The next seven.

My kids have never been in school.
For ten years, they have learned at home.
So have I.

I’ve learned that the best education is the one that feeds itself, that busywork is a waste of the sliver of time we have on this planet, and that there is no “best curriculum.”

I’ve learned that homeschoolers face many of the same struggles as traditionally-schooled kids: bullying, complex relationships, drama, gossip, and hurt feelings are commonplace among homeschool circles, because where humans are, interpersonal challenges inevitably follow. I’ve learned that despite having commonality in home education or even in common faith, some friendships are only for a season.

I’ve learned that our decisions for our family may ruffle feathers, leading to insecurities, judgment, or even hostility. And, I’ve learned, that’s ok: we don’t answer to them.

I’ve learned that my children’s interests can be encouraged, their struggles can be worked through, their natural gifts and abilities can be fostered, and their habits can be corrected, but that absolutely none of this has anything to do with their worth—which is, as all people are, infinite. I’ve learned that they are learning to be adults, and that can be painful sometimes.

I’ve learned that sheltering children is not necessarily the same as protecting them: I’ve seen this done very well, and very poorly, in the homeschooling community.
I’ve learned that even the best parent makes mistakes: they just know when to apologize and make it right.

I’ve learned the selfishness of my own heart, the depth of my own pride, and the idolatry of my own vanity—and I am constantly, constantly, constantly in need of grace. This knowledge demands humility, and I pray that I never forget the right posture for this position: kneeling.

I’ve learned that my interests won’t be my childrens’ interests, and that’s ok: they are unique individuals and are allowed to be exactly who they are. My job is to foster, fuel, and motivate—-not stifle, stunt, or manipulate.

I’ve learned that the homeschool community is vast, varied, and bursting with talent: the opportunities to outsource subjects I don’t know to people who do is a gift I never knew existed. I’m grateful every day for the skills, education, and experience held by my peers in our community.

I’ve learned that homeschooling is a privilege, an honor, and an extremely heavy responsibility—-and it can be done beautifully.
It can also be done poorly.

I didn’t set out to homeschool.
I was supposed to be deep in an archival career by 39, but instead, I’m printing schedules and ordering curriculum and doing three levels of math every single year.
It’s taken a decade of sacrifice, but it’s given a hundred times more than it took from me.
It’s been the life I didn’t know I always wanted.

Homeschooling has allowed our children to explore, grow, learn, and evolve at their own pace, in their own way, and in their own time. It’s been flexible, adaptable, and adjustable, and—now knowing how my kids learn—it’s helping them in ways I’m confident could not be done through any other format.

I’ve learned a lot over the past ten years.
Here’s to the next seven.