Many Christian families today are facing the reality that the public schools are increasingly less welcoming to people of faith and that they are fast becoming educationally and morally confused. Many are having to weigh options like private Christian schooling vs. homeschooling. Sometimes this can be a tough choice. Here are three questions that every mom and dad should ask when considering whether to homeschool or send their child to a Christian or private school: 

1. The Question of Purpose

First, before you think about anything else, have the courage to ask the question: Why am I doing what I am doing? Have you taken the time to pray and discern what is best for your family? Start by asking trusted friends and family to walk with you through the process and ask you the hard questions. Think about the decision without thinking about the money or about your own ability. Often, the biggest objection to private education is that it costs money. The biggest problem concerning homeschooling is that it takes a lot of effort and might require you, as a parent, to spend a great amount of time preparing to teach and teaching. Before you look at the winds and the waves invovled with either choice, first, think about what you want for your child. Why are you doing what you are doing? What do you want at the end of the process? Do you want your child to be prepared for college and career? Is your main aspiration that they be shielded from negative social influences. Before all else, set your aim. (I would ask this question regularly and for each child.)

2. The Question of the Gap

Second, when you know what you want, consider the gap that you have to close to get what you want. If you are married, communication with your spouse is crucial. It is imperative to be on the same page because each choice is certian to have bumps in the road and having the support of your spouse will make all the difference. If you choose private education, how are you going to afford it? Can you earn more? Does the school you want to attend have a generous enough financial aid program to enable your children to attend? If you are thinking about homeschooling, consider what you need to learn to do the work effectively. Also, look forward. Are you going to be able to learn what you need to learn next year and the year after. Do you have a strong support network? Is your family's schedule complimentary to homeschooling? Some families may find that their hectic schedules make it challenging to spend the time needed to accomplish their educational goals. For other families, the home provides an atmosphere that is rich for deepening relationships and a fertile environment for learning. Are you going to be able to homeschool when the second or third child needs to start? It's good to remember that what a child needs at one stage might be different at another stage and what one child needs may be different than another child. 

3. The Question of Motive

Third, make sure you think carefully about your intentions, motivations, and the needs of your child. Make choices for the good of your child. It is about the child -- not about you. If you are at a school because the school is a point of pride for you and your family but it is not providing what is best for the child, find a new school or homeschool. If you are homeschooling to prove that you can do it, but at some point it is not serving your child or children well, you need to re-think and re-tool or choose a different path. Ask the Lord to search your heart and give Him permission to reveal pride and to drive out all fear. Fear and pride can produce blurred lenses that keep us from seeing His highest and best for our kids. Ask him to clear away the muck so we can get a clear picure of our own motives, our child's needs and discernment to choose what is best for that child.  

These three questions can help you decide what the right choice is for you and for your children. As you do remember these words, "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3;6