When we decided to homeschool, we wrote down our motivations for us to revisit during the challenging days.  Five years later I still have challenging days, but I never need to review this list.  The reasons are now engraved on my heart in the memories we share as a family.  They are the light in my kids' eyes when they learn something new.  They are the sweet sounds of childhood laughter in the middle of the day. 

So now I share these reasons with you all who have no clue why anyone would do this, or those of you who are considering starting your own homeschool journey.

Why We Homeschool- Five Big Reasons

1. Family Bond

The primary reason we Homeschool is to foster close relationships among our children. Our expat lifestyle magnifies the importance of their friendships with one another.  Each time we shed goodbye tears and leave people we've grown to love, I hope they will find comfort in making those transitions with their best friends always right beside them.

2. Shelter, Guide and Protect

Especially in these very early years, I want to shelter, guide, and protect my children from the multitude of conflicting ideas that would inevitably be presented to them through friends at school.  Yes I WANT to shelter my 7-year-old from the lyrics of the latest pop song and the viewpoints of teenagers projected through the mouths of their 1st grade siblings.  I want to give them the gift of childhood for a little while longer.  When tough topics do arise, I want to be there to guide them gently and thoughtfully through the process of understanding and personal decision making. 

3. Socialization

The socialization of my homeschoolers is more broad and complete than the socialization students receive in a classroom with 20 other children of the same age. I can say that with complete confidence. My kids interact with children, babies, adults, teachers, coaches, and elderly persons throughout the week. 

4. Tailored Education

I can tailor my children's education specifically for them. I can find a teaching model I'm passionate about and teach to each child's individual mind. We move at the child's pace. We have the freedom to dive deeper into any topic that interests them, and slow down when they need more time to grasp an idea.  We can also skip ahead when they pick up something easily rather than making them sit bored waiting for others to catch up. 

5. Flexibility

Homeschooling provides the flexibility we need as a family that moves and travels. If we have to pack up and move to the other side of the world, our schooling goes with us. We can take some time off, or we can keep on working as we go. Homeschooling can happen anywhere, even on an airplane or in a car.

See Also...
Who Are You to Teach Your Kids?- My Homeschooling Qualifications
Where Do I Start?- My Homeschool Curriculum Recs and Reads

While you're here, it'd be neat if you'd pop over to have a peek at my photography portfolio and fine art store!