If you’ve been homeschooling for any amount of time, I’m sure you’ve encountered at least one person who has questioned your decision to do so. I remember when we began homeschooling in 2010, every time I met someone new and introduced myself as a homeschooling mom, the response would be, “Why did you decide to homeschool?”
This familiar conversation got more interesting when the inquisitor found out that my husband and I were both homeschooled for part of our schooling years back in the 1980s—their furrowed brows shot up, their mouths gaped open with shock, and their tone immediately shifted. “Really—you were homeschooled?”
Fast forward to 2025: Homeschooling is far more prevalent, and reasons for choosing it are more commonly understood. In our final years of homeschooling (our youngest graduated from high school last spring), the “why” question became less scrutinizing and more inquisitive. However, even as homeschooling has grown in acceptance, I’m sure you’ve had to explain yourself more than a few times.
Because we’ve already weighed the pros and cons of our decision, we’re usually prepared to answer without hesitation. After all, we convinced ourselves first before embarking on the journey, then possibly had to make a persuasive case to close friends, family members, or maybe even a spouse.
Knowing your initial “why” helped you decide to homeschool in the first place. Homeschooling with the end in mind will help you stay on course until you reach the finish line…
