Each of my children have a learning style that is different from what can be found in a traditional classroom. My daughter needs to be constantly reminded to concentrate. My seven-year-old needs just enough help so he doesn’t become discouraged and give up altogether. My five-year-old needs physical contact and edification. When a classroom has anywhere from twenty-one to thirty-five children all needing instruction, the teacher is overwhelmed as it is, without having to give specialized attention. Extra time and resources simply don’t exist for that.
And so to answer the question of why I homeschool: I do have the time to tap into the needs my children have and to see that they are met. I can sit and snuggle my five-year-old while he sounds out his letters. I can let my seven-year-old explain his latest invention to me at length and support my daughter in her sewing. Because I know my children’s hearts, I can see to it that the things they need to fill their souls are provided for them.
Some might argue that if I were to place my children in public school, soon they would conform and would not need special attention. I have no doubt that would happen. Soon they would act just like the other children. But in doing that, I fear a risk would be taken. So much of what makes children wonderful is their individuality, and when they all start acting like each other, some of that uniqueness is lost. I wish there was a way for every child in the world to experience a perfect balance of education, personal expression, and food for their souls. Until that time arrives, we’ll all keep striving on, doing the very best we can for our children, using our parental instincts to do what we feel is right. What makes it confusing is that what’s right for one isn’t right for another. I don’t push homeschooling on to everyone I meet because I understand that for many, it’s not the answer. But for the Pinkstons, it is.