I'll give a personal, rather than a general (and probably more on point ) answer.

I've always wanted to homeschool any kids I might have. Even when I was a kid, I could see how homeschooling could benefit a student. However, it's likely this won't actually happen. For one thing, most parents aren't working for fun or because they are so selfish. They work because they have to eat. They work because have bills and a home to pay for. And unfortunately, for many modern families one income just isn't enough to cover everything anymore. I have this concern too. I went to school and got an education and I'm the better for it, but if I am ever going to have a family, I have to work. Not being independently wealthy, I just can't afford not to. I'd love to homeschool, but if I'm obliged to be working, then how am I going to get the time to do it?

The public school system, from what I see, is sorely lacking. I didn't attend public schools (I did go to a state college) however. I went to Catholic school and I know for a fact that I did much better there than I would have done in any public school. Rules were enforced. I rarely had dubious morality taught to me. My parents were cooperative with the school and were involved in my education (at times they were a bit too involved!). They did sacrifice to be able to send me to a private school - and they both worked and supported us.

To be honest, I'm glad my father never homeschooled me. My mother, I believe, could not have done so. She is from another country and did not master English (or the American system) for a very long time. So it would have been my father, and let me tell you, it would have been hell. He used to help me with my homework and he did it in the most overbearing way. I couldn't wait until I got to high school and I didn't have to run everything I did past him anymore. Not to say I didn't learn a lot because of his involvement. But I sure am glad it ended. But you know what? Even though he would have been way too severe, I probably would have been twice as smart if he did. But he couldn't because he had to work and put food on the table.

There needs to be something in place for those parents who can't afford to homeschool or who can't afford private school. Sorry, but not everyone can do these things. That is why the government established the public school system. Starting with fixing that system, would do so much good, I think.

I agree with much you have to say. Please don't misundertand me I know that homeschooling is not right for everyone. but I believe that many people are choosing personal comfort and convenience over their child's education. I am a pastor and I make a very humble salary. We do not have a fancy car, a boat, jet skis, or even health insurance but we do homeschool our children. Most people in our region are two income homes (unless they are drug addicts then they are no income homes) and they have a boat, an RV, jet ski's and a truck/trailer to pull these items. Many Americans choose to have nice things and nice toys over their childrens education. I would contend that many Americans do not "have" to work but rather choose to work. If a person buys a home that they cannot afford on one income or buys expensive toys I believe that is often a poor choice. Nothing is more important that a childs education except for that childs relationship to God.

Anyways thanks for your intelligent and thoughtful comments.

I completely agree with you.  Kudos!

Many parents are not willing to make that sacrifice and enjoy their careers far too much to even consider giving them up.

I think that's a broad statement.  Not everyone has the option to stay home & school their children.  With 2 in college, a mortgage and daily living sometimes there is no option but to have both parnts working outside the home.  We have 1 car payment, no credit card debt and still live week to week.  It is not always a choice, sometimes it's just a fact.

I happen to sit on the local elementary school board.  Our schools are broken, that is a fact.  Next year my youngest will be attending a private school because our junior high school has so many issues.  I will not let her attend there even though I am on the board.  The whole situation is shameful.  I wish there was a perfect answer for everyone, but alas there isn't.  We all just do the best we can at any given time of our lives.  I personally am worn out from trying to justify why my youngest attends school.  I am tired of moms who work outside the home and moms who work inside the home being pitted against one another.

As followers of Christ we should be supporting one another.

I agree that our public schools are broken. They have been for a very long time. I do think that a good private school that maintains disapline, enforces rules, and demands a proper respect from students for teachers and facality is a good option besides home schooling.

Many say that theycan't afford to home school or pay for a private school. I think most can do better than they think they can. For starters, if onlyone parent is working, the need for a second car is almost eliminated. With it go the costs of insurance, maintenance, and gasoline. Elimination of a second job also has the effect of immediately reducing the income taxes paid at both the federal and state levels. And then there's the high-tech gimacks we can do without, like that neat plasma T.V. or the 80 gigabyte ipod, etc.

Oh yes, those who say they can't afford it, just haven't determined to sacriface one thing for another.

We homeschool all 3 of our cubs. It is a huge responsibility, but worth it. My oldest has the time to do all the requirements, plus time to invest in the studies that drive her -- life sciences. My middle one is a dedicated reader, and LOVES the opportunity to digest anything she gets her hands on. My youngest has struggles with AD/HD, but homeschooling allows for the extra attention he needs WITHOUT drugging him into a stupor. One income, and I work 50 hours a week.

