysburg, we were seeing it firsthand! When I feel discouraged, I try to remember what a wise homeschooling vet, who taught 3 boys all the way through told me that she vowed to “retire” from it every year! I knew if she, the ultimate hs-ing mom, felt like that, then I was doing a-okay! Good luck! Enjoy!
This was just what I needed to read today. Although I read it awhile back, I saved it or posted it on Google+. We brought our 3 youngest home this year from public school, it has been the right “fit” for us, too. I falter sometimes in my courage, but I know God is walking me through this step by step. Yes, it is a delicate subject. Hope to read some updates on your hs sometime.