Sep. 4, 2008
Counting the Cost-- Homeschooling
Posted in School
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost?" Luke 14:28
When I was pregnant with Spenser, I didn't know I was going to be a stay-at-home mom. I know that sounds naive and short-sighted, but I don't remember ever thinking about it. Or having a conversation with my husband about it. I was raised by a working mom, and he was raised by a SAHM, but I don't remember ever having a discussion about which I would be. Then suddenly I had a baby in my arms, and I knew I wasn't handing him over to a daycare. I just couldn't (partly because I had spent the past three years working in a day care LOL.)
So I started babysitting at home, and later also sold things on ebay. When I started homeschooling, I still did both for a while. But eventually I realized I couldn't keep up the level of ebay sales I had been doing. I continued babysitting (and still do, although I don't have a regular this year for the first time.)
But I never sat and counted the cost of homeschooling; I just followed the path I was shown. I knew God was calling me to homeschool, and I obeyed. Sometimes now, I am forced to recognize the cost, and I have to count it quickly and move on lest I dwell on it and become bitter. (I'm kidding-- sort of.) For a long time, I thought we were poor economically challenged because we are in the ministry, but the truth is, we are poor economically challenged because I stay home with the kids.
This year, for the first time, I have 4 school-aged kids. I could put them all on the bright yellow bus and send them to public school. I wouldn't have to pay day care. I could work during school hours, and bring in a nice income that would help us so much... at least, economically. I could teach (you know, in a "real" school, and effectively double our household income.)
But I just can't do it. I recently drove by the school that would be "ours," and I thanked God that they weren't there. I felt overwhelming gratitude that they are with me, and a sense of alarm at the thought they could be there. They are mine, my responsibility, and I cherish every minute I have with them. I love being with them all day; I love watching them learn; I love the mess and the bickering. OK I lied about those last two. But I do honestly love homeschooling. I love that they are each other's best friends. I love that they mock me when I sing about Henry VIII. Really, I do. I absolutely love being at home with my kids...
- even when it means we lost the remote and can't watch our 15 year old TV because the power button is broken. A $10 remote control may seem like nothing to some, but it's just not in the budget this payday. Probably not next either, but maybe it will turn up by then. (update 9/6: Macy found it and I gave her $2)
- even when it means my brother cuts my hair because I don't have the money or the time to go get it done. (HE did a great job by the way.)
- even when it means I can't buy my husband a nice birthday present. (It's ok honey I have something in mind for later...) Tinab knows what I mean :)
- even when it means we give up soccer after 8 years and switch to tennis (much cheaper, who knew?)
- even when it means we shop at thrift stores and eat chicken all week when it's on sale, and don't go on vacations very often, and skip going to Sonic after tennis.
I could go on and on but the point isn't to wail and moan about what we don't have. I am so thankful for a husband who is willing to make the sacrifices with me. He wears hand-me-downs and Goodwill shoes. (And sometimes they fall apart the first day he gets them, and they were a great European brand!) I am thankful for children who accept their plight (LOL) and work for what they really want. Reed saved her money for a year so she could go to drama camp at the Springer. Spenser works at the theatre to buy the games he wants. He and his buddy worked this summer and made $1000 for a youth trip. They are learning to make choices, and honestly they get an awful lot. Not as much as some kids, but they are not deprived. Sometimes we lose focus on what is really important, but then I stop and count the cost. And I realize that homeschooling is the best bargain I ever got.
So.. what are some sacrifices you have made to homeschool... and is it worth it?
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Comments
Sep. 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment
 Posted by tlpgina
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Great thoughts...right there with ya! My biggest way to save...groceries! At tight times I've been know to survive on very little (like $40 week for 6 when necessary.) Things aren't as tight as they used to be but you do have to make choices and some things that others think are given's really don't have to be.
Hang in there!
gina
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Sep. 8, 2008 - Yeah
 Posted by Anonymous
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Awesome post babe!
And the birthday present? Amazing!
--Happy Hubby
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Sep. 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Carletta
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I didn't know I was going to be a stay at home, homeschooling mom either - I just followed the Lord's lead. I always think of the verse, "He who finds his life will lose it, he who loses his life for my sake will find it." I believe that is so true. When we die to ourselves to follow his path, we are truly living!
Carletta
http://www.successful-homeschooling.blogspot.com
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Sep. 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
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We are in the same situation, as I'm sure many homeschoolers are. Every once in awhile I think about how nice it would be to be able to go out and by the kids a pair of name brand jeans or get my nails done like some of the other moms I see. But those thoughts only last for a moment, and then I realize that I wouldn't give up the closeness that we have as a family for anything. We are blessed way beyond manicures and blue jeans:)
Kim
http://worksinprogress-kim.blogspot.com/2008/08/our-trip-to-st-louis-zoo.html
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Sep. 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Callista
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Great article! Of course my problem is we already live like this and my homeschoolers are preschoolers so I'm not even buying much in the way of materials yet!
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Sep. 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
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Yes, homeschooling is a great bargain when you look at it in the eyes of eternity. The relationships we are building will long outlast shoes, clothes, and cars.
Peace to you,
Renae
http://lifenurturingeducation.com/
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Sep. 11, 2008 - <em>Untitled Comment</em>
 Posted by 5atkins
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I agree wholeheartedly! Well written!
My sister just recently removed her daughter from ps and is working and schooling. I pray each day she will be able to give up the out of home working and really enjoy being home!
I sometimes miss being able to have things, but like you I cringe at the thought of someone else having my children and all that I would miss experiencing with them!
Blessings! Eva
Edited by 5atkins on Sep. 10, 2008 at 11:08 PM
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Sep. 22, 2008 - A Confession
Posted by Anonymous
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I must confess your post makes me feel so obligated to feel the same way you do about homeschooling, my children and my budget, but I just don't yet. And I'm not even sure if I want to, so I don't really pray that I will have heart change about it!
Thanks for giving me something to think about though. Hopefully one day my heart will get around to praying about it, too.
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