When Moms Talk Schooling

January 6, 2012 By Shannon McKee

Hello my name is Shannon McKee and I need to make a confession: I send my kids to a public school. By choice. Because I think it’s the best option for them.

It’s true. I’m a Christian Mommy Blogger who is bullish on her local elementary school. Did you know those things could all be in the same sentence? When I first waded into the blogging world, I wasn’t so sure. It seemed like all my favorite bloggers homeschooled. But, I can assure you: we do exist. {wink} And we really do love Jesus. AND our kids.

Over the years, I have discovered that schooling choices can be a very touchy topic among moms. I think we all have a tendency to feel a tad defensive about whatever decision we make about educating our kids. Have you noticed it too? Why do we do that? I can think of three reasons.

For one thing, our decisions about schooling are very closely tied to our worldview and to our convictions about things that are near and dear to our hearts – like parenting and family.
I think we also desperately want to be understood and validated in the course we’ve chosen. You and your husband likely put a lot of thought into how best to educate your kids. It’s a critical piece of the puzzle in their upbringing. You put your all into it. You want people to hear and understand some of the heart behind that decision.
And, lastly, no matter how confident you feel about your schooling path, there’s often a small sliver of doubt that pops up from time to time. Rick and I have very strong, well-thought, prayerfully-considered reasons for our decision to have our kids in the public schools. But, if I’m honest, I can see both merits and pitfalls in every schooling choice – public schools included. It really comes down to a matter of trade-offs and value judgements that you have to make for your family’s situation. No method is going to be foolproof. Sometimes it’s hard for us to let go of that ideal and realize that we are making a decision for our children that is going to have some unintended consequence in their lives. No matter how hard we try to minimize those potential downsides.

If you stick around The Better Mom for long, you’ll likely hear from moms from all sorts of schooling perspectives. Maybe, like me, you even know a family who has done different things for different kids within the same family. (I love that sort of variety that comes with being a part of the Body of Christ.)

So, how can we spur each other on even when we’re talking about a touchy subject? Can I encourage you with a few thoughts?

Enjoy the chance to learn what other families are doing. I stumbled upon one blogger who is part of a movement called Unschooling. Did you even know that was an educational perspective? It was fun to read some of her thoughts.
Affirm the strengths you see in other educational philosophies. If you can’t think of any strengths in other educational philosophies, then you might have an issue. What if God leads you to a different schooling option later? Would you be open to that possibility?
Hold loosely to your schooling perspective. There are only a few things I would die for. Schooling methodology isn’t one of them. The Bible doesn’t say a thing about which way you should school your kids. It does say that we should “teach them diligently” regarding Him and His Word. How we chose to do that is a mixture of conviction and opinion. Be careful not to elevate it to something more than that.
Continue to be sharpened by other moms. Find moms who share your schooling passion and learn best practices from each other. Enjoy opportunities to be around like-minded moms – without being exclusive or cutting yourself off from other perspectives.
Pray for each other and try to really understand each other. We all face challenges in our children’s education.
Be sensitive when you share your heart. Don’t put people on the defensive unnecessarily. Instead, consider how your thoughts will be received by someone who doesn’t share your conviction. And choose to care more about them than your schooling ideology.

I could go on. But, really it comes down to this: “And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” – Colossians 3:14

Can you imagine what it would be like if we really “put on love” and did this in our interactions with each other? And I don’t mean we should sit around, holding hands, and singing Kumbaya. I’m talking about something way more profound than that. I dare you to try it…

64 Comments | Filed Under: Parenting

About Shannon McKee

Shannon is a self-proclaimed putterer. She likes to dabble in this, that, and the other thing. Sometimes that creates a lot of inner turmoil and lost productivity! But, it gives her a lot to write about at her blog In a Mirror Dimly! She feels blessed to be able to write from home, directing some online publicity for a local firm in Northeast Ohio. Some things that move her: loving her Pastor-husband and their two kiddos, supporting the public school her kids attend, sharing hospitality and creating refuge, living missional, and teaching women to study the Bible. That, AND devouring dark chocolate almonds from Trader Joe's.

