Part of my job as a homeschooling parent is to lend credibility to what we do. Yes, I know I don't have to "answer" to anyone, but it sure is nice to show non homeschooling parents that we are intentional, intelligent, and successful.

We want to further the cause of homeschooling, correct?

What exactly is an ambassador?

Ambassador:

An authorized representative or messenger

When someone asks you about homeschooling (as we know they inevitably will - and you know I often grow weary of people telling me why they could NEVER homeschool their own children), are you prepared to offer an articulate answer as to why you homeschool? Are you prepared to talk about the pros and cons of homeschooling?

Can your children articulate what they like about homeschool and what their homeschool day is like?

The Importance of Being a Homeschool Ambassador

*The following is something I wrote a few years ago, when I was more new to homeschooling. I wanted to share it with you again today because it's IMPORTANT.

After a long conversation with a public school teacher last week, I came away feeling like I had furthered the cause of home education, and that just maybe I had encouraged a deep rooted interest in home education in the woman I was talking with.

This woman and I have been sitting together at the tennis courts for the past several months. We always exchange pleasantries (normally I'm busy knitting); I know her children attend the public school where she is a teacher.

Last week, she struck up a conversation about homeschooling, and expressed to me her worries about middle school, and how she felt the public schools limited her daughters from achieving their potential. As I listened, I saw SO MUCH of myself in this woman ~ so much of the uncertainty and concern about her children's education, and her longing to try something different, but at the same time being worried about trying something different.

As we were talking, another parent from the class approached me and said,

"Excuse me - I don't mean to interrupt, but do you mind if I listen while you talk about homeschooling?"

Right then I put down my knitting and gave them my full attention. Each of them had daughters approaching middle school, and each of them longed for more freedom, creativity, and control in their children's education.

We had a wonderful conversation about homeschooling, and I feel perhaps I made a difference in both of their decisions - at least I hope I did. Driving home, I began to think about WHY it is so important that we, as homeschooling parents, can articulate our viewpoints and the importance of what we do.

Questions to Ask Yourself About Homeschooling

Can you clearly state WHY you homeschool your children?

When people ask why we homeschool I simply state, "We tried the public schools and after several years I just realized we could do it better at home. We have the resources and the time and think they will get the best possible education on our watch."

Can you clearly articulate your educational philosophy and what your children are learning?

People inevitably ask how you decide what they will learn and if they will go to "regular" high school and how will they get in college? I have researched all of this thoroughly and once I start talking about the four year cycle of history in the classical education model their eyes start to glaze over - ha!

But seriously, I make a point of telling them the major things my children are learning and usually my oldest chimes in because she's excited to share about our homeschool.

(Reading books like The Well Trained Mind, A Charlotte Mason Companion, and For the Children's Sake really equipped and motivated me to share about home education with others.)

Are you able to relate to parents with children in traditional school, and affirm their worries about homeschooling?

In the conversation I had at the tennis court I made sure to mention that I had worried about how I would "get it all done", and "would my children really listen to me?". Moms contemplating homeschooling worry about the death of their "me time" and think they might be very isolated homeschooling . I share my fears and how I dealt with them, and also tell them all about our co-op and local homeschool association.

Are you really honest about the toll homeschooling can take on you at certain points in time?

I have to confess and tell people it isn't always easy and the first year was ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT! It does, however, get easier - and through our struggles my children and I grew closer. I would say the good days outnumber the bad, hands down.

Do you show a genuine love for being with your children each day, or do you see them as your "educational burden"?

I have to be careful sometimes (especially with my closest friends) not to complain when I'm tired and run down. I have days when I could fill a whole conversation with complaints, but then I have to stop myself and realize how blessed my family is to be in each other company each day. I love watching my children learn and I love learning with them. Does this radiate through in a happy, loving spirit?

(I do have a few trusted homeschool friends that I can vent to - it's important to voice your frustrations!)

I'm finally getting to a point (now that we've been homeschooling a few years) to where I feel as if I can encourage others, and I feel it is my responsibility to further the cause of home education.

God placed it on my heart to bring my children home, and now He has placed it on my heart to share that good news, if you will, with others.

Have you found yourself in a situation like the one I described recently? What did you do? I'd love to hear from you!

I've had some very honest conversations recently with people who are contemplating homeschool, but just don't think they can do it.

