I never thought I would leave a career I loved. Teaching was my passion, my calling—or so I thought. But God had other plans, and when He nudged me toward homeschooling, I took a giant leap of faith. I didn’t want my daughter to be just another child in the system, to be managed rather than truly taught. I wanted her to learn, to be curious, to develop a deep love for knowledge rather than be pushed forward simply because of her age. Most of all, I wanted her foundation to be rooted in faith before the world had a chance to tell her who she was.

But I have to be honest—I have no idea what I’m doing. Creating a "flexible schedule" is hard. Learning her learning style is hard. Discovering different curriculums is hard. This journey is nothing but trial and error, grace, and patience. Some days, I feel like I’m failing, and other days, I see so much beauty in the process.

Connecting with others and being flexible has been a lifeline, reminding me that none of us have it all figured out. Watching my daughter learn, and for me and my teacher heart to be the one to guide her, has been so beautiful. Seeing her light up when she grasps a new concept, watching her curiosity bloom, and knowing that I get to be part of her journey in such an intimate way is something I will never take for granted.

A Legacy of Learning and Sacrifice

My mom’s dad died when she was young. Because of that loss, she didn’t get the proper education she deserved—she had to work at a young age. She always taught me that education is important, something she wished she had more of. She often told me she wished she had a different story, one where she could have gone to college and developed a love for learning rather than seeing education as a roadblock.

As parents, we want better for our kids than what we had. So my mom pushed education hard, and I loved learning. I loved reading and thrived in school. It was my escape from childhood struggles. It was my "out." That love of learning carried me into teaching—I wanted to help kids see their own way out of difficult environments.

Leaving the classroom was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I grieved it deeply, especially because of the kids. I felt like I was giving up on them. But what I was really doing was following what God was telling me—for my own child.

Bucking the System: Trusting God Over the World

As a former teacher, I know the ins and outs of the school system. I know the wonderful teachers who pour their hearts into their work, but I also know the system itself prioritizes test scores over deep learning, structure over creativity, and conformity over individuality.

Homeschooling, for me, is about something greater. It is about following God’s calling even when it feels countercultural. Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Homeschooling is an act of trust—trusting that God’s ways are higher than those of the world.

Breaking Generational Cycles: A New Legacy

This choice is also about breaking generational cycles. Many of us were raised to believe that the traditional path—school, college, career—is the only way. But what if we choose a different way? What if we give our children the space to grow in faith and knowledge without the pressures of a broken system?

For some, the decision to homeschool might bring criticism from family members who don’t understand. Generational trauma tells us to do things as they have always been done. But in Christ, we are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are called to build a different legacy—one where faith is the foundation and curiosity is encouraged.

Faith, Freedom, and Fun: Crafting a Joyful Childhood

I want my daughter’s education to be one of discovery, not just memorization. I want her to learn math while baking, science while playing in nature, and history through stories that come alive. Learning does not have to be confined to desks and worksheets. Homeschooling allows us to integrate God’s Word into every moment of our day. It allows us to let learning and life live side by side.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs us: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Education should be a part of life, not separate from it.

The Importance of Community: Finding Your Tribe

Homeschooling can be lonely if we try to do it alone. But we are not meant to walk this path by ourselves. Finding like-minded families has been a lifeline—our children build friendships rooted in shared values, and we as parents encourage one another in our mission.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Community gives us strength, whether it’s through co-ops, church groups, or simply gathering with other homeschooling families for playdates and encouragement.

Final Thoughts: A Journey of Faith

This path is not the easiest one. There are days of doubt, exhaustion, and uncertainty. There are moments when I question if I’m doing enough, teaching enough, or if she’s learning what she “should” be. But then there are days of lightbulb moments, laughter, and the sweet reassurance that we are right where we need to be.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Homeschooling is a labor of love, faith, and perseverance. And with God guiding us, I know that the seeds we are planting today will bear fruit for generations to come.

If you’re already homeschooling or considering it, what has been your biggest challenge or fear? How has your faith shaped your decision to homeschool?

Dear Lord,

Thank You for leading us on this homeschooling journey. Give us patience when the days are hard, wisdom when we feel lost, and strength when we grow weary. Help us to see the beauty in every moment and to trust that we are planting seeds of faith, love, and learning in our children. Surround us with a community that encourages and uplifts us. May our children grow to love You and seek Your wisdom in all they do. We surrender this journey to You, knowing that Your plan is always good.

In Jesus' name, Amen.