Why home education is the best option for Christian families

James Cary is convinced by the benefits of homeschooling and encourages more parents to consider it

For an alternative view see here.

Mention ‘homeschooling’ and a lot of parents tense up. Some feel threatened. Others think it’s weird – although it’s increasingly common. A few get cross and defend their school, or a teacher. I won’t persuade you. Not in a few paragraphs. But some of you are intrigued. Why not at least think about it?

There are plenty of good schools with brilliant teachers. But let’s be honest: most of what will form your child during their ‘formative’ years won’t come from a teacher or a classroom assistant. It’ll come from the 29 other children in the class. One or two children can set the tone for a whole class or year group. And you have no say in who they are and what they do. This isn’t even about bullying, although that is a serious problem and many schools feel unable to tackle it. How can one teacher discipline 30 kids, especially if half a dozen simply don’t want to play the game?

You will get your children when they are rushed on the way to school, and tired afterwards. If you’d like to do something about that, you’re not crazy

Your child will spend about 12,000 hours in that environment. You will get your children when they are rushed on the way to school, and tired afterwards. If you’d like to do something about that, you’re not crazy.

If we turn to the Bible, we will find lots of exhortations to bring up your children to know and love the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Likewise, Ephesians 6:4, says it is the job of the father to ensure this takes place: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

The education of children in the faith, especially in those early years is critical. Unless you happen to ……