Would I Homeschool Again?
Homeschool
Audio By Carbonatix
By Tricia Goyer
I get asked this question all the time. As a wife of 35 years, a mom of ten—seven adopted—a homeschooler, and an author of over 90 books, people are curious. They want to know how I make it all work. And with homeschooling still being a major part of our daily life, parents often ask:
“Would you homeschool your kids again if given the chance?”
The short answer: Absolutely, yes!
We’ve been homeschooling for more than 30 years—since my oldest son, Cory, was in preschool. Over the years, we’ve experienced a lot of growth and learned many lessons alongside our children. It wasn’t always easy, but I wouldn’t change a thing. My older kids love God, serve in ministry, and remain close to us and each other. They’ve gone to college, built families, and continue to walk in faith.
Why I’d Homeschool All Over Again
Family Bonding and Building Traditions
One of the best parts about homeschooling was the ability to bond as a family. We had time to create our own traditions, like nightly family dinners and reading aloud together. These are memories I cherish and ones my children hold dear as well. Homeschooling allowed us the opportunity to spend meaningful time together—time that we might have missed out on with a traditional school schedule.
Faith-Based Education
Another significant reason I’d choose homeschooling again is that it allowed us to integrate faith into our daily routine. We could openly pray, read scripture, and use our Christian values to shape our learning. Watching my children grow in their faith has been one of the most rewarding aspects of homeschooling. It’s woven into the fabric of who we are as a family.
Tailored Learning Experience
Every child is different, and homeschooling allowed me to tailor each child’s education to their unique strengths and weaknesses. One of my sons loved nature videos, so we spent extra time exploring that. Another child was more into literature, so we dove deep into reading and writing. In a traditional classroom, my kids wouldn’t have had the flexibility to pursue their passions like they did with homeschooling.
College and Life Success
Homeschooling wasn’t just about academics—it was about life skills too. Homeschooling gave us the freedom to explore topics at our own pace, travel, and serve together. I truly believe my kids wouldn’t be who they are today if we had chosen a different educational route. They’ve taken the lessons learned during their homeschool years and applied them to real-life situations. Homeschooling prepared them not just academically but also for life.
“Are there challenges in Homeschooling?”
The short answer: Absolutely, yes!
Homeschooling isn’t without its challenges. Let’s be real, no one ever said it was easy! There are many things we’ve struggled with. Top of the list are cost, time, and motivation … but that is true for all of parenting, right?
The Challenges of Homeschooling
Financial Costs
Homeschooling can be costly. Between books, supplies, extracurricular activities, and the occasional tutor, the expenses add up. However, you don’t have to break the bank to homeschool. There are tons of free resources available online. Whether you want full lesson plans, unit studies, or free worksheets, you can find it. Over the years, I’ve learned to be resourceful, and I’ve discovered many budget-friendly options to keep costs low.
Also, while you can homeschool on a budget, there are times when investing in a quality curriculum or extracurricular activity is worth the cost. Things like sports, art classes, and field trips help round out your child’s education.
Time Commitment
It takes time. I’m not going to sugarcoat that. Homeschooling requires a significant investment of your time as a parent. You’re the teacher, the coach, and the administrator all rolled into one. But for me, the rewards far outweighed the commitment.
My kids typically spend 3-4 hours a day on schoolwork. When they were younger, we did everything together, side by side. As they got older, they became more independent and could knock out their work in just a couple of hours.
Homeschooling is efficient because there’s no wasted time. We aren’t sitting in a classroom waiting for attendance to be taken or for the bell to ring. My kids focus, finish their work, and then have the rest of the day to pursue other interests.
Maintaining Motivation
Keeping yourself motivated is another challenge. Homeschooling can be exhausting, and there will be days when you question if you’re doing the right thing. But here’s the secret: every homeschooling parent feels this way at some point. I found that leaning on my faith and connecting with other homeschoolers helped me stay encouraged.
Has Homeschooling Impacted Your Children?
The short answer: Absolutely, yes!
Because homeschooling is personalized, my children have excelled academically. They could move at their own pace, focus on subjects they were passionate about, and take their time with the ones that needed more work. Homeschooling gave us the freedom to nurture their spiritual lives daily. It also fostered emotional growth because we had the space to talk about big feelings, learn from mistakes, and grow together as a family.
Finally, I often hear parents worry that homeschooling will isolate their children. In my experience, it did the opposite. It strengthened their bond with each other and with us as parents. They’ve grown up knowing that family comes first.
Advice for New Homeschooling Families
Take It One Step at a Time
You don’t have to have it all figured out on day one. Homeschooling is a journey, and it’s okay to learn as you go. Focus on making small steps forward every day.
Build a Routine that Works for You
Your homeschool schedule doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Find what works for your family and stick to it. If that means schooling in the afternoon or taking breaks for travel, go for it!
Lean on Support Networks
One of the most important things you can do is connect with other homeschooling families. They’ll be your cheerleaders, your sounding board, and your lifeline when you need advice or encouragement.
Final Thoughts
If I had to do it all over again, I would still choose homeschooling, every single time. It shaped my children academically, spiritually, and emotionally, and it allowed our family to prioritize what matters most. Homeschooling isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it.
Homeschool Success Course
Are you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your homeschooling journey? Do you wish you had a roadmap to help you navigate the challenges and achieve success? Look no further than Tricia Goyer’s Homeschool Success video course! Tricia Goyer is a homeschooling expert with over 20 years of experience, and she has poured all of her knowledge and wisdom into this comprehensive course. In each video, Tricia shares practical tips and strategies for homeschooling, from choosing a curriculum to managing your time effectively.
With Homeschool Success, you’ll discover how to:
- Create a customized curriculum that meets your family’s unique needs
- Develop a daily routine that maximizes your time and energy
- Cultivate a love of learning in your children and inspire them to reach their full potential
- Foster a positive homeschooling environment that nurtures relationships and builds character
- Navigate the challenges of homeschooling with confidence and grace
Tricia’s warm and engaging teaching style will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to tackle any homeschooling challenge that comes your way. You’ll also receive a workbook with actionable steps and reflection questions to help you apply your learning to your homeschooling journey. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from one of the most respected homeschooling experts in the industry. Enroll in Tricia Goyer’s Homeschool Success video course today and start your journey to homeschooling success!
Homeschool Success Course only $9!
Purchase the course here.