Pingback: School-Talk Etiquette | In A Mirror Dimly
Bekah

So true, schooling is a choice that needs to be prayerfully considered. I was considering public school for my son, so I tested God, and well, homeschool is the option it seems – but I have one more test to be certain! I grew up in a Christian home and went to public school. I truly believe that no matter which option you choose for schooling, parents just need to be involved! Without involvement with what your kids are learning or exposed to, you could lack in so many areas, such as how to pray for your kids, how to encourage them, how to teach them to respond to a situation, etc. The more involved a parent is, the more a child will succeed in the morals/values you want instilled. I’m very thankful my mom was involved in my school work, in my school activities, in my teacher’s business… without that, family time would have been sacrificed for crazy amounts of homework, etc. Trust in God in the choice you make, then leave it in His hands to guide you on how to raise the kids!

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Bekah – I so agree. I think you hit the nail on the head. Parent-involvement is more critical than choice. Of course, there are certainly parents who abdicate their role and let the schools (public or private) fill that void. That is one of the safeguards homeschooling usually affords. It’s hard to abdicate when you’re the teacher But, as you mentioned, it IS possible to shape their worldview through many means. And, then, you’re right again, it’s ultimately up to the Lord to mold the hearts of our kids.

http://thejohnsonglasshouse.blogspot.com/ Gaby

You make some good points. I am a public educator by trade and I used to rant about how we needed strong Christian families in the public schools…until I became the parent of a school-age child. We decided to homeschool but I agonized over the decision and fought God tooth and nail over it. Like you, I still feel small doubts now and then about our choice, but they push me to try to do the best job I can with my children’s education and socialization. I think my kids would have been fine either way but we chose to keep them home for many different reasons. Like you said, it’s a trade-off and we are fully aware of what we traded and what we gained. Good post!

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Gaby! I love stories like yours where God kind of turned your assumptions upside-down and led you to do something you didn’t expect! I love your line about being fully aware of what “we traded and what we gained.” Awesome perspective. Press on!!

Amy

I’m glad to see other Christian mommy bloggers with public schooled kids. It frustrates me to see it turned into a competition, because it’s not. I don’t differentiate between kids by how they are schooled. They are all kids!

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

So true! I mean, if you saw me doing something unbiblical, I’d want you come alongside me in love and let me know. But, I think we have a tendancy to elevate too many things to the level of “unbiblical” when we’re really talking about preferences or opinions. I’d just love to see an atmosphere of encouragement and grace that permeates even our differences. Thanks for your comment, Amy!

Rachel

I was starting to wonder if I was making the right decision of sending my children to public schools after reading so many blogs of homeschooling mommies. And now I realize there isn’t a right or wrong answer it is whatever is best for your family and even each child as an individual. What works for one family may not work for your family.

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Well, there certainly is room for variety, I think. So long as you are committed to the “teaching them diligently” piece of the puzzle, God can use a variety of means to lead you there. There WILL be trade-offs. But, I believe that’s true no matter which option you choose. My main encouragement if you’re going the public school route would be involvement – not that you’re annoying the teachers and looking over their shoulder all the time. But, that you have a sense for the principal and teachers. That you are comfortable with the tone of the school and the educational goals they are achieving. We talk A LOT with our kids and are well-known in the school by teachers and kids.

Ashley@ Stay-At-Home Daughter

Shannon,
Thank you for sharing that post. It was very well written and I appreciate your perspective. It seem that I would be one who would have to disagree with you on a few points but your sweet spirit shines through and promotes the unity the body of Christ should have. I appreciate your gentleness and the thought provoking points you brought up.

