Pros for Homeschooling

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to get the Homeschooling with Joy Mini Course. This Mini Course will teach you the basics of homeschooling, the highs and lows of homeschooling, and show you how to homeschool and mentally thrive as a mother. This course will also go through seven benefits of homeschooling and show you how to homeschool with confidence and joy. 

Homeschool mothers should not only survive through motherhood. They should THRIVE throughout motherhood. This can be done by taking good care of themselves, their needs and their goals. They should not rush through motherhood, feeling that they never get time for themselves. Also, it is very important that mother do not loose themselves in motherhood. By that I mean, only thinking and caring for their children, and not caring for themselves. Give your children an example on how to actually thrive in motherhood by taking good care of yourself first before taking care of your child’s need. 

My Main Reasons for Homeschooling

One of my main reasons for wanting to homeschool my children was because I wanted to wait with academic pressure. Homeschooling gives us the opportunity to wait with academic pressure. It also allows the children to do their school work at their own pace. Another benefit of homeschooling is to give the children an individualized education. 

In a traditional classroom there might be 20 children to teach at the same time. It would be impossible to meet the individual need to all of these children. I remember myself, when I was in the public school system as a child, I had difficulties with concentrating in my class. We were 23 children in my class, five girls and 18 boys. I remember a lot of noice and a lot of chaos. Fortunately, it was not like that all the time.

I have always been an effective learner while being alone, and reading a book. I love to learn, but the environment has to be quiet and peaceful. I want to give my children this opportunity, hand help them to make the right choices in their education. Of course they have the option to go to school if they want, which they also have done in shorter periods of the school year.

I have four children to take care of, and because of homeschooling I have the ability to meet every child’s unique needs. I get to spend more time with my children because of homeschooling, which is very important to me. Childhood passes by very quickly, therefore I want to savor each moment, each season.

Before I decided to homeschool, I read research-based books about home education which made it clear to me that waiting with formal learning was the right decision for younger children. I read many books about Raymond and Dorothy Moore. One of them was the “The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook: A Creative and Stress-free Approach to Homeschooling”. After doing the research, my view on child’s education changed a lot. 

My previous view on children’s education was to teach them music and academics as EARLY as possible. If I had not applied these simple steps that I learned from the book “The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook: A Creative and Stress-free Approach to Homeschooling”, I would have put a lot of pressure on myself and my children. Earlier, I thought that “the earler the better” or “the sooner the wiser”. Learn more about this in my Homeschooling with Joy Mini Course.

But the books made it clear to me that it was the opposite. Waiting with academic pressure is good and beneficial for the child, or as the title says: “Better Late Than Early: A New Approach to Your Child’s Education” by Raymond and Dorothy Moore. Then I read a lot of stories about other families that were homeschooling and how they were doing it. That was very helpful and inspiring. Learning from real life experiences is very helpful.

The Blessings of Homeschooling

I actually do not like or want to say that homeschooling is better than traditional schooling. But I have seen many benefits to homeschooling and experienced many blessings by it. Otherwise I would not homeschool.

Creativity is one of the many blessings of homeschooling. I have seen a lot of creativity in our homeschool that I know would have been a lot less if they were in a traditional school. Homeschooling has given them TIME to explore, think and work with their own ideas, without the distractions. Because of homeschooling, the children get time to think, reflect, do and create. 

As I was working with one of my projects, my son wanted to help me with it, so we worked on it together. He made all the addition and subtraction problems and then helped me design the worksheet. Get the worksheet we created for FREE: Math Coloring Worksheet for 3rd grade. This is an example of creativity. Homeschool students are privileged in that way that they have more leisure time to be creative and get the support from their parents.

Homeschooling allows you to choose your educational materials, as long as you meet the learning criteria for each grade level. We are homeschooling in Iceland, which means that we follow the school’s curriculum and have the same goals as they. But it also gives us the freedom to work with various materials at different pace that works for our family. In addition to that, we can go on field trips whenever we want.

As mentioned before, family time is a huge blessing in our homeschooling. Because of homeschooling, you get to spend more quality time together. This strengthens the family bonds.

I know how difficult it can be to make the right choice of education for your children. That is why I created the Homeschooling with Joy Mini Course for you. Make sure you go through this course before you make the decision. There is also so many resources out there. There are many good books out there and many informative Youtube channels on how to homeschool.

