Existential Homeschooling Crisis
J dusted off and charged her kid camera to join in on the latest camera craze in the Jones household. J has requested that we do a "daddy-daughter walk where we can take pictures together." I mean, who could say "no" to something like that? But, evening was upon us, so it has to wait for tomorrow.
S, clearly overwhelmed, asked me:
S: Why do you want to homeschool? Why are we homeschooling? Is it just because you hate public schools? What are we trying to accomplish? What are we supposed to be teaching them?
I mean, I do hate everything about government schools, so there's that. But, no. On the night before I had expressed my dismay with our homeschooling performance. My own primary education had suffered due to my parents (1) not being able to afford a nice private school, and (2) not being willing to sacrifice their children to government indoctrination (kudos). It’s a strange and difficult judgement call to make. I approve of their choices; I don’t blame them for anything. However, this instilled in me a strong desire to make sure my kids, one day, would benefit from a solid primary education.
I reminded S that our purpose in educating these children is so that they can one day function productively (and profitably?) in society as adults. Good adults. Good Christians. Their education needs to point in that direction.
As far as what we should be teaching them:
