Homeschool Hindrances


There are some times when homeschooling seems like an overwhelming responsibility. Ideally, we know how it should go, or we have dreams of homeschooling that are totally different to the reality of what is happening in our homes each day. Often times the pressures of life crowd in causing discouragement, uncooperative children, and unmet expectations.

I've identified some things that can be hindrances to our to our homeschool experience. These can all be changed with God's help and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Activity ~ Too much activity and time away from home leaves us with not enough time for learning. We all need recognition and the children need outside activity and socialization. There are so many "good" activities such as service, Pathfinders or 4-H, field trips and church work, that it is easy to do too many things both for ourselves and our children.

Schedule ~ Your schedule can be a hindrance to homeschooling. Some schedules are too militant or not flexible enough to take advantage of child-led learning, time to veer off from a subject to another learning adventure. Then there are families that have no schedule or organization at all. When you can't find the books, pencils, or records and are distracted by clutter it's difficult to relax and learn. Plan a schedule that allows for variables, yet sets aside times for worship, learning, play, chores and service. Let your children see that learning is important enough to set aside special time for it.

Telephone ~ You don't have to be reminded of how much of a hindrance the telephone can be. Sometimes I want to return to the days when we had no phone at all. (We live beyond the phone lines and spent eight quiet years without one. Then it became a necessity and my husband ran a farmers line one mile through the woods connecting us with the outside world.) It's a convenience that we pay a big price for. We have the need for adult conversation, yet it can easily be carried to an extreme if not monitored. If it is a problem, set phone hours for yourself. Let the answering machine pick up the calls while you are working with your children or during family time. Remember that time with God and family is more important than any caller could be.

Others ~ Too many activities, competition in a support group, pressure to use a particular curriculum or copying what others are doing greatly hinders ones effectiveness. Curriculum fairs or publications that push the newest and best materials. Much that could tie you down to their idea of homeschool, not God's plan for your family. Turn to the Bible, Education, and The Adventist Home Educator  Handbook . Seek God's ideal plan and resources for your family.

Questions, Worry, Guilt and Resentment ~ Am I doing it right? Do my children get enough socialization? Am I doing enough for them? What if I miss something? General discontentment with life or your circumstances. Feeling like you could be doing something else, like a job. These are the biggest hindrances of all. Give your worries, questions and resentments to Jesus. He tells us "Be careful for nothing: but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6) God gave you the ministry of homeschooling your children, He will also give you the strength and remove any hindrances. "Being confident in this very thing that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.") Philippians 1:6. ~Judy

© 1999 ~ Judy Shewmake


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