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

I’m OK with us disagreeing, Ashley It’s clear that we both love Jesus, are seeking Biblical femininity and want to honor Him with our lives. A little disagreement among sisters is probably a healthy thing, huh?!?! Thanks for your encouraging words!

http://www.stayathomedaughter.com/ Ashley@ Stay-At-Home Daughter

There are things of first importance (a true perspective of the Gospel, a proper perspective on the infallibility of the Word etc.) and then things of second importance (schooling choice being one of these). I firmly believe God places people in our lives who are at different points in their sanctification to allow us to exercise love and unity as well as to get us thinking about what we really believe and why we believe it.

Thanks for stretching me today and for your Christ-like attitude!

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Mark Driscoll (a pastor in Seattle) talks about things we can hold with an open hand and things we must hold with a closed hand. Similar to your first importance/second importance thought. When I was in seminary we talked about it in terms of 3 levels: non-negotiables, convictions, and opinions. Our prof cautioned us about the line between convictions and opinions -sometimes it’s hard to distinguish. Interesting thoughts, huh? Love this sharpening! Love your thoughts on sanctification too! Thanks for sharing!

Melaniearudd

Hi Shannon! I totally agree that we should walk in love one towards another. However, that also involves us speaking the truth in love as the God’s word instructs us to. I won’t say that I’ve never been tempted to stick my kids on the nearest school bus and send them off some days. Yet, I know that this shouldn’t be a real option for Christian parents. The Bible clearly instructs us to teach our children diligently (as you mentioned in your article), to train them up in the way that they should go, and that we should be teaching them about God and His ways all throughout the day, in every situation. If Christians send our children to public school, we are abdicating their “training up” to the goverment and it’s humanist agenda. They are daily being taught the opposite of what Christian parents are instructed to teach them! They are being taught that there is no God, that creation was not created at all and that Heather’s family with two moms is just as valid an example of family as your own. Christian kids are leaving the church and the faith in droves and it would behoove us to stop, ask why and do something about it.

And I won’t even get into the bad influences they are daily subjected to. Proverbs makes it clear that we will become somewhat like those we are continuously spending time with.

That said, I don’t doubt your love for your children or that you are a great mom. I freely call you my sister and will gladly subscribe to your blog and enjoy reading it. Schooling is not a salvation issue but it is a very important issue that Christians everywhere need to rethink.

Blessings!
Melanie

Melaniearudd

Just for the record-for me the issue isn’t about judging those who do not make the same decisions as I but about prayerfully considering God’s best! I, in no way mean to imply that I am better than those who don’t homeschool or that parents who send their children to public school are horrible moms and dads. I am simply adding an opininion from the other side of this schooling debate. I’ve had to prayerfully consider each important decision in my life and come to a conclusion for myself and my family. I believe some are personal and some are issues that all of Christianity needs to take a stand on. Homeschooling falls in the latter category in my opinion.

It’s not any more personal than any other decision I might make to live a biblical life as I see it. What makes the blogging community so wonderful is it’s a place to share our thoughts and opinions-to agree and disagree-to present many different sides to each debate.

I’m so glad that salvation is by grace, that there is such a diversity among God’s children, that we can be free to express our different opintions and still come away as sisters and brothers in Christ. Our choices shouldn’t affect our love for one another and we must not take our convictions and use them as standards to condemn others. Then, as God’s word says, we have become judges of the law and not doers of the law.

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Thanks for taking the time to come back and clarify, Melanie! I was praying about how best to respond since it’s clear that we disagree on some points… namely whether or not a parent can indeed “teach them diligently” if they don’t homeschool. Wouldn’t it be great to site face-to-face and sharpen each other on that point alone? I appreciate your heart and am so glad for your clarification that it’s not a salvation issue (while at the same time affirming that it’s a very important issue). Good stuff. Later this month, I plan to do a series on why we chose the public schools – on my personal blog. (We don’t have a position about here at The Better Mom – our contributing writers come from several perspectives.) You can feel to join me there if you want – I’m guessing that it won’t change your mind necessarily but it might give you a window into another perspective. Cause I sure don’t “stick my kids on the nearest school bus and send them off” {wink} Thanks again for your original comment and for coming back to clarify. Love it.

