This month I am doing a thankful project. When I began this project, I knew that one blessing that I would have to list would be homeschooling. As I was making my list of why I am so thankful for homeschooling, I started to realize that I am not only thankful for the experience of teaching my children at home. I am also eternally grateful and indebted for all that homeschooling has taught me. When people talk about homeschooling, they often mention the benefits for the children. However, there is this small secret that doesn’t seem to get as much press as I think it deserves. Homeschooling changes the heart of the teacher. So while I am so thankful for all the wonderful, and not so wonderful, moments that homeschooling has brought my family, I am also so thankful for how it has changed me.
I am thankful that when one of the girls was interested in a specific topic, we were able to stop and learn more about it. It has helped me be excited about life- about things that I am excited about and what excites them.
I am thankful that when my child had a hard time learning something, we were able to stop and take our time until they understood the concept. It has made me an understanding person.
I am thankful for all the experiments and projects that have sat, grown and mutated on my kitchen counter. It has made me a patient person.
I am thankful that I have not only taught my children to read, but to have a love for the written word. I love days that I look around my living room and each girl has her nose in a book. It has made me a more confident person.
I am thankful that I have so many moments of just being with my girls. We have sat under trees and talked… and sometimes just napped. It has made me person who can slow down and just be.
I am thankful for the days when we couldn’t put a book down, so I would read and read and read while my girls sat and listened. It has made me a passionate person… who doesn’t stop until I am satisfied.
I am thankful for the days when everything has gone wrong; when I have lost my temper or the girls have fought. It has taught me grace.
I am thankful for all the time I have had with my girls. I don’t feel like I missed a moment of their childhood. It has made me a joyful person.
I am thankful for the moments that I have had to let things go; let the dishes, the laundry and the cooking go. It has killed the perfectionist in me.
I am thankful that I had to dig deep and believe that I could teach my girls. It has taught me how to be brave.
I can’t imagine I am the only one that feels this way. I am sure there are lists and lists of things we have learned from homeschooling. And not only homeschooling, but parenthood in general. I wonder, what is it that homeschooling or parenthood has taught you? Did you realize that when you gave birth to one life that you would be so reborn yourself?
I know I didn’t. But, oh how I am thankful for it.
a life developing 
beautifully written, my dear. You always inspire me to be a better homeschool mama.
such beautiful words.
I love to read your gratitude and these images are so perfect. I have often wondered what it would be like. Reading your words make me wish I had tried. My favorite part was
“I am thankful for the days when everything has gone wrong; when I have lost my temper or the girls have fought.
It has taught me grace.”
I imagine those times would be hard to be grateful for in the moment but you show me the silver lining in that.
Tracie (red)
you are inspiration as well xoxo
thank you xo
Some of my hardest days are the days I learn the most from. I sure love you, friend. xo
This is just perfect, Staci. Beautifully written, and the images are gorgeous x
Perfectly articulates how I feel, too. Thank you!
Thank you! xo
I am so glad!
This is wonderful. I so wish I could have done something like this. Your time with your girls is so precious. Thank you for sharing this. It's very inspiring.
Amen. xx
What a wonderful entry, Staci. I never thought I would be a homeschooling mother, but it is one of the greatest blessings in my life. Thanks for putting my heart thoughts into such perfect words.
Yay I love this, as always your words move me. Your such a good mama!
It has been so beautiful to watch you homeschool your ladies for the last 13 years! I too learned much in the short time I homeschooled…but I learned even more what an amazing mentor and friend you were during that time. Love you dearly!
wonderful post, Staci.