Every year, before we embark on our homeschooling journey, we ask ourselves this question to ensure we stay focused on why we do what we do. It’s easy to fall into the trap of replicating traditional school at home, studying just to pass tests or meet external expectations, or even considering sending the kids back to public school when things get tough.
We started homeschooling because we noticed the kids were constantly exhausted, with little energy for anything else after school. Homework became a daily battle, and it felt like I was forcing them to do something they hated, day in and day out. It just didn’t feel right.
When we began homeschooling, it felt like the skies opened up. The kids were learning, having fun, feeling relaxed, making friends, and being creative—it was amazing.
But as the high school years approached, I became anxious about ensuring they were ready for college, so we sent them back to public school. We quickly realized that they had advanced so much on their own that the teachers didn’t know what to do with them, so we brought them back to homeschooling.
Now, when we think of homeschooling, we envision a place where each kid is free to express themselves and learn at their own pace. It’s a place where we cultivate a love for reading, experimenting, learning, and serving others. It’s where the kids choose daily who they want to be and what they want to do guided by self-discipline, self-motivation, and self-sufficiency. We also want to set the kids up to be able to start their own businesses before high school graduation.
Every year, I tend to forget these key principles when it’s time to plan for the new year, and it’s not until I ask the kids if they want to continue homeschooling—and why—that I’m reminded of what truly matters.
So here we go, one more year of homeschooling, this time in Mexico!
This year, we’re excited to dive into learning tons of Spanish. My 9th grader has packed her high school schedule with science courses and business studies, as we all hope to follow an entrepreneurial path. My son is eager to release a game to the public with the development team he’s put together. And my little one is on a sewing kick, so in addition to math and reading, she’ll be creating fashionable closet for her dolls.
Happy Homeschooling! 🪇
