I love what God inspired the apostle Peter to say in 1 Peter 3:7. He told husbands to live with their wives in an understanding way. Of all the gifts that other people have ever given me, understanding is one of the most precious to me. One challenge that homeschooling mamas experience is the feeling that other people do not understand who they are and what they do.
Notgrass History recently asked our social media followers the question: “What do you wish other people understood about being a homeschool mom?” I was so proud of the answers mamas gave. Their comments inspired the list below.
It’s hard when other people don’t understand:
That you do work full-time — at home doing the most important job your children need you to do today.
That you don’t homeschool because you are a perfectly patient parent who always keeps her cool.
That you aren’t staying at home because you don’t have an “important” career, but because you believe it is best for your kids.
That you don’t “get to stay at home” because you have plenty of money but that you make sacrifices so you can get by without plenty.
That you have to ask God to forgive you over and over again because you aren’t the perfect mama.
That you don’t have time for every volunteer opportunity others want you to do because they “have to work” and you don’t.
That you actually love spending all day with your kids — at least on most days.
That your kids also need interaction with other people, but that you don’t believe school is the only place that can happen and that you work hard to give them those opportunities in ways you believe are better for your children.
That you are an individual and not an identical twin of every other homeschooling mama.
That homeschooling was a choice you made and that they could do it, too, if they also made that choice.
That you don’t know everything you need to teach your children either, but that you have the drive, creativity, and determination to do what it takes.
That you don’t have it all figured out, but are committed to doing what you need to do one day at a time.
Keep on keeping on, mamas. I am so proud of you. Thank you for homeschooling your children. You are so brave.
