This series is taken from the Keynote address I gave at the UHEA Homeschool Convention at Weber State, Utah in 1999.

The five elements that I believe go into our family's homeschooling are:
1. Developing the Long View - the Purpose.
2. Philosophies which guide behavior to match view.
3. Structure to support the view.
4. Communication to enrich understanding and keep us moving in the desired direction
5. Attitude Management because it is the attitude that keeps the fire lit.

And finally, what it all means to this homeschooling mother.

Over twenty-one years ago I gave birth to my first son.  My little son was so tiny and vulnerable.  He was so very innocent and precious.  I couldn't be kept away from him.

The day after his birth found Neil and I at the NICU.  We were taken into a tiny room to meet with our Marshall's doctor.  Very gently, the doctor told us that if our little baby made it through three days, then he would live.  He explained that it was important that I take care of myself, that I get the rest I needed, that while I could spend as much time with my son as I wanted, it would do him little good if I became run down.

Being so new at motherhood and being a young twenty-two year old, I followed his traditional advice.  Over the next 8 1/2 weeks, I visited my son every day but I did so carefully, not wanting to bring about the dreaded curse of overdoing it.  I was there when his little heart stopped and the doctor put a needle through his chest to get it beating again.  I was there to hold him the one day he miraculously recovered...for only a few hours.  I was there when they operated on his heart.

But, I was not there when his heart stopped another time.  I was not there when they put chest tubes through his skin to drain fluid from his lungs and chest cavity.  I was not there for 22 hours of his day, every day.

My whole soul longed to be with my baby every minute.  I could feel my little one yearning for my presence.  Reason yelled at me that it was unnatural to be apart from my young child.  But insecurity in my own understanding and trusting in tradition kept me from answering those yearnings.  I gave my little angel back into God's hands remembering all the wasted moments when I could have lingered by his bedside and cradled his little head with my hand.  A lifetime passed with a loving mother absent more than present.

What is the crowning joy of homeschooling?  As I give my oldest daughter over to adulthood and prepare to do so with each following child, I have learned the answer.  I have spent my life with my children.  They are growing so fast, but I am with them each step of the way.  They are not strangers to me.  I do not have the intense feeling that they are slipping away, that they have lived a child's lifetime mostly away from me.

I feel an exquisite gratitude for our commitment to live the homeschooling lifestyle.  Because of homeschooling, my children have a life rich in parental involvement and I have a life that goes far beyond that of the stereotype housewife. I see my children interacting with each other. I see them teach each other. I have watched them enjoying a childhood showered with heavy doses of simple play. I thrill as I see them respecting others and comfortably conversing and interacting with children and adults of all ages and interests. I can see their spirits arising and developing wondrous strengths and fascinating talents. I watch as they discover that struggles are a part of life and nothing to be feared. I hear them talk about their own strengths and weaknesses, recognizing who they are and what is important to them. I hear them talk to adults and peers, easily suggesting ways to improve family life or help other little children. I see a tenderness and patience towards their young brothers and sisters.

As I watch my oldest move into her adult years secure and confident in who she is and pleased with her upbringing, I cannot imagine a greater joy for a mother who has dedicated her life to teaching her beloved children – living the homeschool lifestyle over a lifetime – each and every priceless life.