Someone, in the midst of attacking our choice to homeschool our children, once threw out an accusation that has stuck with me all these years: you’re selfish.
As in, “Your choice to homeschool your children is purely selfish.”
Now, this person was insinuating that by not participating in the institutional education system, we were denying others the benefit of our family’s interaction. You’ve no doubt heard the argument; if all of the Christians/involved parents/good people/motivated students leave the ship, it will sink for lack of faithful, moral, service-minded lifeboats. And if you subscribe to this theory then yes, I am selfish.
When I admitted as much, the critic was stunned. I sealed the deal by allowing for even further selfishness on my behalf: I like teaching my kids, and I’m happy that I don’t have to delegate that pleasure to someone else.
It’s true.
I have selfishly taught six children now to write their own names.
I have selfishly sat nearby and listened to the first, halting lines of Dick and Jane as read by five separate children.
I have selfishly belted out the Continent Song, introduced fractions, examined World War II, and discussed asexual reproduction.
And I’ve enjoyed it.
No, not every minute. Even in a job you love with all your might, there are low spots. There are painful math fact drills and required standardized tests and moments when what should have been a delightful read-aloud is a slog through literary mud. There are times when education feels like the last thing that’s happening, and the only lesson being learned is that I am an imperfect, impatient sinner who is in no way able to shoulder the weight of this task under my own steam.
And yet, day after day, I go back. I go back because the good far outweighs the bad. I go back because God’s grace is new every morning. I go back because I believe in home education. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I also go back because the gift of being the voice that guides my children through the act of discovering the beauty and wonder and order and terror and hurt of this world is simply too delicious to share.
So yes, I am selfish. I am selfishly and unabashedly enjoying the journey. And I am not ashamed to admit it.