Want a homeschooling success story? Jaimie is a YOUNG college graduate due to homeschooling. And a great writer.

If you could do all your schoolwork in the time it takes teachers to simply give a lesson and assign homework, what would you study with your free time that other students spend doing their homework?

I am twenty and a college graduate, graduated with high honors from Cedarville University. Yeah, I was homeschooled. Obviously I had a positive experience with homeschooling but I don't know what I'll do with my children. I don't even know if I'll have children. Hey, I'm still just a kid.

"And a great writer," lol. Thanks, Aaron.

I feel like I'm bragging, but well, it worked for me and that's how. I was diligent with my work because I knew the sooner I got done the sooner I could hit up "The Seven Sleeper Series" or Nintendo, or the neighbors down the street. What I put in is what I got out. That's American.

I also had a mother prodding me along because, let's face it, I'm lazy some years. And as far as test scores... yes, mine and most of my friends were higher than all of my public school friends. All. I say that in absolute honesty. We weren't smarter per se; I don't know what the difference was, but there it is.

By the way, my mom was really never involved in the personal teaching of my schoolwork. I used computer programs and textbooks and videos and basically taught myself. She just graded. I usually administered my own tests as well, and didn't cheat. I don't know why I didn't cheat. I guess I figured, what's the point? I'll only be ridiculously confused next week when I don't know what I'm doing.

So, yeah. As far as parents being bad teachers...? They don't have to be good. We have the technology.

I agree, most of the pain in my life came at the hands of public school when I was in grade school. And I KNOW the influences there were not good, when I have kids in the future I'm either going to home school them, or at least hold them back a year so they can have a leg up on their classmates, who as I know can be very cruel.

good insights!

good insights!

I think you're on the right path. the public system is in tatters, in the UK as well but not o obvious. If your son is better of, that's all that matters.

Well, this is our 10th year by God's grace and the homeschool option is another blessing to our nation. You're asking the right questions, the kind that everyone needs to consider. Just what are our taxdollars committed to these days?  Politically correct jargon and PPFA Planned Parenthood Foundation of America. We all know what their agenda is....to sell our youth and everyone else promiscuity, fornication, contraception and abortion, although in immoral,covert language. Just check your public library's "teen" website sections. you'll be sure to find your local or national PPFA listed and linked. Our tax dollars at work. I've tried to get our library to reconsider but we're so far Left out here at times that it's like talking to the wall.

Our children do learn at different rates and as individuals benefit from good role models and one-on-one attention especially when learning to read and beginning to do math, or algebra, for that matter.  Co-op classes and VBS and church groups plus hobbies and sports make for a well rounded citizen and future citizen of the New Jerusalem.

Christ's peace, Dee and dennis  in Az

Why don't I homeschool?  We have thought about it also...long and hard.  The school systems do suck...and I hate that I will have to re-teach certain things that the school will teach him....things about evolution and such.  But, since the teaching would fall on me if we did it I decided that the best thing would be to keep Isaiah in public school....why?  Because I know me, and as good as my intentions would be, I am very lazy, I would put things off, I would get bored, and in the end I would be a detriment to his education even worse then the school systems.  I am not sayingthat I can't teach, but I am being honest with myself that I would be way too lazy...it's just who I am.  Hey, at least I'm honest.  

Love Eva Moore

I think that there are pros and cons - my children do well in school, excell academically, and I am proactive about behaviors they bring home. I think it is a personal choice of what will work best for your children. I also know my children's friends and they are very selective about who they hang out with. I have found ways to go into the school to help out with a sewing class and can pray over every seventh grader as I help them with their sewing projects, I can also pray as I walk down the halls. Our school has its problems, same as every other school, but my children have made right choices. I am glad it works for you to homeschool.

Heather

hope that all is well with you!

Wow... if only all pastors could have their eyes opened as you have. I am not currently attending church. However, when I was visiting churches and I found out the pastor sent their children to public school, that was an automatic turn off for me. I am sorry to be so dogmatic about it, but I could not respect a pastor who abrogates his God given authority to a Godless and humanistic institution. This is not following many passages in the Bible such as Psalm 1 and I could name many others. Well, you can read more about how I feel on my blog. It is nice to "meet" you. God bless you and keep you for making this decision to follow His Word in the daily training of your precious children.