I waffle between being sad about this and wanting to scream, "Stop Telling Me Why You Can't Homeschool!".

The homeschool journey is much like traveling a train track (sometimes smooth, sometimes bumpy, sometimes you derail! - you can see great sights) and if you just have the courage to get on the train it will be the best trip of your life.

Now, when people talk with me and doubt their own abilities to homeschool, I tell them they CAN! It will be the biggest blessing of your life if you simply take the plunge.

*This post contains affiliate links.

This post was written in 2013, and as I look back on it, my thoughts are EXACTLY the same.

The life of a homeschool mom is one of self-refinement, and that refinement comes through our children. I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to educate my children at home. Without this challenge I never would have learned so many things about myself.

There are so many things I've learned, but here are the top ten ~ and they are ten things I am willing to bet might be true of YOU, too.

1. There is much joy in laying aside what I thought were my "dreams" and focusing on my children.

It's interesting that my dreams have shifted and are better than I could have imagined... and some are coming true! A well meaning family member told me I would probably regret homeschooling because my life would just be my kids.

Guess what? It is. I think many moms buy into the lie the world feeds them that having motherhood as your mission just isn't worthwhile. We've bought into the lie for so long and our society is paying a steep price.

You can homeschool because as a mother your mission field is right under your own roof.

Your children MATTER.

*I recommend reading The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. This book changed my perspective dramatically.

2. I LOVE to learn!

I never knew how much I loved the pursuit of knowledge and beauty until we dove into homeschool. I am learning so much - I never realized how LITTLE I knew before!

My passion has become reading aloud to my children and a love of classic literature. I never would have known this about myself had I not homeschooled.

You can homeschool because your love of knowledge will rub off on your kids.

It's an awesome gift to give them.

*Check out The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. I refer to this book often for read aloud suggestions.

3. I can march to the beat of my own drummer and ENJOY it.

While there is a large homeschool community where we live, we are the only people in our family that homeschool. We are one of two homeschooling families in our church.

I have one foot FIRMLY in the homeschool world and the other firmly in the traditional school world. Two of my closest friends have children in schools.

It takes COURAGE to do something totally different and I believe I am stronger and more faithful because of this. True innovators didn't stick with the "path" society prescribed for them, and I want my children to know that conformity isn't all it's cracked up to be.

I'm hoping it doesn't take them almost 40 years to realize that.

You can homeschool because your children will see you stepping out boldly in faith and courage for THEM...

Maybe one day they will do the same for their own children!

You will be strengthened by knowing you are blazing a unique path - created by YOU for your children. No other path will fit them better.

*A book I read early on in our homeschool journey was Weapons of Mass Instruction. It will give you the courage to march to the beat of your own drummer. Trust me.

4. What I thought was important really isn't.

Through homeschool I have learned that the important things in life are time with family, cultivating a mind and heart to serve God, and caring about other people.

The rest DOESN'T matter.

Once again, society tells us that bigger is better, more is better, and busier is better.

My friends, I believe this is a LIE from the enemy himself.

I still have a LONG way to go in this area, but with prayer and age I do believe it's getting better.

You can homeschool because you know in your heart what really matters, don't you?

You might want to get a good devotional -- something like 101 Devotionals for Homeschool Moms.

5. I can teach MATH! (or not)

When you homeschool your kids you have to trust you are doing it "right". Some days I pray I'm getting this right, and I have to believe God's grace is sufficient for me.

God has equipped me with a brain and a creative spirit (and given me access to resources) to help educate my children. Doubting my ability is doubting God's gifts to me.

I used to wonder (and still hear the question ALL THE TIME),

I'm finding resources to help, math classes, and many other options. I can provide the same math education a school can provide.

It might take a little more work on my part to search that out and piece it together, but that's my JOB.

You can teach math because you have what it takes. If you don't know it, you can find resources and people to help.

The math excuse doesn't hold water.

6. I love to encourage and listen.

I never would have called myself an "encourager" or a "listener" before I began homeschooling. I was always too concerned about myself.

After homeschooling turned me upside down, I felt a burning desire to let other moms know they could DO THIS!

Homeschooling has nurtured these gifts in me and I believe I am to use them for God's glory.

You can homeschool because you might have hidden gifts, too.

If God is nudging you to homeschool, don't you think you should listen?

