When we started our homeschooling journey we did it all on our own. We didnt belong to a PSP just a park group. In that group there were families that homeschooled many different ways. Charter, PSP, all on their own etc. When I was in that group there was a lot of judgement towards people who were apart of a PSP or a charter.
There are so many reasons to homeschool of which I wont go into detail. However, most people homeschool to give their kids the best education, they see fit.
I kind of feel like homeschooling is like giving birth. I know you are thinking this chick is a lunatic but hear me out. When giving birth there are many many options. The option you choose before you are in labor doesnt make you a good or bad parent. Sometimes when you get into labor your options change, but you do what is best for the child and the mother. This is the same in homeschooling. There are so many options out there. Why do we feel the need to say one way of homeschooling is the best way. Why do we judge another family on what they think is best for their family. Why do we judge other mothers on the options they chose for their birth plan. I have always told people we live in this day and age for a reason. Am I better because I choose a natural birth. Nope! Its just my choice, what I feel is est for my family. Praise God our birth plans have always worked out and we never go into an emergency situation. Every birth is different! Any mom would say AMEN!!! The same goes for homeschooling. You think Im going to use such and such curriculum, do it this way etc. Then you get to November and realize this isnt working!!! (happens in labor too!!) Every child is different, every birth is different, sometimes the plan changes right in the middle of the year or labor. Would you seriously after a precious life was brought into this world, tell the mom.."well if oyu would have done such and such, you would be a better mom." Absolutely not. You walk in and look at the miracle and praise God the mom and baby are healthy. Why cant homeschoolers do this? Lets look at an example.
Here is one of my favorite homeschool stories. A family of 5, they charter. Yep already you dont want to hear the story. Your judgements are coming out and you cant stop the vomit of judgement in your mind. Hear me out though its a good one. So they are homeschooling. Their oldest, a strapping young lad, who is in high school, has a plan of going into computers. Sounds great right. I hear computers are the place to be lol. Anyway, I digress, The child (well young adult), takes a course at the local community college. He is in a debate class of some sort. Wouldnt you know that God uses that class to spur this young lad into wanting to become a pastor. Now you are thinking praise God!! In my heart I thought about his mom. Im sure she is excited!!! Wouldnt you be. Any ministry your child goes into, you should be jumping up and down!!!! You have forgotten they charter. whoops I just reminded you. Do you negate the praise God now? Nope!!! This young lad is going to go on and bless this world!! God is going to speak through him and use him to usher people into His kingdom. See...I told you it was a good one.
It doesnt pay to judge a family on how they homeschool. It hurts you, it hurts them and it hurts the homeschooling community. I feel so sad for the people who look around and say well im doing it this way, and im better. Why cant the homeschooling community come together without the judgement.
While that park group was a diverse group, there was a lot of judgement. At the time I didnt know anything about anything. IT did get me thinking.
To all homeschoolers I say give your kid the best. If its all on your own, go for it, with a PSP hit it or in a charter do it. Do what is best!!! Dont let the judgement of others bring you down.