Melaniearudd

Hi again Shannon! I completely agree with you that homeschooling is not the only way to teach our children diligently about God and His ways. That’s why I also brought up the issue of training them and how Deuteronomy says we are teach them all throughout our daily lives. Okay-I didn’t actually reference Dueteronomy but was thinking of it when I typed my post. There is also the problem with the antiGod agenda of the NEA and how that plays out daily in public schools all across America. How can we be training up in our children in God’s way when we are handing over them to someone-a someone whom we tell them to obey and learn from-who ( in some ways) who will train them up in the way they shouldn’t go? Doesn’t part of my responsibility include making sure that the other people I allow to teach and train them will also be training them up in the way that they should go?

I would be so interetested in hearing your response to the issues I mentioned as well as your response to other arguments from the “all Christians should homeschool” crowd. Maybe that would shed some light on the issue for me. I’ve never really seen anyone address these points. I love friendly debates and I’m always ready to eat humble pie if the Lord shows me I’m wrong in an area. If you plan on covering all of this on your future posts on the topic, let me know. I definitely don’t want to miss that!

Thanks so much for starting this wonderful conversation with your transparent blog post. I’ve really enjoyed reading it and all that your other readers have had to say concerning it. Fascinating stuff!

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Some great thoughts and questions Melanie. I can tell you’re genuinely seeking to know my perspective and not just being argumentative. I also love how you’re not shy about holding your own thoughts with conviction and no shame! Since The Better Mom doesn’t take a “position” on schooling issues, it probably would be better for us to continue conversing on my blog as my series comes out later this month. I don’t want you to feel like you have to subscribe to my blog (though I’d be happy to have you!) so I’ll make sure I come back here and let you know when that series is coming up – maybe it will answer some of your concerns. And, if not, I’ll feel more free to share my own opinions and reasons there rather than speaking for all of us here. Our contributors run the gamut of schooling perspectives – we probably all feel very passionate about our reasons/ideals!!

Heather Brandon

Wonderful post! It is so nice to see someone encourage all moms to love and support each other instead of engaging in the “Mommy Wars.” Schooling is a difficult and personal choice, one that as a public school teacher I am struggling with, and my boys are only 2 years old. I want my boys to live in God’s Word, and part of the way to do that is to understand that the secular world is a challenge and it takes a strong individual to fight against the temptations. I don’t want to separate them from the secular world only to have them get older and think “ooooh…pretty!” I know I too am testing God, and not exactly sure where it will lead, but am thankful to know there ARE people out there who are supportive..

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

I know that your boys are only 2 but you’re right to be thinking and praying about it even now! Later this month I’m planning to share more about why we chose public schools on my personal blog – feel free to check there. I’d encourage you to use this time as information-gathering. Not just my blog, but others too. Maybe it will help to hear some of the different perspectives. I’ll take a sec to pray for you, Heather! Your involvement as parents will be the key factor, no matter what schooling option you choose. Blessings!

Mickey

I send my kids to public school and they love it. They made it very clear that homeschool is not an option. Ha Ha! I know that how and where to educate your children creates controversy, I also noticed the turmoil of ” to work or not to work” creates equal amount controversy. I once had a stranger assume I was a Christian because I chose to stay at home with my new baby. Whether you choose to “work or not to work” or “use public eduaction or not” is not the basis for your faith or level of Christianity. We are all on the same side, the side of raising healthy, well – rounded children with Christ at the center. Your way is not better than my way and my way is not better than yours. I agree Shannon, encouraging each other with grace and mercy is the best way!

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Thanks for championing grace and mercy, Mickey! I pray that we all will – even as we follow (with passion at times) our convictions regarding various issues that Scripture gives some freedom to us. It’s good to know the pitfalls of each choice – there are some things that I keep a close eye on at school and we are very involved.

