I guess this issue of Learning at Home is somewhat conventional. A couple of Dad's talk about their homeschooling and family raising experience, and an article that puts to rest Standard Question Number 2 (what about socialization?). However it's a good idea that we remind ourselves why we've chosen to home school our children. I was asked this question again at a dinner a couple of weeks ago. The answer I gave was true, but incomplete. When asked why we homeschool, I answered, “Have you watched the news this week?” Three separate shootings in schools in one week should be enough to convince us that we have to take action to protect our children. So yes, the answer I gave was true. But my answer was also incomplete.

The real reason why we homeschool is a deep and abiding conviction that we are doing the right thing for our children. This conviction is separate from the circumstances our children may face in government run schools. Don't get me wrong... if you pull your children out of a Public School because they are getting bullied or because they are not thriving academically, more power to you. But without the deep and abiding conviction that this is the right thing for our children we are unlikely to stick with homeschooling.

But again I need to urge you, don't get me wrong. This conviction is not about raising a movement called “Homeschooling”. While a number of people work very hard to provide support groups, special activities and programs, and local and national associations, this isn't about building a movement. This is about a conviction from God about what is best for your children (and indeed, best for your family). Without this conviction it is tough to keep going. With this conviction, it is easier to keep going when difficult circumstances arise. So whatever your reasons for starting to homeschool (and I'm sure they're all valid), it's important to keep praying that the Lord would lead you and your family, and give you the convictions required to raise your children for Him.

In Service,         
Shawn