Mike Smith:
Twenty-five years ago, homeschoolers were a small but determined group. Going against the tide of their surrounding culture was not easy, so they focused on building the homeschool community and strengthening their own families.

Since then, homeschooling has grown at a rate of 7 percent a year, according to conservative estimates. State and local organizations, homeschooling co-ops, and resource centers provide a supportive network for families who are home educating. Their children have social outlets that include play groups, enrichment classes, and sports teams.

While many aspects of homeschooling have changed over the past two decades, one thing hasn’t: its impact on individual families. The one-on-one teaching time that occurs throughout the school day nurtures a deep, trusting relationship between parents and children. Homeschooling’s family-centered lifestyle means that the children spend more time together, allowing sibling relationships to flourish. As families invest in the shared goal of educating their children, they discover that the journey together is as rewarding as the final destination.

Homeschooling families aren’t perfect. They deal with financial strain, health problems, and stubborn children. But by making education a family affair, homeschoolers have the tremendous opportunity to build their relationships through time and shared experiences. In a society where strong families are rapidly becoming the exception, homeschooling is proving a viable alternative.

And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.