Prairie Wife of the Week November 1, 2013

Posted November 1, 2013 by Prairie Wife -

I have had the honor of knowing Prairie Faith for over 3 years now. She is a neighbor and a treasured friend. Besides loving her sharp sense of humor, I value her willingness to support mothers in making the best choices for their families. Though The Cowboy and I choose not to homeschool our kids, I have never felt judged by her. Her loyalty to her friends and her determination to make her dreams for her family a reality, make her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week.

Prairie Wife (PW): First introduce us to you and your family…

Prairie Faith (PF): My husband and I have been married for 9 years and we have five kids between the ages of 2 and 8. We enjoy a peaceful and quiet prairie life. 1 Thessalonians 4:11

PW: What are the ages and grades of the children you homeschool?

PF: I am currently homeschooling a 5 year old in Kindergarten as well as a 7 and 8 year old both at a third grade level. I also do preschool with a three year old about two days a week.

PW: What led you to the decision to homeschool?

PF: That’s a loaded question! Originally, it was my experience teaching as a middle school science teacher in public schools. I felt strongly that the school system was stifling to high potential learners. Since then, I have developed strong convictions in many areas that have led me to continue on this journey. My husband and I want to encourage our children to love the Lord and to see him in all aspects of their lives. We think that homeschooling is the best way to ensure they are learning all that we value.

PW: Can you tell us some of the first steps a family considering homeschooling should take, to pick out a curriculum?

PF: Before you begin I encourage you to evaluate your goals and reasons for homeschooling. If you can find someone you can trust that homeschools, you need to have a conversation with them.  If you don’t know anyone, Google it, and you’ll find lots of people willing to share their experiences with you.  They don’t have to live near you but it does help. I would also encourage parents to research education and teaching philosophies. Once you know what style you feel will fit your family, it can help you to narrow down what curriculums to look into.

PW: I know that you have been successfully doing this for years now, what are some of the positives you have seen?

PF: The most positive thing is that my family is together every single day. To watch them grow spiritually, academically, and socially is rewarding. It gives me the motivation to continue on this journey.

PW: Now, be honest with us…what are some of your challenges?

PF: Having infants and toddlers learning alongside us is a big one. It can be more than a little unpredictable and the noise level can be distracting. To be very honest, self discipline on my part is an area that I have been growing in. I have had to learn to plan and execute our daily schedule without compromise. The flexibility of homeschooling is definitely a blessing and a source of temptation.

PW: Can you let those of us that don’t homeschool know how we can be supportive to our friends who do?

PF: I would encourage everyone I know to homeschool.  That would support me, and I know it would be rewarding for them. 😉  Seriously though, I haven’t really received any negative feedback from anyone. I guess I just hope that people feel free to talk to me about it and ask questions. I love to share our success with others and encourage them. I would ask any of my friends to pray for us, that my husband and I will raise our children to be all that God plans for them to be.

PW:  final Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

PF: “Whatever you do work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

Deciding “where” your kids will go to school is a pressure all parents deal with.  I encourage you to proceed with confidence, keeping your eye on what God has called you to do.

Categories: Life As It Happens, Prairie Wife of the Week

Tags: , faith, Homeschooling, multiple children, Prairie Wife of the Week