Every parent who decides to homeschool comes to that conclusion for a number of different reasons. I have in the past mentioned that I never thought I'd be a homeschooling parent. I thought I could not do it. Now I've come to see that I can homeschool. I found the confidence to homeschool because learning and teaching is a process, not a destination.
How I came to the decision to homeschool is a long story. My reasons are many and the decision process was complex.
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Why I Can Homeschool
One reason why I can homeschool is that I know each day builds on the ones before and that my kids can build on learning line upon line, as scriptures teach.
In coming to the decision to homeschool, what really helped me in coming to the decision to homeschool was the reminder that I don't have to teach thirteen grades today, right now. I will start now, with Kindergarten, and do one day at a time. As I do so, I too will learn about all these subjects, one day at a time.
Even if I were starting when my children were older, I take one day at a time. I focus on figuring out the subjects, and how to teach, one day at a time.
Just as I did not know how to be a mother when my first child was born, I had to learn one day at a time. I've made it through five and a half years, and I have every reason to suppose I'll make it through the coming years as well. It's difficult if you look at the entire picture at once; it's more reasonable as you take it one day at a time.
Line upon Line Learning
In the scriptures, this concept of one-at-a-time is an explanation for how we learn gospel truth.
For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have. (2 Nephi 28:30, see also Isaiah 28: 9-13)
I think the concept applies to so much more. We all learn line upon line. One precept at a time. We're always learning. We are always growing.
I'm excited to see my own understanding grow. And I cannot wait to continue watching my own children blossom in this way too. With faith, I can homeschool.
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Homeschooling is hard. It requires a parent to take the role of teacher. It often requires curricula. It requires time. It requires something that many people don't have.
Confidence.
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