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Becoming a Titus 2 Homeschooler

HHMTitus2HomeschoolerPhoto

I joined my local homeschool association when my daughters were still toddlers, eager to meet experienced moms and begin learning all I could well before I had to make it “official.” As soon as I joined Facebook, I sought other homeschool moms there, and I found online homeschool communities, too. I also started following homeschool-oriented blogs. And through all those connections, I met many incredibly wise women who generously gave of their time and expertise to help a “newbie.”

Fast forward a few years and, though my daughters are now only 10 and 11, I find myself on the other side of the proverbial coin. I don’t know everything about homeschooling – not by a long shot. In fact, I’m seeking new wisdom as I begin to think about my daughters’ impending high school years. But I’ve recently noticed that I’ve joined the ranks of “Titus 2 homeschoolers” – the “older women” of whom new and prospective homeschoolers solicit advice.

On the one hand, it’s a daunting task. I can’t really know what curricula to suggest since I don’t know the learning styles of the particular children in question or the day-to-day dynamics of their families. I’m not sure if the organizational strategies that work for my kids and me will help another family. The way I balance homeschooling and my other responsibilities may be totally irrelevant for a mom in a different season of life.

But I believe in homeschooling. I believe that the individualized, one-on-one tutoring inherent in home learning is the most effective way to help any child maximize his God-given potential. And I believe we stand the greatest chance of raising emotionally strong, spiritually mature children by keeping them home with their parents, who love them more than even the most dedicated classroom teacher ever will.

As a result, I’ll do whatever it takes to encourage more moms to begin homeschooling. And I’ll go out of my way to shore up a discouraged homeschooler in hopes of convincing her to keep her kids at home with her.

In the process, I’ve been meeting many wonderful, curious young moms. And I’ve found great personal joy from answering their questions and allaying their fears. In fact, I’ve discovered that being a “Titus 2 homeschooler” is one of my favorite things to do.

If you’ve been homeschooling for more than a year or two, I encourage you to consider taking up the mantle. As with homeschooling itself, you needn’t be an “expert” to begin offering yourself as a mentor. All you need is the knowledge you’ve gained from being a little further down the path than someone else and a willingness to share from your heart.

Think about the women who helped you get started. Where would you be if they hadn’t stepped up? Don’t you want to pay it forward?

Photo Credit: juliecinci
HHMTina crop(150pix) Tina Hollenbeck and her husband Jeff are raising two daughters and have another waiting for them in the arms of Jesus. Tina cherishes her role as at-home wife and mother and advocates passionately for homeschooling. She writes regularly for her blog, Being Made New, as well as several other venues, and also serves as staff writer for Celebrate Kids, Inc. She’s developing a public speaking ministry and is available to address homeschoolers, women’s groups, and young people on a variety of topics. In her spare time, Tina enjoys singing on her church’s worship team, exercising, and scrapbooking.

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9 Comments

  1. Thank you for your post today. I am very new to homeschooling and I just had a conversation with a past co-worker. She was trying to convince me to put my kids back in pre-school and daycare and come back to work full time. We have four wonderful children (3, 2,2, and 1) and I had moment of doubt. Doubt in myself, that I heard from the Lord about this. Your post was confirmation that I needed to seek out more experienced homeschooling moms for support.

    1. Hi, Jaminthia.
      Well, praise God for his timing! I have to say that I ALWAYS think it’s right when a mom chooses to be committed to raising and discipling her own children directly – and I think that’s the stance Scripture really takes as well. So do be encouraged – you can do this…and those precious young ones will bless you for it one day.

      For what it’s worth, I’d love to provide encouragement for you personally. Feel free to connect with me via Facebook or email me through my blog. One of my favorite things to do is to help new homeschoolers gain confidence. Truly!

  2. Tina, I love this post! I am finding myself more and more in this Titus 2 Homeschool situation… and I love it! I love helping new homeschoolers and seeing their eyes light up when they realize all their possibilities. It is daunting, and I think that is why so many homeschoolers don’t open themselves up to help others starting out. But, they are missing out on a great blessing!

    1. Thanks, Misty! I agree that it’s a great blessing to help others – so let’s pray that more and more experienced moms will step out in faith. If we don’t, then who will? :^)

  3. Absolutely Tina, we don’t have to be experts to share information and experiences. One small piece of advice can make a huge difference in someone’s life. BTW, I think you know my wife Lizette Balsdon via FB?

  4. Hi, Wade! Yes, I know Lizette – my favorite SA homeschool mom! :^) I enjoy talking with her. She sure loves you and your kids. :^) Thanks for your encouragement here.

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