Your Homeschool Philosophy Doesn’t Matter

Are you new to homeschooling and see all the options for curriculum and methodologies and don’t know what to choose? Do you feel like everyone around you is spouting amazing things about their homeschool philosophy and it all sounds right even if it’s conflicting? Maybe you feel like you have to “choose a side” as a homeschooler and be loyal to your chosen philosophy for the long haul. Well I’m here to tell you that your homeschool philosophy doesn’t matter.

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Early philosophy

When I first started homeschooling, I went to my local library to the homeschool section and checked out several books on homeschooling. I needed to know how to do this thing.

One book I got was The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer. I devoured it. I loved the classical approach and everything she had to say about how kids learn and how to train the mind. It all made sense. 

But when I started using the curriculum and doing it, I felt like I was a little boxed in and stuck. I didn’t really want to teach latin, and all the narration wasn’t my thing. I wanted to do some US History as well. But I held on to some of it, like copywork. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of those classical things, but they weren’t all for me and my kids. 

Throw it all out the window

Occasionally I hear of a new homeschooling book that everyone is talking about and get sucked into all the passion and excitement this homeschooler has in their approach. Recently it’s been The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment. I love so much about it and how she speaks of getting in to the outdoors and not being tied down to workbooks – it’s definitely toward the unschooling end of things. I’m so tempted to just scrap all the plans and spend life outside. I mean, one of the big things I love about homeschooling is the freedom!

But what I have realized over the years is that I don’t have to choose only one homeschool philosophy! I can choose one, I can choose none, I can choose five, and whenever I want I can even change what I chose.

What’s true is every homeschool philosophy has incredibly good points. And every style works great for many people. My philosophy of school, though, is all in what works for my family! Maybe you call that eclectic, maybe I just don’t like being put in a box. Ultimately, what does it matter?

Lose the labels

There is often an unconscious labeling of different philosophies in the homeschool world. Classical is boring, traditional, and stuffy, while others say it’s rigorous, comprehensive, and makes a well-rounded child. On the other hand, unschooling is free, fun and “honoring your child”, making it sound like any other option is emotional captivity. Charlotte Mason is a feast, possibly implying that other styles are like schooling through a famine. School-at-home “isn’t even homeschooling”, setting more traditional homeschoolers on a throne looking down on the peasants. I could go on but I won’t.

These things aren’t usually said with malice, they are said with passion and fervor. Of course we want everyone around us to find the same joy and freedom we have found in our homeschool! Just like a sports team, we tend to take sides in the world. We find what works for us and look down our noses at every other parent trying to do the best they can with what they have for their precious children that they love more than anything.

The thing is, homeschooling is not a sports team. It’s not Us versus Them. You don’t have to pick a side. Or a philosophy. And if you do, remember we’re all on the same team! Please show your passion and excitement for what you do, but please give others the freedom to find that same passion for themselves.

Use what works

Over the years I have found many resources that did appeal to me, though. And these resources also have worked for my kids. I couldn’t even tell you now what philosophy any of them fall into. The often use a variety of styles. One thing I do know: they’re all great for homeschoolers!

Now I know it’s overwhelming when you are first getting into homeschooling. If you need to find a philosophy to narrow down curriculum options for you and try them out, then please don’t let me stop you. But it isn’t necessary. It can be incredibly helpful when starting out to have a “path” of sorts to follow.

My word of warning, though, is to not get so tied to a philosophy for your homeschool that you become stuck. The joy is lost. You hate school, your kids hate school, and they are never able to “do it right”. There is no right way.

Wrap it up

So next time my friends are asking about what homeschool philosophy I follow and which I can’t stand, maybe I’ll say I follow “unclassiclectic” or maybe I’ll just say it’s my own homeschool philosophy. It’s taken me years to come to terms with it, but I hope you are also able to find your unique homeschool philosophy as well….or not.

So now, dare I ask? What is your homeschool philosophy or style? Let me know below in the comments!