How Children learn

The children’s learning process gets easier when they are ready for it. Waiting until they are ready helps them to be motivated and inspired. It is also much easier to work with children when you focus on the child’s need instead of focusing on everything they need to learn. Implementing much flexibility in your school day will help you and your children to thrive in homeschooling.

Effective learning takes place when the children are inspired and ready to learn. When they become interested at something, they learn very fast. If you try to teach them something and they do not want to listen or learn, it is usually a struggle and maybe a waste of time. Please, stop before the tears come. Do not pressure them to much or make them stressed about it. The teaching methods should be in accordance with their interest. For example, in our home, play or game-based teaching is usually a great and an effective teaching method.

Children thrive with having extra time. They love the unhurried life and slow mornings. They love to work on their own things and explore. This kind of lifestyle is not possible in traditional schooling. Even older kids love to have plenty of time to work with their own ideas. 

The homeschool environment should be filled with joy and much love. The parents need to have a willing spirit to listen, teach, instruct and respond to their many inquiries. The home should be a place were they can relax and feel save.

“Our ideas of education take too narrow and too low a range. There is need of a broader scope, a higher aim. True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come”. – Ellen G. White, Education 13.1

Learning from Nature

“So far as possible, let the child from his earliest years be placed where this wonderful lesson book shall be open before him. Let him behold the glorious scenes painted by the great Master Artist upon the shifting canvas of the heavens, let him become acquainted with the wonders of earth and sea, let him watch the unfolding mysteries of the changing seasons, and, in all His works, learn of the Creator”. – Ellen G. White, Education 100.3.

I cannot say how blessed I have been through the years to be in nature with my children. Nature has a powerful, calming effect on the children. I recommend spending as much time as you can outdoors with you children. The fresh air and the sunshine has its benefits, but the nature in itself is a place where the children can explore and have endless learning opportunities.

You do not need to tell them to explore and learn, because they will on their own, if you let them. It is always fun to learn from the real world, right? Out in the nature they can touch, feel, smell and get dirty. They need that. 

“We are not merely to tell the child about these creatures of God. The animals themselves are to be his teachers. The ants teach lessons of patient industry, of perseverance in surmounting obstacles, of providence for the future. And the birds are teachers of the sweet lesson of trust. Our heavenly Father provides for them; but they must gather the food, they must build their nests and rear their young. Every moment they are exposed to enemies that seek to destroy them. Yet how cheerily they go about their work! how full of joy are their little songs!” – Ellen G. White, Education 117.3.

Pros for Homeschooling

Homeschooling, or home education, can have various advantages for both students and families. Here are some potential pros for homeschooling:

1. Customized Learning Experience: Homeschooling allows for a personalized and flexible curriculum tailored to the student’s learning style, pace, and interests. This customization can enhance the educational experience and cater to individual strengths and weaknesses.
2. Flexible Schedule: Homeschooling provides flexibility in scheduling. Families can choose when and where learning takes place, accommodating different lifestyles and allowing for travel or other activities outside of traditional school hours.
3. Individualized Attention: With smaller class sizes (often just one student), homeschooling allows for more one-on-one attention from the teacher (often a parent or tutor). This can lead to a deeper understanding of subjects and the ability to address specific learning needs.
4. Emphasis on Values and Beliefs: Homeschooling provides families with the opportunity to integrate their values, beliefs, and cultural perspectives into the curriculum. This can create a more cohesive and values-aligned educational experience.
5. Experiential Learning: Homeschooling allows for hands-on, real-world learning experiences. Field trips, community involvement, and practical applications of knowledge can be easily integrated into the curriculum.
6. Safe Learning Environment: Parents can create a safe and nurturing learning environment at home, reducing concerns about bullying, peer pressure, or negative social interactions that may occur in a traditional school setting.
7. Faster Progression: Students may progress more quickly through material if they grasp concepts rapidly. This enables them to move ahead in subjects they excel in and spend more time on challenging topics.
8. Reduced Distractions: Homeschooling can minimize the distractions present in a traditional school setting, allowing students to focus more on their studies.
9. Greater Family Bonding: Homeschooling can strengthen family bonds, as parents are actively involved in their children’s education. This involvement can lead to stronger relationships and a deeper understanding of each other.
10. Specialized Learning: For students with special needs or talents, homeschooling can be adapted to address their unique requirements, ensuring they receive the support and attention they need.

