A few years ago, I enrolled in an online homeschooling course, which I found deeply helpful. It gave me the desire to homeschool, and eventually became the reason I wanted to write about it. I will probably share more of what I learned from that course in later blog entries. Anyway, you have probably read other blogs already—perhaps you were browsing out of curiosity, or maybe someone sent you this post. Either way, I am grateful you are here. If you are a Christian, it is my prayer that this reflection would either confirm your desire to homeschool or give you clarity about the path God is leading you to take.
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I became a Christian in my late teens, and shortly after turning twenty, I began to reflect on the future—whom to marry and how best to raise children in a world where moral and intellectual standards are steadily declining. Though I am still unmarried and just about to enter that stage, I am aware that certain wisdom can only be gained when one is living the reality firsthand, like a spouse or parent. Even so, I hope this reflection may still offer a helpful window for others, whether you are already a parent, preparing to be one, or simply considering what faithful stewardship of your child’s education might look like.
Some may say, “I just want to get my child away from harmful teachings.” I understand that deeply. If we could withdraw from worldly influence in a heartbeat, we would. But in our zeal to act, we must not forget what due diligence really means. It is not unlike reading Scripture—we do not just glance at a few verses and apply them loosely, then expect Christ-exalting outcomes. We must read carefully, seek understanding, and submit our choices to God's revealed wisdom. Education is no different.
So here are a few things I have prayerfully and thoughtfully considered—things I believe are worth weighing before one takes the full responsibility of homeschooling. Please note that these are in no particular order.
How Many Parents Are in the Picture?
While some homes are supported by two parents, many are not. Some readers may be single fathers or mothers, laboring long hours to meet the needs of their household. If that is you, please know this is written not to dismiss your desire, but to encourage careful planning. Homeschooling, though noble, comes with time costs that often require flexibility, external support, and financial breathing room. If you have counted the cost and can make it work, then that is one important box thoughtfully checked.
Understanding the Child’s Needs
I want to be tender on this point, as it can be a sensitive matter. Some children have unique learning needs that require more than what a single parent-teacher can provide, whether due to developmental differences or specific educational requirements. It is not a matter of who is “smart” or “slow”—those categories are often unhelpful. What matters is whether we are equipping each child with what they need. For some, this might mean regular sessions with a specialist, structured therapies, or external programs. All of that takes time, effort, and often money. And we are called to steward those resources wisely (Prov 27:23–24).
The Parent’s Willingness and Readiness
This may be the most crucial piece. Willingness alone is not enough. Homeschooling demands that the parent become a teacher—one who must study not only the subjects of math, grammar, and science, but the broader framework of biblical truth. You are not simply teaching information; you are forming a worldview. Your child will need to understand not just what the Bible teaches, but how to defend those truths in the face of worldly ideologies. That means you, too, must be ready to study diligently and teach faithfully (2 Tim 2:15). Are you prepared to keep learning so your child can keep growing?
Financial Readiness and Ongoing Provision
Let us not underestimate this. Homeschooling is not free. Even if you plan to use open-source materials or low-cost curricula, there will still be expenses. These include books, learning supplies, internet access, and possibly fees for assessments or homeschool support groups. If one parent stays at home to teach, that means living on a single income or adjusting work schedules, which might not be feasible for every family. I am not saying that financial limitations must automatically disqualify someone from homeschooling. Many families have found creative ways to make it work. But we must be honest—our desire to homeschool must be accompanied by the ability to sustain it. Proverbs 27:23 reminds us to “be diligent to know the state of your flocks.” In today’s context, that includes knowing whether our current and future provisions can support the demands of home education.
Some might respond with, “God will provide.” And indeed, He does. I believe that with all my heart. But even God’s provision does not negate the need for planning. When Paul instructed the church in 1 Timothy 5:8, he said that anyone who does not provide for their own household has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. That is a sobering truth. The Lord may provide, but He also expects us to walk in wisdom, seek counsel, and assess our responsibilities with seriousness. In the end, it is not a lack of faith to count the cost—it is faith in action.
It is common to see Christian parents resolve to homeschool in response to an alarming curriculum change in another country. I understand the impulse. Yet I want to caution against reactive decisions. Ask: is your own country enforcing such policies? Is your local school system implementing those teachings? If the answer is no, then perhaps there is still time to prepare carefully before pulling your child out. If the answer is yes, then let your decision be shaped not just by fear, but by faith and readiness (Eph 5:15–17).
Local Laws and National Policies
It is important to recognize that homeschooling is not equally permitted or supported in all countries. Some places—like Germany and Greece—strictly regulate or ban it outright. Others may impose requirements that are heavy for a family to meet. If you live in such a context, you must consider both your legal responsibilities and the long-term sustainability of your plan. God calls us to obey governing authorities (Rom 13:1), so unless the law commands what God forbids or forbids what God commands, we are still called to submit.
Alternatives: Online and Christian Schools
If homeschooling full-time proves unworkable, there are other options worth considering. Online schooling, especially Christian-based ones, can offer structure and curriculum while minimizing the dangers of ungodly peer influence. Another alternative is sending your children to a trustworthy Christian school—though we must test their doctrine carefully. Sadly, not all Christian schools are sound, and many are expensive. Still, if God provides the means, this may be the most realistic and faithful route for some families.
When Full-Time Homeschooling Is Not the Path—A Hybrid Choice May Be
After weighing these considerations prayerfully and thoughtfully, you might come to the conclusion that full-time homeschooling is not the best path for your family. And that is not a failure. It may be the result of honest reflection and wise stewardship. If that is the case, you may still explore hybrid options. Some families choose to enroll their children in Christian schools, even public schools, part-time, or follow structured online programs while taking on select subjects at home. Others become deliberate in supplementing their child’s education through regular Bible study, critical discussions, and gospel-centered conversations. The goal remains the same—to raise children who know the truth, love what is good, and stand firm in a world that constantly shifts. What matters most is not the method, but the faithfulness behind the decision.
Final Thoughts: Making the Choice that Honors the Lord
As we weigh all these things, let us not compare ourselves with others or be moved by trends. What may be wise and attainable for one family may not be the same for another. But whatever path we choose, let it be the result of prayer, wisdom, and a sincere desire to honor the Lord in the life of our child. Whether we choose to homeschool full-time, partially, or not at all, we remain accountable for what our children are taught, exposed to, and discipled in. We cannot abandon our duty just because the system is in place—we must still guide, examine, and correct with God’s Word.
If homeschooling is where He leads us, then may He also equip us with strength and grace to carry it out. And if He leads us otherwise, then may we still be faithful to plant truth in our children’s hearts, one conversation at a time. Remember that our goal is not simply to withdraw from the world but to raise children who can stand in it with discernment and grace. We do this through prayer, wise counsel, and constant dependence on the Word of God. Let us not act simply out of urgency or reaction. Let us act out of faith—faith that God will help us raise our children in the fear and knowledge of Him, for their good and His glory.
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