When Family Disapproves, by Jill © 2003
I come from a family of teachers, in fact I have a teaching degree but chose to stay home and have a large family (5 children) instead of working. My parents were opposed to homeschooling from the start---and that was in 1990. We treated homeschooling as the proverbial "Elephant in the Room" -- we didn't talk about it. My dad did teach the boys drafting and woodshop, but my parents felt the kids needed a classroom setting in order to be able to go on to college, etc. At that time we were in a church of about 3000, and we were the only home educators in our church.
I was raised with the premise that education is your salvation. It is how my dad pulled himself out of poverty, so it is no wonder they were skeptical. Although Christians, they did not understand any of our convictions for educating our 5 children at home.
After SEVEN YEARS, my dad came and sat at the table where I was checking over some math papers and said, "You know we never approved of you homeschooling the kids. (Long Pause) But I see what great kids you have, and the closeness they have, how well they are doing and want to tell you your sacrifice was worth it. You have done a great job and you made the right decision."
Sometimes you just have to live it out---you can't talk it out or prove it with statistics, you have to live it out, just like your faith---day by day. My dad died a few years later, and oh what a sweet memory the above is for me. How glad I am that we stuck to it, that we lived it out, that we were kind and gentle with scoffers. Hopefully you will be able to tell your own stories of acceptance in the years to come.
Take care,
Jill
Great post. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI think this probably applies to many aspects of our lives that are divergent from the "norm" and thus disapproved. I am very grateful that my family has been so supportive of our many crazy endeavors, but I know I've been blessing that regard.
~Luke
I think you are right. There is just no way you can "argue" your point and win in those circumstances. You just have to live it out-day after day, faithfully.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Although homeschooling is becoming more popular, it isn't popular among our group of friends and we often feel like the odd balls. We've stopped defending ourselves and have decided to just live out our lives. Thank you for sharing how it paid off for you!
ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience - started homeschooling in the 1980's and my parents were totally against homeschooling. I vividly remember my mother saying, "Can't you just be normal like everyone else?" I waited a few more years than you to hear my father say what a good job I was doing teaching and caring for my four children. It was the blessing I had waited for so long. My husband and I could hardly believe he was saying it, and we too were so thankful for being faithful in God's call to homeschool.
ReplyDeleteThanks ladies, it is good to hear your stories as well. :0)
ReplyDeleteGood post, These days home schooling is essential.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Laura