How to Homeschool
Your Unique Child
Here's the thing: homeschooling is not simply “school at home.” It is not a replication of our failing system of education. We do not use the books or procedures that research and scores show are hurting our children. Homeschooling does not suppress and stamp out a child’s uniqueness. Homeschooling is an opportunity to employ proven educational methods and toss out the ineffective systems and ideologies that have interfered with curious young minds, turning learning into a heartless system that doesn’t educate, but is designed to mold beliefs and behaviors.
Homeschooling is about giving our children a true education . . . where learning and knowledge are the goal (not grades). For, it’s still true what I wrote many years ago:
If the purpose for learning is to score well on a test,
we’ve lost sight of the real reason for learning.
This should ease your burden. Why? Because homeschooling doesn’t need to look like traditional school. In fact, your homeschool should be shaped by your individual child. Your homeschool honor and nurture the children God placed in your family and the unique purposes and plans He has for each one of them.
Remember that God knew you and your children before He formed each of you in the womb.
Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.
~ Jeremiah 29:11
And he gave your children passions, gifts, talents, interests, dreams, and desires that are suited to how he made them.
Your children were created in Christ Jesus for good works,
a unique and individual destiny, which He purposed
that they should fulfill. (Ephesians 2:10)
Because this is true, know for certain that God created you to be your children’s parent. You are His choice to usher them into the plans and purposes He has for them. You, not a teacher in a school, are entrusted with these young souls and are able to be led by God Himself as you guide your children’s education, activities, interests, time, schedule, and talents so they may discover the pathway to fulfilling their preordained destiny.
Just remember, we are co-educators. God is the Supreme Educator of mankind and will be the most active voice, the most inspiring guide, the most thorough teacher for our children.
The Lord will fulfill His purposes for our children. His steadfast love for them is greater than ours, and we can trust them into His hands. He will not forsake the work of His hands. He will not forsake you or your children. (Psalm 138:8)
Thus, the burden is off our shoulders and squarely on His. We can rest in that.
Our job as our children’s educators is to seek Him. The stronger our walk with God, the easier it will be for Him to lead us in every decision regarding our children. Failing that, He will still fulfill His purposes for them—even in spite of us.
