Why Do Evangelicals Homeschool?

I’m a second-generation homeschooling Mom and a member of the evangelical church. I can’t stress enough how important it is for kids to get the education at home, and for sure I won’t deny I’m a bit bias in its favor. As someone who has the first-hand experience, let me tell you why it is so good for your children.

So, why do Evangelicals homeschool? Modern public schools have entirely removed the Bible and became less friendly toward Christianity, which can make children stumble on their way to God. As the Proverb 22:6 states, “Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it,” and homeschooling is the best way to do that.

There are way more benefits to homeschooling (which I also experienced myself) than you could think, so let me tell you a little bit more about it.

The Benefits Of Homeschooling

1. Most Schools Fail To Find An Individual Approach To Children’s Needs

Every kid is different. Some of them are slow learners, while others can understand and memorize anything in seconds. Some possess unique gifts and talents which can’t be revealed under the curriculum because it shuffles millions of kids through the same program. That’s why it is so important to find different approaches in studying to make sure everyone’s learning needs are met and satisfied. This is where homeschooling comes in.

As a homeschooling mom, I know all the strengths and weaknesses my children have when it comes to studying. Each child determines their academic pace and isn’t compared to others, and this is precisely why I love it. There’s no need for them to feel stressed or pressured if they don’t finish the homework on time, and I’m always there to help if they struggle.

In my opinion, these factors will help save their love for learning. It is not always easy, but I do my best to keep them engaged and inspired.

2. You Can Help Your Kids On Their Spiritual Journey

When it comes to children and their faith, there are no guarantees. But you can make everything possible to help them on their journey, and homeschooling is your best option. Around 90% of kids from Christian homeschool families stayed in the church and decided to continue their spiritual walk, when for public schools, there’s 80% failure in doing so.

The statistics for public schools are quite frightening, but it’s still up to you if you want to homeschool them. I think the numbers speak for themselves.

However, if you homeschool, you can add to your program Biblical studies (which I did), and my kids enjoy it so far!

3. You Can Learn Alongside With Your Kids

Every time my kids and I study new topics, I find myself immersed in the material and actually learning the things I forgot years ago. What’s more, I get to share their interest as I see the spark occurs when they find something exciting or solve something that was hard to them.

This is another important reason to why I homeschool. It might sound cliché, but I want them to be curious and interested in this world as long as possible, and so far this approach works.

Plus, my kids are able to sleep past 8 am every morning, and don’t get stressed in the morning rush. Instead, we have some quality time together while cooking breakfast and enjoying the morning!

4. The Family Bond Loses Its Strength

I know it might sound selfish, but every parent wants to spend enough time with their children. By sending kids to public schools, parents automatically start to share their children with teachers, coaches, counselors, etc., because kids spend around 1,100 hours in school per year. This is not including after-school activities, homework, tutors, and so on. It leaves not a lot of time for the family gatherings, which makes the family bond not as tight as it was before.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

That is another reason why I want my kids to be homeschooled. My parents and I have a solid bond with each other, and I want to have the same one with my kids.

5. Peer Pressure

This one is probably the worst. Peer pressure has always been a fear of mine as I don’t want my children to start smoking, drinking, or, what’s worse, using drugs just because their friends do that. But at the same time, I don’t want to control their social life altogether.

Many kids tend to do whatever it takes to get accepted in certain circles, which includes illegal things as well.

Homeschooling allows me to know their friends because we keep friendly relationships with our neighbors and their kids.

These are the most significant reasons for homeschooling. However, there are also a lot of stereotypes toward it, so let’s destroy them right away.

The Main Stereotypes Concerning Homeschooling

1. Many Parents Don’t Think They’re Good At Teaching Their Children

I know it might seem scary, but think about it: you’ve been educating your child since day one. Not many things will change, you’ll just have to extend your responsibilities. Besides, you’re the most qualified person, because you know your kids better than anyone and care about them the most.

And if you feel like you don’t have enough knowledge, you can always ask teachers from local schools to come and help you out. Therefore, you can have a professional helping you out and still be in control of the situation.

2. Kids Don’t Socialize As Much

I’ve seen this myth so many times, but let me tell you: this is entirely not true.

My kids and I get a lot of time to spend on the outside with other kids, and socialization has never been a problem. They have dozens of friends from the neighborhood and have enough time to play with them every day.

At the same time, schools can be very overwhelming and cause lots of anxiety. What’s more, the whole concept of school screams at you: “DO NOT TALK!”

As soon as you enter the classroom, all you hear is “Shh!” from the teacher whenever you try to talk to another student. There’s even no possibility to pass a note to a friend quietly. The only available time is the short break or a lunch break (where you spend at least half of this time eating).

So please, don’t try to tell me homeschooled kids don’t socialize when it’s actually quite the opposite.

3. Children Are Overprotected

Some people think that children who are educated at home tend not to be exposed to specific ideas which are usually taught in public schools. However, this is not true for the majority of homeschooling parents I know. They teach kids science alongside religious studies and don’t just exclude some things from the curriculum as public schools do.

What’s more we even study the theory of evolution at home. Macroevolution might not be scientifically proven enough, but microevolution actually makes sense, especially with all the evidence!

Final Thoughts

So, if you want to guide your kids through their spiritual journey and help them find God while giving them a high-quality education, homeschooling might just be an excellent option for you!

I’ve always thanked my parents for their choice because I know it was hard for them. I hope, my kids (and yours too) will be as happy and thankful as I once was!