1. "to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something):
I have resolved that I shall live to the full."
First of all let me assure you that this post is not to try to convince you to homeschool. Hubby and I believe that each family must pray about and decide how God is leading them in regards to schooling and then obey His direction. We have a diverse group of friends who have chosen public school, private school, and homeschooling. We see our friends thriving as families when: they are being faithful to the path laid before them (Proverbs 3:5-7), they are involved in their children's education (no matter where that education is taking place), and they are intentional in parenting their children and knowing the condition of their flocks (Proverbs 27:23).
We are no experts, but we do have some experience.
Here are a few things I have learned over the past 5 years of homeschooling.
1. Make sure you and your spouse are united in your decision, with each other and with the Lord. Whatever schooling decision you make will present challenges. It is so much easier if you both are on the same page. I was the one resistant to homeschooling at first...but God and Hubby were both clearly leading that way, so when I decided to follow (and stop worrying what others would think) there was a lot of grace and peace that followed as a result.
2. It is hard (no matter what schooling option your family chooses, it is going to hard- it requires time, commitment, resolve and being intentional and involved...My dear friend Tami is a wonderful example of this. Her children go to public school and she has always been involved- from praying for the school, to room volunteer, to subbing, to reaching out to needy students, she is a presence in her kids school and knows the teachers and students that are influencing her kids. This obviously takes time, energy, and saying "no" to a lot of other things, but Tami counts it worth it).
3. There will be tears, but there will be silver linings too (when reading finally clicks or their face lights up when they figure out a story problem on their own).
4. What looks good on paper may not work out in reality. Be prepared, but be flexible too...don't force something that is not working for anybody.
5. "It doesn't have to be fun, but it does need to get done" (I read this in a homeschooling book, and at first it bothered me, but, I have used it many times. I used to feel pressure to make everything amazing, and then I realized if we always do that... the house will never be clean, I won't have energy for other important things, and not everything is fun at any school anyway. I want my kids to love learning, but there are somethings that are just plain mundane, albeit important). Darling daughter likes to try and make math fun by drawing creatures out of the answers...3's become clouds, 5's become butterflies, and 11's get put in jail.
6. On the other hand, give yourself grace. Realize that sometimes, instead of plowing through, it is okay to take a nature walk break or read together longer and slow down a bit.
7. They are learning. You may feel like they'll never get something or aren't really listening...then they bring it up later and show excitement for it. Yes!
8. Network with other people...they can be a wealth of knowledge and support, but in the end you and your husband need to decide what is best for your family. Resist the urge to compare, oh we women are bad at this! Don't be afraid to do something "out-of-the box". My sister-in-law is great at this- she requested her child to go half days instead of full days at an "all day" kindergarten (because that was best for her child and family). She also is homeschooling their 4th grader this year (for the first time) but is not homeschooling her other two children (because this is what is best for him and their family at this time). Our kids are enrolled part-time in a nearby school in order to be in a homeschooling co-op that provides some things we can't on our own. Again, I am not saying this is best for others, but what works for us at this time.
9. One of our rules at Roots & Wings Academy is "do your best". Unfortunately I was not doing my best last year. I was too distracted with phone calls, the computer, housework, and my desires that I was not doing my best with school. So, insert the fresh resolve, and this year (only 3 days in) is going a lot better. I was convicted that I needed to say "no" to more things so I could do the things that God had already asked me personally to do (being a respectful and considerate wife, an available and kind mom, and a prepared and intentional teacher). It seems you get more criticism than pats on the back for attempting the above mentioned, which can cause you to be tempted to throw in the towel and long for things that will be more public, more praised, and just plain "easier". I am far from making the grade, but in the resolve and follow through there is freedom and peace indeed.
A few years ago a friend gave me the book "Youniquely Woman" by Kay Arthur, Emilie Barnes and Donna Otto. I am really enjoying reading it. In the front my friend wrote, "May you walk as God has called you to walk". I love that. I don't need to try and be someone else, but I also need to be faithful to what He has asked me to do, with the strength and grace He supplies.
So, all this to say, let the school year begin! May we all have a great one, by being faithful to what He has called us each to, and walk with our heads held high as we carry it out by His grace, encouraging one another and cheering each other on to do our best.
Here's to fresh resolve!
