Why I Chose to Homeschool (Back When It Wasn’t Popular)
By: Paula Judy
It was the 1980s and I was a young Christian mom with three children to parent. I felt a bit overwhelmed with the prospect and was eager to find anything or anyone that could help me be a better parent. I listened to Christian radio and was introduced to Dr. James Dobson, who quickly became one of my most beloved mentors. One day, while listening to Dr. Dobson interview Zig Ziglar, my view on raising and schooling my children changed dramatically. Mr. Ziglar wrote a book titled Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World. Of course, I wanted to raise positive kids and have an influence on how they would develop. This book gave me the courage and confidence that I could, indeed, raise positive kids. Mr. Ziglar stated that you are what you are and where you are because of what has gone into your mind. Input controls output. My husband and I felt that we wanted to influence what would go into the minds of our children rather than having someone that may not have the same values as us influence them. Thus, the seeds of training and schooling our children were planted in our home.
Yes, this was a foreign concept in the 80s. Most people had never heard of homeschooling and were not supportive of the idea. Our families even thought we were a bit crazy. But, hey, we could not hurt them much if we kept them home instead of sending them to kindergarten, right? That may have been my initial thoughts as I discussed the idea with my husband and another close friend who was also considering this with her husband for her family.
Where do I begin? How do I know what to do and where to find the curriculum I need? This was a major problem in the 80s. There were not many choices for curriculum needs, and many pioneers that came before us were even threatened and imprisoned for not sending their children to school.
Thankfully, there was and still is a wonderful homeschooling organization in Ohio that hosted a convention that we, my husband, close friend, and her husband, could attend to help us start this journey. We headed off to Columbus, Ohio for the weekend, to soak up any and all information we could find to begin what would become a 31-year journey of homeschooling for our family.
The challenges we faced were many. The opposition was discouraging because it came from our closest friends and family. The curriculum choices were few. The support was limited, but God…. Through these trials we were forced to draw close to God. As always, He showed Himself faithful.
The blessings were many also. By spending time with my children, I knew what their needs were, what they liked and disliked, and how to tailor their education to fit their learning styles. Most surprisingly to that young mother, they taught me about myself. I cried with them, laughed with them, and learned with them. The bond I have with my children is incredible, more than I could have ever imagined.
Your decision to homeschool and your homeschooling journey may not look like mine, but you will face challenges and discouragement along the way. You have many choices for curriculum which may be as much of a challenge as having limited options was for me. You may encounter opposition from your friends and family instead of receiving the support and encouragement you desire. Lean into God. Allow Him to guide you and encourage you in your obedience.
John 14:21 says, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
God only asks us to love and obey Him. If He has called you to homeschool your children, you must obey Him. Don’t worry about what others think. God will honor your obedience. He will lift you up and walk with you through this special journey He is asking you to take. Yes, maybe we are odd and even a bit crazy, but our children are worth it!