Homeschooling and Education
by Jean Reed

I firmly believe we are changing the world,
onehomeschooled student at a time. With
everyyoung adult who goes from homeschool
tocollege, work, or other pursuits, we are
broadeningthe definition of “meaningful
education” andchallenging the existing
attitudes about the efficacy ofstandardized public schooling.

Whether we are consciously aware that our homeschooling creates pressure on the public educational system to change or are doing so only to meet our personal goals, we are influencing the way people think about education now and in the future. What we do today, with our children, is changing and challenging the community around us and society at large. As we quietly go about the daily business of raising and educating our families, we should be aware that our actions have repercussions beyond our immediate goals.

We are changing not only some attitudes about education, but also attitudes regarding parental responsibility and parenting. At a time when many feel it is important for women (in particular but not exclusively) to get out of the house and “make something” of themselves, we are living the “family values” that too many people just talk about. We are creating strong foundations for our children and ourselves.

There will always be those who are resistant to change or actions that vary from the norm. If you are new to homeschooling and find resistance or skepticism, remember that you are not alone. There are hundreds of thousands of parents just like you enjoying the time and privilege of sharing the learning adventure with their children.

Don’t be dismayed at the lack of regulation textbooks in this book or on our website (www.brookfarmbooks.com). You won’t find many of them. Our kids never liked them. We never liked them. They reminded us of commercial baby food — they fill a need but on the lowest possible level. At best, some make reasonable reference books. You will find books you and your children will enjoy that will transform your learning into a creative adventure.

Right Where You Are

Much has been written about raising and homeschooling children in urban vs. rural environments. There certainly is a wealth of resources available to families in and around cities. One of the questions that comes up is, can homeschooled children raised in a rural or wilderness environment find their way in modern society, comfortably?

I believe so. All our children were born in either rural or wilderness areas of the U.S. or Canada. All are now grown and found ways of living within this modern society. As they would tell you, there are advantages and disadvantages. Donn and I would say the same. I don’t think it makes any difference where you live when children are young. Young children spend the first years of their lives exploring and learning about their immediate home surroundings wherever they are. It is easy to find stimulating books, toys, and games for the young ages, and the surrounding area is a playground ripe for exploration. As children get older they do need contact with a wider, more varied world. We used magazines, books, and limited television to bring the world to us because we felt the kids needed to see that there are many ways of living and thinking, and that the world was a lot bigger and different from where we lived. We traveled when we could and encouraged the children to travel and visit relatives.

There weren’t any homeschooling families in some of the places we lived, so our kids grew up feeling set apart from others their age. In some cases this wasn’t a bad thing, but we did have to make an effort to connect them with other children. Homeschooling today has grown, so it is easier for you to connect with other homeschooling families. Homeschooling is well enough accepted in most places that homeschooled children can take part in activities without prejudice.

We did find that the kids went through periods when they really wanted to be with other kids their age, and that is difficult in very isolated areas. It was difficult for the kids because they couldn’t go next door or down the block and find a friend. It was difficult for us because driving a long way for a birthday party was a bit of an inconvenience. At one point it meant that during the winter months we needed to Ski-Doo two miles to our truck, hope it would start, and then drive six miles up to the main highway — with another forty miles to town. On the other hand, without all the distractions of today’s fast-moving society — the TV, video games, computer games, and such — the kids had to develop their inner resources. They had unhurried time to follow their interests and time to daydream, time to read just for the fun and adventure of it, and lots of time to play together. When your society of peers is mainly your brothers and sisters you have to find ways to get along. All of us had to work together to get chores done, put food on the table or away for the winter, and care for our animals whether they were for food or pets. They had puppies and kittens, baby pigs and kid goats and lambs. They didn’t have organized sports, but they had acres to run in and play their own games. They watched us milking and knew exactly where their milk came from. Sometimes if they were lucky they could catch their breakfast egg as it was laid. They learned to respect other life forms at a very early age. They also learned the life cycles of birth and death firsthand. Donn and I felt lucky because our lifestyle gave us time to play and explore with them.

Yes, our kids missed out on some things, but I believe that what they gained as inner resources has given them the advantage of knowing themselves well. I can’t imagine any of them being bored or feeling that there is nothing to do. They know how to pursue their own goals and dreams, and I think that the more concentrated time they spent playing together in creative play has helped them develop good social skills.

I find it interesting and not too surprising that none of our kids has chosen to live the way we did. I think for the most part they were happy children growing up with unusual freedoms. Having “been there, done that” they have moved on to explore a different way of living for themselves. I can remember times when my parents in particular thought we would ruin our children by depriving them of a more normal upbringing and interaction with other children. I think our children grew up with added dimensions.

Learning to Think Long-Term

It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey
that matters, in the end. — Ursula K. Le Guin

Be forewarned: You may have young children now, but they won’t always be at home and your full-time concern. We are discussing learning resources for “kids,” but the more I hear from the growing number of parents whose homeschooled kids are adults now, the more I realize that many of these parents are moving on to higher education for themselves, following dreams that have been dormant or have sprung anew through the homeschooling process. Don’t hesitate to dream for yourself too — and plan — or start or restart your own journey. You can and will inspire your children by your actions.

About the author: Jean Reed is a veteran homeschooler and along with her husband Donn, is author of The Lifetime Learning Companion (above cover photo). The Reeds speak from the heart, with humor, about the challenges of being both teacher and parent. From pregnancy through adulthood, this book, combined with their Web site, creates an all-in-one creative resource for homeschooling families. Click here for a full description.