No. Homeschooling is not my typical topic of conversation in a blog post. However, with the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, many families are finding themselves trying to make decisions about returning to school, or virtual school. Which, loosely translated, is akin to homeschool.

As a mother who has homeschooled for years, I have a few things to say and thoughts to throw in the ring.

I have to start with this disclaimer: I do NOT believe that every family should homeschool. I do NOT look down on those who choose not to homeschool. And, yes, I DO believe that homeschool is the best option for our family.

With that being said, there is one thing that really, really, bothers me. It has been expressed to me more times than I care to count. and it is this, “How can you stand to spend so much time with your children? Don’t they drive you crazy?” Or a similar sentiment, “I could never do that. I would go crazy. My kids would drive me up a wall.”

Now, it’s true that I have heard many other things that make me want to roll my eyes (“What about socialization? What if they aren’t learning what they need? Are you an education professional?”). And, being the opinionated person I am, and having studied this thoroughly before making the decision to homeschool, I could answer each one. Yet, I refuse to be drawn into those types of conversations.

Back to the original disturbing remark. I have thought long and hard about it. And, if I am honest, there are days that my kids do get on my nerves. And, there are days that we have disagreements, the kids will fight, not listen, or we simply have a bad day. But, and here is the thing that I think others miss, I am a parent. I have been blessed with children. I have been called to raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I LOVE spending time with my kids.

What does it say to our children when they know we can’t stand spending time with them? In any relationship there will be moments where there is friction. Even in the parent-child relationship. But don’t mistaken those moments for the inability to be with your child on a daily basis. Remember that they are children. They will grow up one day and then it will be too late to teach, mold, love, and cherish them in the ways we missed. When we express the sentiment that we can’t wait for them to “get back to school” or “load up on the bus,” what they hear is: “Mom and Dad can’t wait for me to leave. They don’t want me around.”

So, like I said in the beginning, I don’t have the opinion that everyone needs to or should homeschool, but whatever your decision, stop expressing the sentiment that you can’t wait for the kids to get out of the house and back to school. Instead, make the most of the time you do have.

Yes, there are rough days. Yes, we get on one another’s nerves. And yes, I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3