I am so thankful for my mentor-friend's forthrightness on such an important issue. I came back to her craving more and more of the spiritual meat of this matter. More than just "loving it," Jane and her husband believed in it. Had she given me the fluff instead of the fortitude, I might have passed homeschooling off as just another way to teach children reading, writing, and arithmetic--something a few scattered families did, not us.

Why homeschool? It's not always an easy question to answer. We don't want to offend others who have chosen another path, but along with grace we should know how to season our conversation with a little salt. God may be using us as messengers with the good news that there is a better way to carry out His plan for raising the next generation. So what are some dos and don'ts for sharing your "big reasons" to homeschool?

• Do recognize an opportunity to share your homeschooling perspective with others, and make yourself available for those whose interest is piqued.
• Do remember that this is a new concept to many people, and recall some of the questions and doubts you may have had when you were seeking.
• Do focus on the biblical reasons, especially when speaking with fellow Christians. And share your family's own personal homeschool testimony.
• Do state the advantages of homeschooling in a humble way, giving glory to God for the blessings He's bestowed upon the homeschool movement.
• Do pray for friends who are contemplating this path, remembering it's not always an easy decision to make.
• Do invite interested friends to meet other homeschool families, perhaps at a social event, a support group meeting, or state convention.
• Do share resources such as magazines, websites, and books, like The Little Book of Big Reasons to Homeschool, which we wrote for this very purpose.
• Don't give too much information at once. No one wants to drink from a fire hose.
• Don't offend parents whose children may already be enrolled in public or private schools by being overly critical of the system. Remember, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
• Don't become defensive or feel you must win everyone's approval. Ultimately, it's God's approval we should seek.
• Don't assume it's your job to convert every parent who inquires about homeschooling.

In homeschool evangelizing, we can only sow seeds through our words and example. While we should always be prepared to explain our reasons effectively, ultimately the Holy Spirit will be the One to inspire parents to faithfully nurture the minds, bodies, and souls of their children at home.

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Kim has been the happy wife of her college sweetheart, David d'Escoto, for 17 years. Together they co-authored The Little Book of Big Reasons to Homeschool (Broadman & Holman) and its companion Bible study/discussion guide. They also volunteer as state representatives for Homeschooling Family to Family. The d'Escotos live in Illinois, where they homeschool their five children. Visit their website at www.dexios.info.

Copyright 2007. Originally appeared in Spring 2007. Used with permission. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Right now, 19 free gifts when you subscribe. www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com