We all face having to make decisions every day.  While most decisions are inconsequential, some are very serious, as the consequences could affect others well into the future, particularly in regards to children.  It makes no real difference whether you make a peanut butter or jam sandwich or both for that matter, and the colour … Continue reading "Decisions – Summary: Choices (Part 15)"

Now that we have dealt with the urban legend of having to possess a high school diploma and government transcript or die, it may be necessary to explain why this lie is perpetuated in the first place and what is actually needed instead of the standard expectation. It should not come as much of a … Continue reading "Academic Objectives for Home Education: Choices (Part 14)"

Most likely the biggest, most fearful consequence associated with home education is the potential for sabotaging a child’s future possibilities.  As I mentioned in a previous blog, “there will be consequences” for choosing home education, and again, you are probably hearing “that you will not like”.  At least that is what the entire world seems … Continue reading "Diploma Consequences for Home Education: Choices (Part 13)"

Let me mention two important advantages and long-term consequences of learning at home. Remember, there are always exceptions so keep the words “should”, “could” and “usually” in mind. The first advantage of home education is improved family dynamics. Siblings who grow up together become each other’s best friends. While there will always be contests between … Continue reading "Long-Term Consequences of Choosing Home Education: Choices (Part 12)"

Every decision comes with consequences. Unfortunately, the word consequences has taken on a negative meaning. We have all heard the warning “there will be consequences” and we have all heard the unspoken “that you will not like”. Truth is, consequences are directly related to the decision. Therefore, if bad decisions usually result in bad consequences, … Continue reading "Short-Term Consequences of Choosing Home Education: Choices (Part 11)"

While choices abound for the why’s, how’s, when’s, where’s and what’s of home education, there are other decisions that must be made to ensure a sound foundation upon which to conduct your educational efforts. One of the biggest reasons families fail to continue a home education program is because their house is out of order.  … Continue reading "More Decisions – Family Structure? Choices (Part 10)"

I met my wife a half century ago.  That day changed my life forever.  What did I see?  What caught my attention?  What was it that made me say this is the girl for me?  We were both swept off our feet and for good reason.  It did not take long before we started planning … Continue reading "More Decisions – Why? Choices (Part 9)"

Where to home educate is quite likely answered with a “duh”, but allow me to expand a bit. The simple answer is home education takes place at home as opposed to at school.  However, while it may be easy to describe a school setting, home is a bit more difficult to pin down. It is … Continue reading "More Decisions – Where? Choices (Part 8)"

When should we do “school”?  This could be the shortest blog in history! Follow a schedule that works for your family.  Amen. We have seen everything from rigid schedules that start precisely at 9:00 AM (not 9:05) and go until 12:00 PM (not 11:50) with a fifteen minute break to virtually no schedule of any … Continue reading "More Decisions – When? Choices (Part 7)"

We didn’t know better and there was very little available at the time.  Thirty-five years ago, there were but a few well established school curricula that could be used at home.  All were based on school ideology and methodology, even if coming from a “Christian” perspective.  Still, we determined to keep it as close to … Continue reading "More Decisions – What Curriculum? Choices (Part 6)"