What's Most Important in Determining Your Child's Education Path?

Whenever people would ask me about how I decided to homeschool, I would slowly scale my homeschool soap box, as I shared the following:

Homeschooling is a beautiful experience, but it is important to prioritize God’s direction. when seeking the best education options for your child. The most important thing you can do - even more important than the choices - is to make your child’s education a matter of prayer. Remember that God created your child and has good plans for your child. He ordained your child to accomplish special assignments to fulfill His purpose, which is for us to be loved and reflect His character. Fulfillment of His purpose ultimately advances His kingdom. You are a steward of this gift. God knows best who your child is and why they were created, and you must seek His face in prayer about how best to nurture the calling on your child’s life.

God led me to homeschool my three girls, when I sought His will for how best to shepherd them educationally. I share details about my decision to homeschool in My Reasons for Homeschooling. Right now, I want to encourage you to follow however the Lord is leading you, believing that when He calls, He equips. Your child is His child and He knows best how their gifts, talents, and abilities need to be cultivated.

Even though I believe strongly that homeschooling has many advantages, I do know that it is not an option for some families. Even if my mom was aware that homeschooling was an option, she did not have the ability to offer that kind of education as a single mom working two jobs. I had a great public-school education and excelled. I must say that a large part of my success is owed to my mom’s support of me in not just my academics, but in every area of life. Regardless of the educational path you lay for your children, remember that they succeed largely because of your love and support, which includes intentional involvement in their academics.

If you are a single mom who feels led to homeschool, please know that homeschool resources have come a long way and there are single mothers who find a way to homeschool their children. Here’s one of many resources to assist you if you are interested: 4 Steps to Setting Up a Single Parent Homeschool. Again, one must ask the Lord His will concerning educating one’s child and then walk in His provision for His answer.

Here are my two cents about today's public school system. It is different than the public school system of yesteryears. The curriculum is different. The influences on children are different. When you consider the history of the traditional educational system and then also add the current day agendas, which often find ways to erase or distort the image of God, as well as insert political ideologies, you just really have to exercise even greater caution when considering this option and whether or not it will support your goals for nurturing your children.

It should also be noted that private parochial schools also are not perfect. I will say, however, that I have personally found (in Seventh-day Adventist schools) that there a way fewer negatives than there are compared with the public school system.

No matter what route is taken, just be sure you are following the Lord! He is faithful. If you do that, know there is no room for shame because of your decision. The Lord needs His children to shine brightly in a variety of locations in His vineyard.

What are your thoughts about deciding your child's educational journey? I'd love to hear them.