Alysun

I began my parenting task as a mom who would *never* homeschool my kids. Not that I didn’t think it was good, I just didn’t think I could do it (read…no patience…) And we know what God likes to do when we say NEVER! Now as the wife of a Marine (also said I would never be a military wife….), we have three children and have lived in three different states during school years. We chose church based preschools for all three kids, loved our elementary school in Florida, tolerated our elementary schools on base in Virginia, and hated our elementary school here in NC. All of those were public schools. Now my younger two go to a private school at a church down the street, which we love. My oldest daughter began 6th grade this past fall, and after seeing the educational priorities of this school district and the setting of the middle school she was slated to attend, I sucked it up (prayed like crazy) and decided to home school her this year. I will say that despite the many challenges this has presented for us, her education has flourished. She was excited to tell me she learned more in 2 weeks with ABeka curriculum than she did all last year.
All in all, I agree with everything you said! There are pros and cons to each option (although I admit I haven’t heard of unschooling?) It’s nice to know that I can homeschool if I need to, but I like the benefits of attending a good public school along with Biblical teachings at home and at church. Thanks for blog!

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Isn’t life funny sometimes? I began my marriage assuming I WOULD homeschool!! I had seen some wonderful examples of it in some of the mentors (thru Campus Crusade) that I had in college. But, God had other plans for us and here we are!! I like the examples you give of different locations leading you to different situations. Some school districts are hateful toward the Christian perspective – that would be a deal-breaker for me. You just have to get involved in order to sense those things. I’m glad homeschooling is going well – press on!! You can do some really neat things when you have them home all day, every day!

Alysun

God always gives you what you thought you didn’t need…and/or never planned on! Fortunately, I haven’t really run into any hateful districts, just the general attitudes toward education. The teachers here actually made my girls cry more than their friends, and when I asked questions to be sure I was dealing with disciplinary actions correctly at home I would get no response. Or my favorite was a reply from the 2nd grade teacher when I asked what happened (on a day where my daughter finished a book and got up to get another during reading time) – “That’s not what I saw”. And that’s telling me what exactly?! I have also been told that teachers are no longer told to teach children how to sound out words (by a first grade teacher in VA) when they are learning to read/spell. My fifth grader had conduct points taken away because she had the flu and the teacher lost her makeup spelling work (she hadn’t missed one assignment the entire rest of the year), and I had to call a conference to straighten it out. And don’t even get me started on schooling options for my now 5-year-old son who is on the autism spectrum!! We are so blessed by the Day School the two younger kids attend – God truly provides when you get on your knees!!
And I will lastly say that homeschooling my 6th grader has been fantastic for our relationship! She and I still have ups and downs, but we work through them so much better now.

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

ps – I like the way you spell your name

Alysun

Thanks!

TwoBoysMom

Excellent article… Thanks for posting!

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Thanks for reading and leaving a note of encouragement!

K.O.

Great Post!
What a perfect illustration of the actual issue – ALL mothers need to unite in ALL ways to raise our children, whether it’s in the public system or at home. It is so unfortunate that we can’t see every situation in our lives as an opportunity to minister instead of to judge. My children attend public school and some days we are pleasantly surprised by the ministry it provides to the other children there. My girls tell me all of the time what an amazing feeling it is to help guide friends that may not receive the same Christian training as my children do. Isn’t that what our goal as Christians is anyway…to spread the Word through example and ministry – not spend our time judging others? Honestly we do plan to “mix it up” a bit next year and try homeschooling, but not in judgement of those who can’t/don’t – but mainly for the reasons you spoke of – to have an open mind about ALL of our options and see what works best for our children.

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Thanks for your heart to be open to different ways that God might lead. I love that your kids are getting a glimpse of ministering to others in tangible ways. I have some dear friends that homeschool and it seems like they’re always on a new adventure – so, blessings to you as you pursue that for next year! There are some great bloggers (even here at The Better Mom) who can guide you in that endeavor (choosing curriculum, etc.)

