Why I Chose to Homeschool – and Why It’s Far from “Free Time”

People sometimes think homeschooling is a luxury of extra time — as if I sit around with endless hours to fill. The truth? I homeschool because I’m making my children my priority. I want them to have the best education they can possibly get — one that goes beyond filling in bubbles on a state test.

I want them to learn real-life skills:

• How to manage a home, raise a family, and take care of themselves and others.

• How to nurture animals and land with care and responsibility.

• How to set meaningful goals and achieve them with hard work and determination.

• And most importantly, how to be caring, grateful individuals who recognize God’s blessings in their lives.

Life on Our Little Farm

Being a mom of a startup business and the manager of a small farm means there is no “off” button. Animals need to be fed and cared for twice a day. Goats need to be milked. The yard needs tending. And in between, there are meals to cook, laundry to keep up with, kids to guide, and a household to manage.

It’s not just the physical work — it’s staying positive, uplifting, and encouraging to my husband as he works toward his goals, and being a listening ear for my mother-in-law (who is truly amazing and a blessing in my life). She’s there for me, too, and some days I don’t know how I’d manage without her.

Family, Near and Far

Then there are the older children who’ve left home. When they call to check on me, I smile because I know I’ve passed on something important — the habit of caring and checking in on those you love. I also call my own mom, making sure she’s doing well.

And then… I remember to breathe. Yes, even that can slip my mind in the rush of the day.

My Source of Strength

Each night before I close my eyes, I pray. I thank God for the life He’s given me, the blessings He has poured over my family, and the strength He grants us to keep going, even on the hard days.

No, It’s Not Easy — But I Wouldn’t Change It

Being a homeschooling mom, a business owner, a farm manager, and a caretaker isn’t easy. It’s exhausting, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming. But it’s also deeply rewarding. Every day, I see the results of my labor in the growth of my children, the health of my animals, the love in my family, and the life we are building together.

And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.