Michael P. Farris, Esq.
Chairman &
General Counsel

Standard of Living v. Quality of Life

Volume 51, Program 31 4/12/2004

Is there a difference between standard of living and quality of life? And what does this have to do with homeschooling? Join Mike Smith
on today's Home School Heartbeat as he explores these differences.

Mike Smith:
This week we'll be discussing the sacrifices necessary to choose homeschooling.


Two ways that many people use to evaluate their station in life are via their standard of living or, alternatively, their quality of life. Standard of living typically is a measurement of material possessions, whereas quality of life brings relational and lifestyle factors to bear.


I think most people would argue that modern society relies on a standard-of-living measurement. How big is your house? What car do you drive? Where do you vacation? These material pressures are all around us.


Most homeschooling families have decided to push some of these items down the priority list and have made a financial sacrifice to choose homeschooling. Consequently, many homeschool families are opting to place more emphasis on quality of life rather than standard of living.


Homeschooling focuses on the needs of the child rather than the comfort of the parents.


Adjusting our standard of living to accommodate the one income most homeschool families operate on can be a serious challenge, but it's a choice which is made easier when the blessings of homeschooling are considered.


Until next time, I'm Mike Smith.