Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Families who have experienced the blessing of homeschooling want others to experience it, too. Yet many of our non-homeschooling friends and neighbors are hesitant to try it themselves. On today's Home School Heartbeat, Mike Smith talks about one way to encourage others to take the plunge.

Mike Smith:
Today I'm joined by Bruce Shortt, who's part of a new program called Homeschooling Family to Family. Bruce, you and I and many of our listeners have experienced the benefits of homeschooling. How can we encourage other families to give homeschooling a try?

Bruce Shortt:
Mike, Homeschooling Family to Family evangelists typically reach out to families they already know and that are already intrigued by homeschooling but are a little afraid to start.

Most of us know that the main barrier preventing many families from getting started in homeschooling is fear. There are still far too many of us who've been influenced by the claims of the public education industry that teaching children requires a special expertise that they alone have. Now today, even most people who don't homeschool know or suspect that this claim just isn't true. Nevertheless, many families still fear that they might somehow be inadequate compared to the public schools.

So, what we need to do is come alongside those interested but slightly fearful families and tell them that we will ease their way into homeschooling-that while they're getting started, they're going to have a friend to make sure they get started on the right foot.

Mike:
Thank you, Bruce. It's exciting to realize that we can be a part of helping others begin homeschooling. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.