Why I decided to homeschool

  Homeschoolers don't ask each other why they decided to homeschool. We understand that it's a long, possibly tedious, answer. We understand that it's complicated; it's personal; and if we talk too long about it, we'll sound defensive or angry. It's also irrelevant. I have my reasons; I'm sure you have your reasons. What does it matter to me why?
  Although the question doesn't come from other homeschoolers, it's a question that homeschoolers get asked a lot. If you're like me, your answer depends on who is asking.

  Inquisitor: Retired school teacher
  My answer: You know, schools are in such a tight spot right now. Class sizes are growing, and resources are dwindling. I enjoy homeschooling because I can individualize their lessons and closely monitor their progress.

  Inquisitor: Friend you had before either of you had kids, and who isn't homeschooling
  My answer: I just enjoy it. Isn't it great that we're all free to make the choices that work best for our families?

  Inquisitor: Member of extended family
  My answer: Homeschooling is going well. Their test scores are great, and there's an active community of homeschoolers in the area for us to get together for socialization.

  Inquisitor: A person who hates homeschoolers and thinks that isn't obvious by the way he or she asked the question
  My answer: Oh, it's not because I hate schools, I know the schools here are great! You know, homeschooling is working for us now, but I always keep an open mind. You never know what the future might bring, and it might work out later that we send them to school.

  Inquisitor: Person who is just trying to sniff out whether you're homeschooling for religious reasons
  My answer: It's not for religious reasons.

  There are hundreds of reasons why parents choose to homeschool. But I think that most decisions people make are made for one reason. There's one thing that tipped the scales. After the decision is made, if it's a good one, numerous affirmations will arise and you think, "Yep, I'm glad I decided to do that!" After awhile, these affirmations become reasons, and you can forget what the real reason was.
  I'm thinking of this today because someone who doesn't fit any of the above categories, and who has no children, has asked me, "Why did you decide to homeschool?" The question feels different this time, sincere, even quaint.
  I have been trying to think of an answer, trying to think of what to write, because, in case you couldn't tell, none of the above answers are for real. Not really.
  Usually when I write something, I'll think about it and a "line" will form in my mind. I'll formulate one point, then the next, try to wrap it all together with a thesis statement and conclusion. You know what I mean. But thinking about this topic, trying to answer this question, my mind feels like a spider web. Where do I begin? How could I possibly explain?
  Let's try this: For starters, imagine you decide to have children, and you're anticipating how your life is going to change. You're trying to imagine how your life will be from now on, and what kind of life you can give your children.
  You think: What if I didn't have to get up at 6 a.m. to get the kids to school on time? What if I didn't have to nag them to get their homework done? What if my kids didn't have to feel bad because they're slow to learn something? What if they really loved something and were allowed to learn about it all day? What if they got to wear whatever clothes they wanted and didn't come home from school crying because someone made fun of them? What if they got to choose who to spend time with, got to pick their friends, just like grownups do? What if our family got to go on vacation whenever we wanted? What if we spent our days having fun, goofing around and learning about stuff? What if my kids spent the majority of their time with the people who love them the most?
  Wouldn't that be awesome?
  My answer is yes. And that is why I homeschool.