By Dana Jones
I can still remember the first time someone told me about home schooling and my first impression of those who were being taught at home. I recall the enthusiasm God gave me for the idea and remember thinking, "That's what I would like for my children," even though, at the time, I had no children...or wife. But, God is always faithful and if he commands something, he will certainly provide the means to fulfil it; and in my case, he has provided abundantly, four children...so far, and a Godly wife (Psalm 37:4,5).
Working in retail craft sales for the last 15 or so years, I have had the pleasure of observing many types of family interactions. How families interact in that type of setting can be quite fascinating. Among other things, do the kids listen to (Proverbs 13:1) and obey their parents (Col. 3:20)? If they don't obey, what's the parent's response? Do the parents show positive encouragement regarding a child's interest(1 Thes. 2:11)? Does the family seem united (Psalm 133:1)?
I've been able to witness answers to those questions that have been on both ends of the scale. It's such a beautiful sight to see children who listen, respect and obey their parents. It's wonderful to see a parent whose response to a disobedient child confirms that the parent is in control of the situation, and not the child. Hearing a parent say encouraging words about the child's ability to do something that they may have never tried before is heartwarming. Seeing the families that show genuine interest and respect for each other is truly a blessing! Gratefully, there have been a number of families that have shown most or all of those qualities and one in particular made a major impact on our family's life.
Back in 1984, a mom and her two sons came into the store. It was in the morning when most kids were "required" to be in school. One son, Glen, was about 11 and the other, whose name I don't recall, was a couple of years older. Both children were well-behaved and one could see that respectful communication was going on between them. Mom showed a certain peace and authority that was different from most that I had seen.
They started asking questions about our starter sets and inquired about our classes. It turned out that Glen was very interested in learning how to do leatherwork and his mom thought the classes would be a good idea. I told them that the youth classes were on Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m. and explained all the things he would learn. She asked if we had classes during the morning. "Not usually," I said, "most children are in school during that time." "Well, we home school our children and the mornings would really fit into our schedule better," she said politely and confidently.
There it was, the first time the words "home school" entered my ears, and it piqued my curiosity. Over the next few minutes, she was patiently answering the many questions that were popping into my head. Yes, I probably asked the typical first-timer questions like-- is it legal? Do you have to report to the school district? Do you have a teaching credential? And best of all, what about socialization -- aren't you afraid your kids won't be able to relate to and work with children their same age? There were many more, all responded to graciously and confidently.
After our conversation, they ended up purchasing a starter set and enrolled Glen in out new morning youth leathercraft class. For his age, he was mature and confident. He caught on quickly, was patient, listened and eventually became a terrific 11 year-old leathercrafter. He did so well that, in fact, I asked him to make a billfold that I could keep as a store sample, which I still have today.
Patiently, graciously, and confidently was the way home schooling was introduced to me and it left a big impression. When we are given the opportunity to share about home education, it would serve all home educators well to respond in the same positive way. She didn't roll her eyes when I asked the "socialization" question, she didn't talk about all the negative aspects of public schools. She did speak with the confidence that God gives us when we are doing His will.
Edited from an article originally published in Triumphant Families in 1995
