by Diane Broadway

As homeschoolers, we sometimes face difficulties. Whether it's a move, a difficult child, illness of a family member or yourself, life's problems can seem insurmountable in the face of more responsibility and less time.  Homeschooling is hard with out problems, but what does one do when the problems get big enough for you to ask the question, "Should I keep homeschooling?"

In the May 2003 issue of the REVIEW, I introduced our family and told about our trial when our son was diagnosed and died of a brain tumor. The year Zachary was sick, he went through drug therapy and radiation, a brief respite of health and then his relapse and passed away in the fall of 1994.  Following that, we had another year of recovery and re-grouping.  Needless to say, it wasn't our greatest 2 years of homeschooling.

When facing challenging situations it is important to think through your options.  The one thing you don't want to do is to have a knee-jerk reaction and throw your kids in school for 6 months while you have a crisis!  Because kids appear to be more resilient we sometimes mistakenly assume that it is easy for them to adapt, when in truth, children are very sensitive to change and upheaval.  Quick changes for which they are unprepared can cause insecurity and make learning difficult. The adjustment of changing school situations can be very hard on them, and hard for you to help them when you are already stressed with your situation. Kids are surprisingly perceptive about their family life.  If they are worried about what is happening at home, particularly concerning illness, they are not going to learn well in a classroom environment anyway.  If they're wondering if Mommy is feeling badly today, or if Grandfather will still be alive when they get home, it's no wonder that they'll do poorly in school.

You might want to continue homeschooling even if you're dealing with illness in the family. Children gain security forging a crisis with you. Your presence is the most reassuring thing in their lives. Besides, there is a good chance your children may learn something they could learn no other way.  We often gain more of God in difficulties.

One of the things your children will learn is reliance on God.  They'll be watching you as you navigate through this trial, watching you need and depend on God in a way we desperately do when He allows a crisis to come. You notice that I didn't say you'd be doing everything right, being the perfect example.  When problems come, it seems to bring out my weakness, not my strength!  But you can model the asking and trusting God, leaning on His mercy the best you can.  That's what they will see and follow.

Children will also learn that they can be part of the solution.  Children love to feel that they have contributed to the well being of the family.  Give them ways to be helpful and tell them you appreciate them.  Families are bonded when they face difficulty together.
 
Children learn that they can pray and see God working.  When difficulties come, children will learn that God does indeed answer prayer.  They have an opportunity to see God work in their family to heal, take care of them, and comfort.  Be sure to communicate with them what you see God doing for your family and pray together with them, assuring them that God hears their prayers.

Let's talk now about some possible exceptions.  Surely, there are times when it would be best if a family put their children into school.  Let's explore some scenarios.