- An awareness of the fact that I am a lot more extroverted than I previously knew. I was the shy kid growing up, never wanting to raise my hand in class. But, as an adult, I have learned that my shyness had more to do with some fears and insecurities than a lack of desire for friends. Homeschooling brought my extroverted tendencies to light when I felt suffocated for lack of friendships after sitting at our homeschool table all day, all week, or all year.
- A willingness to look past people’s stiffness. If you have met another homeschooler, then you have met someone with an opinion. We seem to be, by nature, an opinionated group of people. If you didn’t have an opinion about your child’s education, then homeschooling is not something you are likely to do. What comes along with opinions? Stiff necks and strong walls. In my corner of the homeschooling world, people tend to hang out with other people just like them. Is it the same where you live? These factions cause divisions. And, who actually likes dividing? (Hint: not me) So, homeschooling has given be a chance to get to know people are unlike me, who have different goals in mind when it comes to parenting, education, family life, and whether my minivan is a wise choice for the environment or not. Looking past someone’s stiff views on a particular topic and choosing to get to know them in a different way has been enjoyable and it gives people a chance to show their true colors without feeling rejected. Homeschooling taught me that I always find a connection point with someone if I try hard enough.
- My public school education was not quite up to par, but I lived and earned a master’s degree, so it did the job. Homeschooling taught me that my answer to life’s problems isn’t always the only answer.
- I am a hoarder of books. I always knew I enjoyed collecting and using cute office supplies. I have been known to buy something simply because it is cute and figure out a way to use it in our schoolroom (rather than the logical way of realizing you have a need and shopping to fill that void…). Perhaps it was timely coincidental, but I paid attention to my habit of desiring beautiful books, helpful books, old books, well-made books, and books written by my friends. Then I noticed that I don’t have the bookshelf space to hold all of these jewels and began stacking books on floors, end tables, nightstands, empty corners and wherever else I could squeeze in a few hardbacks. Homeschooling proved I am a book hoarder.
1.That my kids are worth my time. My husband and I don’t make a ton of money. Our kids won’t be inheriting million-dollar homes, fancy cars, or large family businesses. But one grand thing I can give my children is a desire to learn, a deep appreciation for each other, and a taste for the truth. Homeschooling taught me that my investment in my kids is far greater than any estate planner can sort and I thankful I can give that to my kids.
Lindsay Banton is a caffeinated mother to three great kids. She never expected to homeschool, but has found that it is a wonderful addition to their lifestyle and wouldn’t change it for the world. In addition to homeschooling, Lindsay works alongside her husband in campus ministry at a large university in Connecticut. She grew up in Virginia but has settled into life in New England, learning to love the long winters, cool springs, green summers and gorgeous autumns- and has built a boot collection to meet all the demands. She is currently blogging at www.lindsaybanton.com.