“Looks like we need a bigger minivan,” I messaged my partner the day we made the decision to withdraw our tween from public school and start homeschooling her. While I was joking about the vehicle, the choice to homeschool is no laughing matter. I quickly realized that it requires a significant time commitment and a huge adjustment, particularly since our children have only experienced public education since kindergarten.
What Prompted This Change?
So, what prompted this change? It’s a complex question. Our daughter had been facing challenges for about 18 months. She is respectful, creative, and inclusive, yet her grades and the teacher’s comments indicated something was amiss. The long hours spent on homework each night were a clear sign.
Eventually, we received several enlightening diagnoses that clarified our child’s needs. This led to a heartfelt conversation between my partner and me about what would be best for our daughter during this phase of our lives. Let me clarify: we are not opposed to public schooling. My partner’s parents both have backgrounds in public education, and we both attended public schools ourselves. I’m even a former university educator, and two of our four school-age children thrive at an excellent public elementary school.
Nonetheless, our daughter was struggling. She once adored everything about school—the bus rides, her collection of backpack keychains, playing four-square with friends at recess, and excelling in science and spelling. However, over the year and a half, we watched her descend into a difficult place, which was not her fault.
It felt as though she had a broken leg yet was expected to run a marathon alongside her peers—an impossible situation. The moment I suggested homeschooling, a wave of tranquility swept over me. Suddenly, we had a way out, a plan for safety and relief.
I realize that sounds dramatic, but when your child is in pain, you instinctively enter Mama Bear mode. The time to make a significant and positive change had arrived.
Sharing the Decision
When we shared our decision to homeschool with our daughter, she beamed with joy, squealing in excitement as if I had announced that we were getting her a pet unicorn. That moment felt truly magical. The relief I experienced was mirrored in her happiness.
The initial weeks of homeschooling required substantial adjustment. Following some recommendations from her healthcare provider, we chose a mix of workbook learning and plenty of reading to bolster her vocabulary and comprehension skills. This was merely one approach among many. Some families opt for online schooling, while others join homeschooling co-ops or blend various methods. Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
During those early days of homeschooling, which seemed to stretch on, I learned precisely what my child needed to thrive. I could provide her with those essential resources. Her frustration began to dissipate. I watched her grasp concepts and successfully tackle tasks that had once felt insurmountable in the public school environment. Just last week, she aced 24 out of 24 triple-digit math problems that had previously tormented her.
Most importantly, she knows that I care deeply about her education. When she has challenges, we tackle them together, enabling her to learn effectively.
Overcoming Stigmas
Admittedly, I felt a twinge of embarrassment when someone would notice my tween with me during a weekday and ask why she wasn’t in school. Would they think I was odd? Subversive? Anti-public education? Growing up, I only knew a couple of homeschooling families, and I had formed several assumptions based on those experiences. Surprisingly, I found that people were genuinely curious, and I had the chance to enlighten them. I would respond with a smile, “Yes, she’s in school. We homeschool!” More often than not, the person would share that they had considered homeschooling or had been homeschooled themselves, often with positive stories to tell.
Homeschoolers come from diverse backgrounds. No, we aren’t part of a cult. We don’t believe public school is the worst thing since low-waisted jeans. We simply make this choice because we believe it’s best for our child.
So yes, this progressive mom of a multiracial, adoptive family homeschools. Yes, I have a minivan, which is perfect for blasting tunes from Lecrae while running errands. And yes, I also support public education and its educators.
Embracing Homeschooling
At this stage in our lives, we embrace homeschooling. By 3:45 p.m. daily, all of my children are reunited. My two middle kids arrive home from their public school, having had a fantastic day with teachers who adore them. The youngest squeals in delight and rushes to hug them, and we gather around the kitchen bar to share stories about our day over snacks. It’s a beautiful experience, showcasing the diverse ways my children learn.
Homeschooling has transformed our lives for the better, reigniting our tween’s joy and love for learning—a benefit worth every sacrifice we’ve made.
Further Reading
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Summary
The author recounts her journey to homeschooling her child after recognizing the struggles faced in the public school system. The decision was rooted in love and understanding, leading to a more personalized educational experience that reignited her child’s love for learning. Homeschooling has proven to be a positive change, allowing the family to embrace diverse learning styles and support each other in their educational endeavors.