Why we chose to homeschool…(And What It Looks Like in This Season)

There was a time when I wasn’t sure I could homeschool. The idea felt beautiful in theory, but in reality, overwhelming. With little ones at my feet and a full home already, I still sometimes question whether I have what it takes.

But over time, what once felt intimidating has become intentional. Homeschooling hasn’t become perfect—it has become purposeful. And slowly, by the grace of God, we’ve begun growing faithfully together.

Even before I became a stay-at-home mom nearly eight years ago, I had a desire to homeschool. I wasn’t exactly sure how I would do it, but I was clear on why.

I remember talking with another homeschool mom, and she asked me why I wanted to homeschool. Without hesitation, I listed my top reasons—just a few of the things I hoped to cultivate in my children:

• Raise critical thinkers
• Build godly character
• Raise Christ-followers
• Preserve childhood
• Create lifelong learners

In my mind, if we can grow in these areas, then homeschooling is a success.

Here are a few ways we’re pursuing that in this season…

Faith in Everyday Life

I grew up in the church, led in young adult ministry, and served in various ways both inside and outside the church. Over time, I’ve come to understand that it isn’t enough to take kids to church once a week. It isn’t enough for “Christianese” to become a second language.

Our children need to know the why behind what we believe. They need to develop a relationship with God and a love for His Word for themselves.

I’m often reminded of Proverbs 22:6—to train up a child in the way they should go. For me, that means making faith a part of our everyday life and choosing to walk it out myself.

When we weave faith into our daily rhythms, it creates space for questions—real questions. And those questions will come. But helping our children process and search for answers builds both faith and critical thinking.

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A Slower, Intentional Rhythm

With a large family, it’s important to me that each child gets the time they need—not rushed through lessons, overlooked, or simply told what to do.

My heart is to teach my children how to think, not just what to think.

Setting our own pace allows for deeper understanding, more questions, and more meaningful learning (and trust me, there are plenty of questions).

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Meeting Each Child Where They Are

Homeschooling allows us to focus on what benefits each child most.

It gives us the flexibility to:

• Spend extra time with a child who needs it
• Slow down for the distracted learner
• Challenge the child who is ready for more

We’re able to meet each child where they are—and gently guide them forward.

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Time Together as a Family

I truly believe that when my children are grown, some of their core memories will be the simple moments—shared meals, backyard laughter, and time spent together.

Homeschooling gives us more of that time.

It creates space for conversations that build character, moments where we can encourage one another, and even lovingly challenge each other to grow.

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There are so many ways my husband and I are working toward these goals—and each season looks different.

For us, in this season, it looks like:

• Letting little ones help with simple things like making breakfast
• Morning devotionals and scripture memory (because breakfast might be the only quiet moment!)
• Reading together and taking turns
• Doing math and language arts individually while the twins nap
• Learning subjects like history, science, and art together
• Prioritizing quiet time and outdoor play (for everyone’s sake 😊)
• Giving ourselves grace when life happens—because it will

Sometimes that looks like documentaries and snacks on hard days. Sometimes it’s review work before bedtime. We’ve learned to adapt.

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Ultimately, my motto is: we will work it out.

As a mom of seven, I’ve learned to be flexible—and even a little childlike. There is no perfect way to do homeschool or family life.

In fact, if I could go back, I’d tell myself one thing:
keep it simple.

There is no shortage of advice, curriculum, or opinions. But if I could offer a little encouragement, it would be this:

• Start slow and small
• Seek the Lord for guidance—He knows you and your children
• You don’t need the perfect curriculum (it doesn’t exist)
• Some days will feel messy—and that’s okay
• Consistency matters more than perfection
• Preparation helps—but flexibility is necessary
• Wake up before your kids when you can—you still matter
• Invest in your marriage—your children learn from it
• Be willing to adjust (you will have to!)
• And most importantly… have fun

As I write this, my kids—who have been outside since 10:30 this morning—are running from my husband as he sprays them with water from an upstairs window… and they are loving every second of it.

This life is a journey. And while I do take it seriously, I’ve learned that when I relax and don’t take myself too seriously, things tend to fall into place.

You are enough for your children. You’ve been teaching them all along—and God has a way of meeting us right where we are.

If you’re wondering whether you can do this…
you can. Not perfectly—but faithfully.

With Love,

Latoya