*My favorite book to gift to a new homeschool mom for encouragement is Pocketful of Pinecones. What a beautiful, inspiring story.

7. I enjoy being submissive.

Wow. That's a statement I NEVER thought I would make.

My life is easier and our family is happier now that I have submitted to God (by obeying His call to homeschool) and also am submitting to my husband.

I used to have a friend who prided herself on being very independent - and saw it as a sign of weakness to submit to her husband. Once we made the decision to homeschool I had to slowly distance myself from this friend - it was a voice I didn't need as I was trying to make a major life change. (When you homeschool you will find your friendship base may shift -- and that's ok.)

I find I receive much more love, joy, care, and affection when I do submit.

My husband is the natural leader of our family. He trusts me to homeschool our children and gives me advice and direction. We are a team, but it is understood that he makes the final decision in our home.

Just because I am submissive doesn't mean my husband rules me with an iron fist - quite the contrary. When I serve and obey my husband our family is happier. He is helping me realize my dreams and supporting me in everything I do.

I am a lucky lady to be sure.

You can homeschool because you might just be happier when you have submitted to God and your spouse.

My husband and I read the book Love and Respect a few years ago. It changed the way we relate to each other and the way we think about marriage.

8. I am impatient, and that's OK.

Before I homeschooled my children I would have told you I was a very patient mom.

Now I will tell you I am woefully impatient. I ask forgiveness and pray a lot.

When my kids were in school I had a lot of patience at the end of the day because I had been by myself all day - it's easy to muster patience when you have peace and quiet without children all day long.

My children see me striving to be more patient.

They see a mom with flaws and in need of grace.

The "I don't have patience" excuse really makes me laugh. If someone tells me they're afraid to homeschool because they might always be at odds with their child, I want to say (but I don't, for risk of offending them):

"Isn't your child's education worth it to try and work on your relationship? Where there is a WILL there is a WAY!"

Some of the best things in life aren't EASY!

Are we promised a life of perfect relationships with everyone around us? Our relationships with our children take WORK. Maybe we are at odds with a certain child because they need MORE of us.

You can homeschool because you are impatient. No one is perfect - including homeschooling moms!

*I believe a lot of impatience stems from being too busy. Years ago when I was a new mom I was in a group Bible study using the book, Little House on the Freeway. This book is excellent - it spoke to me then and it speaks to me now!

9. I need people.

I was raised to be self-sufficient. The goal was to get a good education and be able to take care of myself.

I did that for several years. It worked out fine, I guess.

It wasn't until I started teaching my children at home that I realized I needed PEOPLE. I needed to ask advice about what curriculum to use, how to handle certain heart issues with my kids, and I just needed FRIENDSHIP.

Homeschooling has taught me that there is so much to be learned from others. It's no good for my kids if I give them my limited perspective on things.

I have also developed a dependence on God and His word that I didn't have several years ago.

I believe homeschool has brought me to my knees so many times that now I actually want to be there!

You can homeschool because you will have people to help you - even if you don't think you will - they will appear when you least expect them.

Your God is faithful and will never leave you.

*The best thing I did was join a homeschool group. Seek out a group (not online friends - real friends you can see any day you want!) and jump in for the friendship and support. It is so worth it.

10. I have the coolest kids on the planet!

Yes, I thought they were cool before we homeschooled, but something about being with them day in and day out has given me a new appreciation for them.

I know the details of how they learn, what excites and frustrates them, and the struggles they have.

This is my children and me, Mother's Day 2017. After nearly 10 years of homeschooling, I can tell you without hesitation I would do it all over again:

I have learned I have a daughter who is compassionate, fiery (like me), and full of musical talent.

I have learned I have a little boy (not so little anymore) who is so precise and loves any kind of details and facts. He will suprise you with his insightful comments and and observations. (He will also talk your ears off, which can be draining on this homeschool mom.)

You can homeschool because the relationship you will have with your children will be DEEP and MEANINGFUL.

As they grow they will turn to YOU before they turn to peers in difficult situations.

At the end of the day, God and family are the two constants in your life. Are you investing in those two things on a daily basis?

Helpful Resources for Homeschooling Moms

If you homeschool, what have you learned about yourself in the process?

If you are contemplating homeschool, take heart - I KNOW you can do it! You will learn so many things about yourself that will be blessings in your life.