Recently, I was asked about the big “what if” question: What would you do if your children genuinely wanted to attend public school? It’s a valid question, and one that I know many people may have pondered at some point, especially if you’re in the early stages of homeschooling or considering it for the first time. So today, I want to take a moment to unpack this question and share my thoughts with you, as someone who believes deeply in the homeschooling lifestyle and its potential for my children’s growth.

Reclaiming Childhood in a Modern World

Homeschooling isn’t just about having my children physically at home—though, of course, that’s part of it. For me, it’s about so much more than simply ticking off boxes on an academic checklist. It’s about reclaiming childhood in a world that often moves too fast, values competitiveness over well-being, and prioritizes academics over emotional and social health.

I’ve often thought about how modern society has glorified academic achievement at the expense of our children’s holistic development. In a world that is focused on hustle, grades, and competition, the value of a child’s mental and emotional health can sometimes get lost in the noise. I’ve seen too many children—my own included—thrive when given the space to explore, to be creative, to fail and try again, to play, to dream. And I want that for my kids.

I also have strong beliefs about the limitations of the traditional public education system. As much as I respect teachers and recognize the challenges they face, I do not believe the system is designed to nurture my children’s true potential. From the rigid structure of a typical classroom to the emphasis on conformity and obedience over creative thinking, I feel the environment often stifles a child’s natural curiosity and ability to explore their own interests. I’m not willing to put my children into a system that I believe, at its core, doesn’t support the type of development I want for them.

The Desire to Attend Public School: A Realistic Perspective

Now, let’s get back to the question at hand. What if my kids really want to attend public school? I don’t think this is a scenario that will happen very often, and I’ll explain why.

First, kids are really good at knowing what they want. But more often than not, what they “want” may not be as clear-cut as it seems. When kids express an interest in going to public school, it’s typically driven by things like seeing their friends in class, riding the school bus, carrying a lunchbox, or just having the experience of what “school” looks like on TV. I’m not going to lie—sometimes it’s as simple as wanting to experience the excitement of the school bus and the idea of wearing a backpack!

In these moments, I’m quick to remember that children’s desires are often linked to very specific and sometimes fleeting things. So instead of saying “No, you can’t go to school,” I’d start by listening carefully to what they’re really asking for. Let’s talk about it openly, and let’s brainstorm together what they’re truly desiring. If they want to be with friends, maybe we can arrange playdates or social activities with kids more often. If they want to ride a school bus, maybe we can find a community event that allows them to take a ride just for fun. If they’re craving structure, perhaps we can implement a more structured routine or morning time at home.

What I’ve learned from experience is that many of these desires can be satisfied in alternative ways that still align with our homeschooling lifestyle, leaving plenty of space for them to continue exploring the things that truly light them up.

Keeping the Conversation Open

It’s important to note that I would never give a firm “No” without having a conversation first. I respect my children’s autonomy, their curiosity, and their emotions. If they truly feel the need to explore other educational options, I will always hear them out. We’ll sit down together, have an open discussion about what their current needs are, and talk about how we can meet those needs in ways that align with our values as a family.

It’s possible they may not be happy with the alternatives we come up with. But if we approach the situation with understanding and compassion, I believe we’ll be able to find creative ways to address their desires while staying true to what we believe is best for them in the long run. And if there’s a path that makes more sense down the road, we will revisit it with open hearts.

Looking Ahead: Exploring Options for the Future

As my children grow older, there may be instances when certain courses or credits become necessary for their long-term goals—such as advanced math or science for a future career in engineering. In those cases, we will explore all the options available. That might mean taking a few courses at a local public or private school, or perhaps finding an online or hybrid model that works best for them. By the time my kids are old enough to make these decisions, they will have a lot more agency in advocating for their own needs. And we’ll work together to ensure that whatever path they take aligns with both their professional goals and their emotional well-being.

The Journey Is Ongoing

One of the most important things I’ve learned in this homeschooling journey is that I don’t have everything mapped out. My children are still young—currently 4 and 7—and there’s so much growth and change ahead. I have no idea what our lives will look like when they’re teenagers or adults. But what I do know is that I’m committed to keeping our hearts and minds open to whatever comes our way. I trust that, as we continue to grow and learn together, we will be flexible and adaptable in our approach. If we need to pivot, we will. If they decide, in the future, that public school is a better fit for them at that time, we will approach it with care and consideration, just as we do with every other decision we make as a family.

Homeschooling is a journey, and I don’t expect it to be without bumps along the way. But what matters most to me is that my children are healthy, happy, and thriving in an environment that supports their growth.

In the end, it’s all about being open to the process and putting our kids’ best interests at the heart of every decision.

I hope that this helps. Please never hesitate to reach out if you would like to chat further about this beautiful journey and lifestyle of home education.

– Kate xo