Following Our Hearts: Why We Chose Homeschooling
Homeschooling. Unschooling. What is it really — and what draws so many families toward it?
Well, my loves, if you’ve ever met me in person, you know I’ve always been a bit of a rebel — someone who bravely follows her heart, even when the path isn’t clear.
I still remember the day I sat down with my husband to have the conversation. Our daughter was about to enter first grade. The pandemic had introduced a wave of new rules — masking children, social distancing, and the heavy cloud of guilt or shame placed on kids who didn’t comply.
Everything in my heart whispered no.
It’s human nature to commune, to be curious, to play, to connect. And deep down, I knew that what was being asked of children didn’t align with that truth.
So I began to research. I asked for guidance. And like many moments in my life, when I opened the door — the right people, signs, and resources began appearing. Before long, we took the leap and submitted our letter of intent to homeschool.
And that, my loves, was the beginning of my initiation.
The Early Days: Learning to Unlearn
I quickly learned that homeschooling isn’t just about teaching your kids — it’s about unlearning what we were taught education should look like.
The first year was rough. I’ll be honest, I probably called Kyle every other day saying, “I’m done! I’m sending her to public school — it would be easier.”
And maybe it would have been. But the truth is, she was teaching me.
I had tried to recreate the traditional classroom at home — strict schedules, long seatwork, structured lessons, short breaks. But kids aren’t meant to sit still all day. Neither are we.
When I finally surrendered control — released the need to know the outcome and trusted the process — everything shifted.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I still question it sometimes. But then I see the reflection of our choice shining back at me:
The way our kids make eye contact when they speak.
The endless giggles and creativity that fill our home.
Their genuine happiness.
That speaks louder to me than any standardized comparison ever could.
The Bigger Picture
Over the past several months, I’ve had countless conversations about homeschooling — the curiosity, the fears, the misconceptions. And I can feel something shifting collectively.
As a society, we’re waking up. We’re seeing the cracks in systems that once served a purpose but no longer align with how we want to live.
Look closely — schools often mirror the modern workday:
9 to 5, mostly indoors, minimal movement, little creativity, constant screens.
Children are told what to learn rather than guided toward how to think or feel.
Even nutrition has been compromised. Many schools now serve prepackaged meals filled with preservatives and additives. Is it any wonder that childhood illnesses, obesity, ADHD, and depression are on the rise?
It’s all connected — the lack of sunshine, the blue light exposure, the overstimulation. Our kids’ bodies are reacting to an environment that doesn’t support their natural rhythm or energy.
Freedom, Flow, and Trust
So yes, homeschooling days can be exhausting. There are moments I crave quiet or question our rhythm. But then I look at my kids exploring outside, following their curiosity, learning through life — and I know it’s worth it.
They have the freedom to learn what lights them up.
The freedom to move, to play, to be kids.
And alongside that, they’re learning how to care for themselves, how to be part of a family, how to exist in community.
If you’re feeling the nudge, I invite you to lean into the discomfort. It won’t all be rainbows and butterflies — but it will be real, raw, and deeply rewarding.
And who knows? What if it doesn’t work out how you envisioned… but even better?
We now have the freedom to travel, explore cultures, and live in alignment with our values. I truly believe that when you make decisions from love, there is no wrong path.
Resources for Massachusetts Families
If you’re curious to explore homeschooling or unschooling, here are a few places to start:
Facebook: Homeschool Massachusetts
Massachusetts Homeschoolers Connection
Massachusetts Homeschool Public Bulletin Board
Remember, my loves — breathe, center, and follow your heart.
You are your child’s greatest teacher, and the world is your classroom.
In Peace, Love and Service,
Rebecca