Karin

Shannon, Thank you for eloquently putting your ideas out there. I have home-schooled, public schooled and now private (Christian) school my children. In every situation, there are good and bad examples of how to behave. Even when I home-schooled, my children “learned” some nonBiblical things at church or by neighborhood friends. The key to the child’s heart and raising them is the example that they see you live out. It is by shepherding their heart. It is by prayer and consistency. With home, public or private schooling you have to also trust God, trust your child, and be on your knees praying. Thanks again Shannon for opening the door of conversation.

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Blessings Karin! Love your thoughts about shepherding their hearts. Thanks for sharing a bit of your story since it includes 3 very different schooling experiences. We try to keep our hearts open to God’s leading on this – He might lead differently in any given year. Having a good school district with good communication between parents and teachers certainly helps in our case – that’s not true everywhere.

guest

Thank you for this…My kindergartener currently attends a private Christian school, but after MUCH prayer and consideration, we are choosing to enroll him in the local public school for 1st grade. We have LOVED the school he attends currently, but for many reasons it is not a continuing option for our family, and I am so encouraged by your reminder to hold loosely to our education methodology and just pursue what the Lord would have for our son and our family. I needed the encouragement just now…

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Hello “guest” Thanks for coming by The Better Mom. I’m planning to write more on my personal blog about some of our public school journey and decision-making. Later this month. If you think it might help give you some more thoughts, please feel free to join me there. We’ve learned a lot… my biggest encouragement would be to make sure you’re involved in some way and that you continue to help your child fit what he learns at school into the bigger picture of a Biblical worldview. That might sound overwhelming – but it’s really not.

http://www.happywivesclub.com/ Fawn

Great post! I have met alot of parents recently with children who homeschool and I must say I’m quite impressed. I always thought of homeschooling as the kids just being home all day every day and being taught by their parents. But that’s not at all the case these days because of the vast number of opportunities the kids are given. One kid we met, who my husband and I both noticed had an incredibly gift for illustration, wanted to really work on that craft. We set him up to meet with top illustrators at Disney and Warner Bros and they met with him and showed him how to improve upon his natural abilities. It’s quite possible this kid will be a talented illustrator before he even becomes a teenager and all this was considered a part of school work. I think that’s brilliant because you’re nurturing a child’s natural gifts. That being said, my husband grew up in private schools and I grew up in public so we don’t know which direction we’ll go in. I only know that we were previously opposed to homeschooling and now are considering that to possibly be the better option for preparing our kids for life. We’ll see. And thanks for your thoughts here on raising your kids in public school!

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Thanks Fawn! Great thoughts – that is one of my favorite things about homeschooling, honestly. Because you’re not in classroom of 25 or 30, you can really tailor the teaching to a child’s specific learning style or gifting. I’ve had some great homeschool role models and have a great deal of respect for it as a viable option. In fact, I really thought that’s the route we would go And, yet, here we are!!

Annie Osborne

You know I was at the book store earlier today and when I asked for parenting books about Homeschooling the lady looked at me like I was the devil or something! My children are in pre-k, fourth, fifth, and eigth grade in public schools and it concerns me about what is really being taught to them. I would like to home school my youngest just to see if there is a difference but many say its horrible for your child to do it. I feel that God isnt in the school anymore and by homeschooling I could bring up Gods word and teach my children so much more. Just my thoughts.

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Annie – I’m sorry that you feel underourced and supported in your desire to homeschool. It’s a very good option and if the Lord is leading you in that direction, I would enourage you to follow Him!! Many of the Better Mom contributing writers are homeschoolers – check out our “Meet the Contributors” page – that will link you to their personal blogs and you will find a plethora of support and encouragement and even practical input like curriculum choice, etc. My friend Jamerrill writes a blog called Holy Spirit Led Homeschooling – she has good resources there.

I do have one caveat for you – I don’t think it’s true that God isn’t in the schools anymore. He is everywhere His followers go. That doesn’t mean you should stay in your school – especially if it has become a place where your kids are mocked for their faith (some districts have become like that, some have not). He might be leading you away from your local school but I can assure you that He has not left the entire public school system

Pray, resource yourself and see where He leads you. What a fun adventure for you and your family as you seek His face!

