My family has been on our homeschooling journey for 12 years. Our journey has been filled with both joys and sorrows, laughter and crying, victories and obstacles.
My wife would tell you that she often thought about quitting, but she would also tell you that she is happy she never gave up.
Why We Homeschool
One of our family values is seeking new things to learn and exploring new ways to learn. We believe that learning is an important endeavor that should last the lifetime of the learner.
As a homeschooling family, we value the flexibility that comes with being our children's primary educators. We set the schedule. We decide when it is time to take a break. We have the flexibility to schedule vacations, field trips, and other activities as desired, without being bound by the traditional school schedule.
We also value the freedom we have to decide what to teach. Each of our kiddos is different. They have different needs, desires, and dreams. As parents, we desire to tailor our children's learning opportunities to our family values and morals. As students, our children enjoy the freedom to lean into subjects and lessons that bring them the most joy and have the most impact on their future.
From my perspective, homeschooling has been a win-win for our family.
Are We Succeeding in Our Goals?
Choosing to start homeschooling is different from choosing to continue homeschooling. As I mentioned previously, there have been many hard days. As those hard days have come and gone, my wife and I have often asked, "Did we make the right decision? Are we doing what is best for our kiddos?"
I believe we have. Our children are smart (even though their primary educators are not trained teachers), sociable (even though they don't spend 8 hours a day with 20 kids their age), and impactful to the world (even though we spend so much time together as a family). As I said, we have had our challenges, but I would not change a thing about how we have chosen to educate our children.
Graduation - A Homeschool Milestone
Before I continue, I want to make something very clear. Not all kids are heading in the same direction. Not all milestones are appropriate for every kiddo.
That being said, homeschool graduation was a significant milestone of success for our oldest daughter. For several years, she has recognized that a college degree will be necessary for her to achieve some of her future goals.
So ...
- We have been talking about what is needed to make college a reality (from an academic and financial perspective).
- We have had many conversations about managing schedules, finances, and expenses as we prepare for our oldest to move to another city.
- She has been taking dual-credit courses through the college she plans to attend.
It was a long time coming, but my daughter has graduated. Class of 2025. And this pappa is very proud of her!
A Special Ceremony
There is a community of homeschooling families that live in and around our town. My wife and children have received a lot of encouragement from our homeschooling community. Special fields have been planned. Special lunches have been set up. Most recently, a special, highly personalized graduation ceremony was held.
Forgot those long ceremonies where all you do is watch graduate after graduate walk across the stage. Instead, each graduate ...
- was allotted five minutes for a picture slideshow
- had the opportunity to present an exceptional talent (my daughter sang a song with me and performed a dance with her sisters and brother)
- was presented with their diploma by their parents
- given the chance to show appreciation to those who have been important in their education journey
Our 2025 Graduate enjoyed her day alongside the other graduates. It was our honor to celebrate her, her accomplishments, and her future dreams.
While on a recent car ride, she told me, "I never thought I would have a graduation ceremony as a homeschooler." Although homeschooling affords us the chance to be different, I was glad that we could give her something that other graduates get to enjoy — a ceremony.
A Word of Encouragement
I'm not sure where you are in your homeschooling journey. Maybe you are in the planning stage, asking, "Can we make this happen?" Perhaps you've just started and are already facing those challenging days. You are asking, "Did we make the right choice?" Others are moving happily along, but they are wondering, "Is this right for our child's future?" And still others, some like me, have enjoyed the results of your time, effort, and energy. We are telling the rest, "It is worth it. Never doubt for one second!"
Thanks for stopping by!