Embracing the Unconventional: Our Unexpected Journey into Homeschooling

One question that often comes my way as a homeschool mama is, "How did you end up homeschooling?" Both my husband and I followed the traditional path of attending both public and private schools. The idea of homeschooling had never crossed our minds; in fact, my husband wasn't initially on board with the idea of me being a stay-at-home mom. 

As our son approached kindergarten age, a wave of uncertainty hit me. The thought of him boarding a school bus, being away for seven hours a day, sitting still in a classroom, and potentially facing unkind words didn't sit well with me. I did not want his sweet and wild spirit to be broken. Fortunately, my husband shared similar feelings. Though he might not have expressed it in the same words, he wasn't ready for the traditional schooling route either. Thus, the decision was made – we would homeschool for kindergarten and see how it goes. Fast forward to today, and we're half way through our sixth year of homeschooling and, never looking back. We now have two boys 7 & 9 and we can not imagine another way.

While our homeschooling journey hasn't been without its challenges, it has been 100% worth it. Reflecting on our first year, I tried to replicate a traditional school environment with a rigorous curriculum, seat work, and a rigid schedule. Despite only taking about an hour a day, there were moments when both of us were just over it. By the end of kindergarten, burnout was evident, but our determination to homeschool persisted. As we approached his first-grade year, I came across the book "The Call of the Wild + Free" by Ainsley Arment, which transformed our perspective on homeschooling and parenting. Truly, it transformed the way we did life as a family.

This book inspired me to approach education as a journey of discovery, learning alongside my sons, and fostering connections through shared experiences. I no longer felt compelled to recreate a school setting at home. Wild+Free granted me the freedom to trust my instincts, facilitate my son's learning without the pressure of ticking all the boxes, and prioritize cherishing childhood instead of rushing through it.

Since 2018, we've made numerous adjustments. We've changed curriculums, adjusted schedules, schooled year-round, and taken summers off. A significant change occurred last year when we moved ten hours away from everything we knew. Our focus shifted to family connection and building new relationships. While our approach to bookwork and structured learning changed, the depth of learning remained intact. Our oldest learned to read confidently, and our kindergartener showcased impressive math skills. They've become walking encyclopedias of animals, all while exuding joy and finding a sense of community in our new home.

So, whether you find yourself here as a veteran homeschooler, a newcomer, or just contemplating the idea, remember that you are the best person for the job. Always trust your gut, guided by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our unexpected journey into homeschooling has been a testament to the fulfillment and joy it brings – a path we never anticipated but are grateful to have chosen.