Annie Osborne

Thanks so much for your resource information, I will check it out. Where our children go to school they dont say the pledge nor are they allowed to talk about God in the schools. My girls like to say prayer at lunch time while in school and many other children want to join in. This brings so much conflict and because there is so much conflict, I just had to advise my girls to pray to themselves at lunch time. (This is just one example) Thanks so much for your understanding and hope you have a blessed evening!

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

I think if I were in a district that was THAT limiting, I’d probably be looking at homeschooling or private school, as well. At least during the elementary years. Legally, they actually can’t stop your girls from talking about God – even if the teachers aren’t allowed to bring Him up in class. BUT, sometimes it’s just too much and can be too conflicting for your kids to deal with that environment. I know that districts vary and it sounds like yours is more militant than mine. I totally “get” what you’re saying. Press on, dear one, and ask the Lord to use this time and protect your girls while you decide what to do. The Alliance Defense Fund can help you know your rights, if you end up feeling led to stay.

Sharon

Fantastic post! I moved to a new city when I got married and was shocked at the sheer # of people I met that home schooled their children. I don’t recall knowing anyone that was homeschooled when I was growing up. I just have a 2 yr old right now, so the decisions are down the road for us a ways, but I honestly cannot see myself as a homeschooling Mom. In fact, I think it would be better for both my daughter and I, if she went to public school. Yet, there are aspects of homeschooling that I would love for my daughter to benefit from. Still, I just don’t see it working for our family.

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

I know she is only 2 but it probably is good to start thinking, praying, and educating yourself now. Some of it really depends on the school district you are in. No matter what you choose, your involvement will be key – we are the shapers and shepherds of those little hearts. And that is a serious calling whether you public school, homeschool, or private school!! Thanks for chiming in and being so encouraging. I pray your journey to educate your kids will be dripping with God’s grace and direction at every turn.

http://www.joyfilleddays.wordpress.com Sarah Beals

Shannon, you are SO right. I HATE,HATE it when people get all crazy about one way of schooling or another. Each situation is different. Each person has different goals for their kids at different times of their lives. I wrote “God is BIGGER than our Educational Choices” http://wp.me/pVeOk-uV when a fellow blogger was given slack about putting her kids into PS. Thank you for following God in the way He has led you. PS. Have you tried the Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups? Just sayin! ha,ha

Melaniearudd

Hi Sarah! I just skipped over and read your blog post on this issue and thought it was great! While I do have very firm beliefs that public school should not be an option for Christian kids for the most part-I do feel that there are exceptions to the rule, such as the cases you mentioned. Idealy, homeschooling or Christian school should be the top choices for those Christians who can choose, in my opinion of course! I believe that when we are unable to pursue God’s best in an area, for whatever reason, He steps in and takes care of the rest. He is certainly bigger than our educational choices (or anything else, for that matter!).

I hope I’m never one to “get all crazy” about any particular way of schooling but I do have my ideals.

Blessings,
Melanie
http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Ooooh, going to check out your link now Thanks so much for your encouragement! AND, yes to the peanut butter cups at T Joes. If I had a T Joes in my town, it’s where I’d do all my grocery shopping. Love that place! Sigh. Now I want some almonds

Heather

I needed this today…..and yesterday, and the day before! Thanks for sharing

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Glad it could be an encouragement Heather! Press on!

Desiré

Thanks for this! I honestly was a little afraid of where this article might go and I LOVE your approach! No judgment and heart to love your brothers and sisters and Christ. I grew up in a wonderful Christian home and had the rare experience of being homeschooled for several years, attending a private Christian school for a short while and ultimately public schooling for the majority of my education. All 3 were positive experiences for me and it saddens my heart to see how critical we can be of our own Body when it comes to this issue. I read an article once (Tim Challies, maybe?) that recommended showing your support to friends who choose a different path than you by giving them a book or something that supports their choice. (Like Going Public for those who choose public schools or When You Rise Up for those who choose homeschooling.) My husband and I are still prayerfully considering this issue since my oldest is only 3, but right now we’re leaning toward public school and this was refreshing to read! Thanks for your encouragement!!!

