Our Choice to Homeschool

Some of you may already know that Derek and I are planning to homeschool any kids that we have.  It’s not something that I talk a lot about because some people are pretty judgmental regarding homeschooling.  Everyone has an opinion, but many of these opinions do not have many factual backings. 

I wasn’t ready to talk about our choice because I am nervous about it myself.  I didn’t want others to be negative regarding my choice because it would cause me to doubt myself more.  I know that I am capable of teaching my children what they need to know, but when you are first starting out in the world of homeschooling it is quite overwhelming.  There are lots of choices to be made.  Should we choose year round school, or tradition school years?  What curriculum should we choose?  How much religion do we want involved in the education?  What are the state specific laws?  Quite daunting! 

The main reason that we have chosen to homeschool is because there were obvious gaps in the education that both Derek and I received.  This made us want an alternative to public schooling since we know we live in a bad school district.  With the advent of Common Core Standards it has really driven home that we need to homeschool. 

I have been part of forums with nationwide experts, online discussions, and have done a ton of research regarding Common Core Standards.  Not even taking into consideration the data collection that is being done, the curriculum itself is pretty scary.  I left many of these forums with the distinct impression that they are trying slowly breakdown the family unit.  I’m not even talking the traditional family.  I’m talking a family in general.  Where children have two parents regardless of gender.  I have my own suspicions as to why the government may be trying to do this, but I will keep that to myself.  You can watch this video on Common Core to begin your own researching journey. 

My hope is that in addition to our regular family blog that I will update on our homeschooling journey.  The good, the bad, and the ugly.  I know I have many friends interested in homeschooling, so my hope is that this part of my blog will be helpful to you.  Perhaps my failures will keep you from making the same mistakes that I make along the way.