It’s important to note that while homeschooling offers many advantages, it may not be suitable for every family or student. The decision to homeschool should be carefully considered based on individual circumstances, resources, and educational goals.

Cons of homeschooling

As with everything, homeschooling has a downside. Maybe the most disadvantages of homeschooling is that the mother (or the homeschooling parent) is at risk at getting overwhelmed and burnt out. Also, the children could get too isolated. All of this depends on how you homeschool your kids. Homeschooled children tend to stay more home than other children, because, their school is at their own home. The questions is, how does your child feel at home? Does he or she have the love of learning? Does he get enough free time? Does he develop life skills? Developing social skills? How does the mother feel?

If you feel that the child is too much alone, or does not get the social interaction it needs, you can always fill in the gap. It is of course very important that the kids get socialized while homeschooling. Try to choose social activities that fits your child’s needs and allows your child to meet other children on a regular basis. 

If something is not working or is a constant struggle, ask yourself why, and think out ways you can change that. Maybe it is the environment? Maybe you need help or assistance in the home? Maybe you are not getting enough sleep? Maybe your children need to exchange their environment or need more social interactions?

Maybe you need a break. Maybe you need more time with your spouse? I know that motherhood can be very demanding with a newborn or a infant. But keep in mind that during this time you are allowed to slow down and ask for help whenever you feel you need it. It’s ok. You deserve it.

I bet you know the answers to what is missing, and what is possible to do in your home and family. We mothers have to consider the whole family when we change things. As mentioned before, if the mother has an infant or a newborn, she might not have the energy to clean the house as usual or drive the kids to all the sports that they might like. 

That is why it is necessary to get help when the mother feels overwhelmed. We have been blessed by having a few Workawayer’s coming and helping us at different times of the year. They have helped us with cleaning the house, cooking, teaching and playing with the children. This has been very helpful for our family. 

The homeschooling parent needs to take good care of himself. This is so important. Because, being around children, especially young children is very energy-demanding for the parent. The homeschooling mom will have to guard her own health, both physical and mental health in order to thrive and be happy. Homeschooling mothers should not only survive, but thrive. This Mini Course will help you thrive in homeschooling.

Allow yourself to be important. Your needs are important, as of course the children’s needs. But you care much better for the children if you are feeling good yourself. Therefore you need to take good care of yourself. Learn more here!

The important Work of the Mother

The mother’s work is more important than she realizes. You are laying the foundation of your children’s lives. You are their role model. They are always watching you and know so much about you. Be connected with God. He will help you and hear and answer your prayers.

“She Has a Life Mission—Let woman realize the sacredness of her work and, in the strength and fear of God, take up her life mission. Let her educate her children for usefulness in this world and for a fitness for the better world. We address Christian mothers. We entreat that you feel your responsibility as mothers and that you live not to please yourselves, but to glorify God. Christ pleased not Himself, but took upon Him the form of a servant.” – Ellen G. White, Adventist Home 236.4.

“Let every mother feel that her moments are priceless; her work will be tested in the solemn day of accounts. Then it will be found that many of the failures and crimes of men and women have resulted from the ignorance and neglect of those whose duty it was to guide their childish feet in the right way. Then it will be found that many who have blessed the world with the light of genius and truth and holiness owe the principles that were the mainspring of their influence and success to a praying, Christian mother.” – Ellen G. White, Adventist Home 239.1.

About the Homeschooling with Joy Mini Course

If you’re considering homeschooling but don’t know if it’s the right thing or if you are struggling with thriving as a homeschooling mother, this course is for you! In this course I will walk you through seven reasons for homeschooling, how to homeschool in three simple steps and how to mentally thrive as a mother. By finishing this course, you will have the courage to homeschool your children and be able to do it with joy!

This Mini Course is for you if you are:

• Considering homeschooling but not sure if it’s the right thing
• Wanting to homeschool but don’t know how or where to start 
• Homeschooling but struggling
• Feeling stressed and overwhelmed by homeschooling
• Struggling with depression and pessimism as a homeschooling mom 
• Struggling with thriving in motherhood

What’s included in this mini course:

• 50 pdf pages of how to Homeschool with JOY
• 9 short video lessons
• Finding your why for homeschooling
• Seven benefits of homeschooling
• The highs and lows of homeschooling
• How to homeschool in three simple steps
• How to set up your morning and evening routines
• How to make time for rest
• How to become mentally strong
• Biblical inspiration and encouragement 
• useful printables