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Hi Desire! I caught your comment over at my personal blog too! Thanks for the affirmation! If you’re in the process of deciding what you want to do, you’ll want to watch for my series toward the end of January about our schooling journey (at In a Mirror Dimly, not here). It’s important to seek the Lord and know your own strengths and weaknesses as a parent. God is a God of great variety when it comes to the hows of living out our faith. BTW, loved your book suggestions and Challies’ idea. Very cool.

http://copycatmom.wordpress.com/ Carollida

Every family and their dynamic is different. The lords army is needed everywhere, especially in public school, where they try to keep him out. If you have prayed about your choice, and it works for your family then you are doing the right thing. Biggest thing is that the parent is involved leading their child in any education choice that is made.

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Parental-involvement is the game-changer, for sure. We can’t abdicate that to anyone – the church, a Christian school, or anyone else. WE are the ones God called to raise our kids and we need to be invested no matter how we educate our kiddos. Thanks for your thoughts, Carollida!

http://twitter.com/MommaDayByDay Christina Gilliland

This is very refreshing as I live in a predominantly homeschool area. I am a pastor’s wife and don’t want to homeschool! but know God may have other ideas. My kiddos are 3 and 2 so I have awhile to make this decision. I do have doubts and feel like I have to defend my opinion even though there are so many loving homeschool moms here. I appreciate you stepping out and saying public school might be OK! Love your writing

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

If you’re in the process of deciding what you want to do, you’ll want to check out my personal blog (not trying to push my own blog but I’ll be expounding more there) where I’m going to do a series toward the end of January about our schooling journey. It’s important to seek the Lord and know your own strengths and weaknesses as a parent. God is a God of great variety when it comes to the hows of living out our faith. (BTW, I’m a pastor’s wife too! In my area, it’s private Christian schools that are more dominant in our church than homeschooling.)

Holly

I was just having a conversation with a good friend this morning regarding homeschooling vs public schooling. I always feel convicted for leaning more toward public school, thinking that not homeschooling somehow makes me less of a mom. My husband and I both attended public school in a little town with a great school system. We know many of the teachers and we both feel confident that our girls would do just fine. Thankfully, I still have a couple more years to seek God’s guidance in this area. Reading this has been very encouraging to me..thank you so much, Shannon!

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

I’ve mentioned to a few of the other women who are in that decision-making phase with young ones that I’ll be sharing more of my own personal perspectives at my own blog later this month. Feel free to check it out if it would help. I’d encourage you to seek wise counsel, pray, and learn what you can about the pros and cons of each schooling option. I will say that you ARE NOT less of mom for considering public schools. God is narrow as to be boxed into one method of schooling. There ARE tradeoffs for sure – with every method. Just know what those are and how God has wired you (and your husband). He’ll direct your paths, I’m sure.

http://www.inamirrordimly.net Shannon McKee

Hi Kathy – thanks for commenting! I can’t wait to go read your post Grace and peace to you as you seek God’s best for your kiddos and His glory!
Ang

What I’d give to sit down with you face-to-face to hear your story in regards to the schooling topic. I still struggle with it. My oldest is in K and my youngest is in Pre K. I’ve chosen a private Christian school that I love but my husband is not in full agreement. I work outside the home full-time so my only other option was public school. This article has brought this issue up in my heart and I will definitely be spending some more time in prayer regarding it and I will be anticipating your follow-up blog posts on your site!!!
Janice Le

HI Shannon,
Thank you for this. The other day I saw pages and pages on facebook talking about homeschooling. I popped into one of the conversation and said, ” hey! My child goes to a private Christian school!”

Just to make a point that everyone is different in all different seasons. We cannot judge people just because of certain status. Like you’ve said, we go by our convictions. Whatever God leads us.
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Ameriah Sink

I love that you stick to your convictions.
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