Living in the United States we have great freedoms. One of which is being able to choose our children’s method of education. Some see homeschooling as a privilege and some see it as a right. Whichever side you fall on, it’s important not to take this freedom for granted!
It wasn’t so long ago that homeschooling was prohibited. The homeschooling movement’s early leaders spent their days behind closed doors, curtains drawn and listening ever so intently for a knock on the door. These pioneers paved the way for us to enjoy homeschooling in the open!
With the rise in the number of homeschooling families comes more criticism and scrutiny. Most parents are diligent and take care to see that their children are making progress. (And by progress, I’m not talking about state-mandated standards. I’m referring to each child’s abilities and their growth.) However, there are some new to homeschooling parents that do not understand the sacrifice made by previous generations to bring us to where we are today. It is these families who, for lack of better terms, turn up red flags by either ignoring their state laws or not following through in educating their children.
Fortunately, these families are few and far in between. But, their actions can cast a bad light on homeschooling as a whole. There is something that we can do to help this problem. It’s easy to point the finger without knowing the whole story. Keeping that in mind, and the directive from the Bible to bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), the best thing to do in these situations is to come alongside a family that appears to be struggling or having trouble following state law. Perhaps it’s a misunderstanding. Maybe the family needs help with curriculum or getting plugged into a homeschooling community. Maybe it’s a season of illness. Whatever the case, in extending a listening ear or a helping hand we are seeking to strengthen the homeschooling community as a whole.
So when you are able, reach out to those who are struggling. Whether it be prayer, an act of kindness or to help teach a subject. The world seeks to tear each other down. Our community can be a shining difference in how we reach out to build each other up. Ultimately we do this to follow the teachings of Jesus and to be a light to those within the community that do not know Him.
Check out the many homeschooling resources at Rainbow Resource Center!
