I am updating an article for the web site that I wrote several years ago, in the 1990's. We homeschooled our children and since then been made aware of our strengths and weaknesses. We still would do the same thing now but we would have started sooner and been more watchful over our children's friends, made a few minor changes to our curriculum and spent more time toward the higher grades to ensure their completion of a high school equivalency of some kind.

    The Homeschool movement has reached its stride in the 90's. More and more people are homeschooling their children even though some states are actually making laws that persecute homeschoolers. The good news is that many states are making laws favorable to homeschooling. Many people are tired of the way the public schools have treated God and their children. They are tired of the threatening situation they face in the public schools, especially if you are said to be a Christian or favor creation instead of evolution. There are threats to their religion and their personal welfare, in some cases. Some parents decide to Homeschool because they either can't afford the tuition at a private Christian school or cannot find a good Christian school in their area. Many just don't want to give up control of their child's education. Most people that Homeschool want to obey God rather than man. They want to have the influence on their children instead of someone else having that influence. If you want to Homeschool you will find a way.
    The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and the Rutherford Institute are resources for the homeschooling laws in your state. They both help protect your right to Homeschool but they will cost something. The HSLDA is the best one for your protection of homeschooling. It costs more up front but they will cover each case when necessary. The Rutherford Inst. takes cases that may set precedence. The address, telephone numbers and web sites are listed at the end of the article.
    I don't want to get into the number quoting game because I'll most likely be wrong. I do want to say there are millions reported homeschooling across the country and many more unreported. Most are Christians or at least religiously minded people concerned with the welfare of their children. Supporting homeschooling families has become a big and thriving business.
    The Bible is definitely in favor of the idea that children should be taught at home, especially in the early years when they are impressionable. Among other very good references for parents teaching their children, these two stand out; Eph 6:4, "and you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." And, Prov. 1:8-9, "My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of you mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck." I realize the apostle Paul was taught by Gamaliel, but not until he was older. Many of the apostles were said to be untaught, that is, they didn't go through the school of the scribes and priests. They were taught the essentials at home. Home is where Timothy was taught about God. Paul was able to praise him for the teaching of his mother and grandmother, II Tim 1:5-6.
    God gave us children as a gift. We are stewards of what He has given us. We, likewise, should be teaching the basics of life, at home. Home is where a firm foundation is built for your children. No one else will do a better job than you, at home. There will always be excuses or those who may come up with, what sounds like, a good argument against homeschooling. My firm belief is that we are directed by God to teach our children at home. We can, and must, establish them in Christian discipline, otherwise they may become pray for the unrighteous. My wife and I were willing to give up more than we actually had to give up, to school our children at home.
    In my estimation the other forms of education, public and Christian/private schools, just become secondary to homeschooling. They are for those who find themselves totally incapable or unable to teach their children at home. These parents must watch over their children like hawks, even more than Homeschool parents. Before you deem yourself incapable to Homeschool, you should evaluate your situation thoroughly. Along with reading, writing and