Why Do We Homeschool?

This turned out to be a rather long, rambling post. I should have a prize drawing for those who actually read it. ;) I'll have to think on that.

My most recent homeschool grad is going to what might be called a trade school. This has brought about some interesting reactions. I am asked where my daughter is going to college. I respond that she going to a salon school, and ... ahem... awkward silence and a raised eyebrow follows. Not from everyone, but from lots of people. Especially homeschool people! I find this interesting and it has given me lots to ponder.

As homeschool parents we are very vested in the "outcome" of our children. Are they proper scholars? Will they attend the best colleges? As a whole, we are parents who want results, and we take our children's success or perceived lack of success personally. I have experienced this firsthand- I know more than one parent who now rethinks his/her position on homeschooling because of the "result".

I am not talking about parents of drug users or criminals. These are parents of children who have had difficulties- parents of children who are not making the best choices for themselves (right now).

I think (just my opinion) that we homeschool parents, especially my generation who came in on the tails of the pioneers in this movement, thought that we could raise perfect children. We were certain we had the formula. I say "we" meaning the general homeschool population. I would love to find an old brochure from a few conferences I attended "back in the day". If I remember correctly, much of the mantra touted was of that mentality. 
                                                                                                                                                   
And all this makes me wonder, how do "new" homeschool parents come at this adventure? What are they being told? Is there still a glossy homeschool magazine with a picture of the perfect family in matching outfits on the cover that features a minute by minute account of the "perfect" homeschool day? Are there still speakers out there who tell of their mad parenting skills and how none of their perfect children will rebel in any way? This sounds harsh, but I think it was a presumptuous point of view to come at this endeavor with in the first place.

I homeschool because I have looked at all the options and found it to be the best one for my family. I homeschool because I believe that being with me as their primary influence is safest for my children. I homeschool because I want my children to see and experience the wonders of nature and the world around them. I homeschool because my children get to play and be children for a long, long time. I homeschool because it is the best way for my children to learn responsbility. For my family, this is the right choice for right now.

I do not homeschool for the "result". Even God gave us free will. If God decided to rethink me because of the result, I'd be in big trouble!! I love my children as best as I can- making the best decisions for right now. No matter the outcome, that does not change that this is what I believe is best for my family.

Which brings me back to my bright, beautiful, talented daughter. I could not be more proud of her. I know that she has the work ethic to do well in anything that she puts her hand to. I am not more proud of my daughters who have college degrees. Erin may eventually get one- I will not be more proud of her then than I am now. She is not perfect. She is at times rebellious. She pierced her ear in a place that makes me cringe. She is sometimes mean to her brothers, but she is more often sweet to them. She is HUMAN. Not perfect in any way!!