Some families are not aware of the actual time public schools spend in instruction, and subsequently jump into a six-hour (or more if they want to be better) method of schooling at home. For most moms, this is a plan that won't survive the long haul. I had a conversation with a mom recently whose homeschool method is responsible for their title of "ex-homeschooler." This mom shared with me that she could not teach her children any longer. She only got aggravated and "yelled at her children all day." Our conversation turned to focus on their homeschool schedule. This mom shared with me how she had spent the last year homeschooling. No wonder she quit. Her method would lead to failure for 80% or more of the homeschooling moms out there. It was far too rigorous for her and for her young children. I tried to persuade her to try a different method, one that allowed a little more freedom, but she could not come to grips with schooling any other way than the perceived public school way, so she quit homeschooling. I couldn't help thinking that this was such a sad and unnecessary ending.

As you reflect on your homeschool schedule, remember, it's perfectly all right to change your method until you find one that creates peace in the home while instilling a love for learning in your children. We have only God to please, and if you are homeschooling from a Christian worldview, you have already gone far in doing that.

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Denise Kanter is a homeschooling mom of four children, ages 11, 9, 8 and 6. She lives in California with her husband Gary, where they operate Considering Homeschooling Ministry, a national outreach with local chapters across the United States. (Learn more and find free resources at www.consideringhomeschooling.org.) The Kanters are also involved in a creation science ministry (www.worldsbiggestdinosaurs.com).

This article was originally published in the Nov/Dec '07 issue of Home School Enrichment Magazine. For more information, visit http://HomeSchoolEnrichment.com

1 www.homeschooltexas.com/FAQs/HS_benefits.html
2 www.ed.gov/pubs/NatAtRisk/findings.html
3 www.centerforpubliceducation.org/site/c.kjJXJ5MPIwE/b.2086551/k.9967/Making_time_What_research_says_about_reorganizing_school_schedules.htm