Homeschooling (and Raising Kids) Isn’t Expensive
I originally wrote this article on April 21, 2015.
Some people say that they can’t afford to homeschool. Or that they can’t afford to have kids.
I have found it actually isn’t expensive at all to raise and homeschool kids. We choose to live simply and to focus on healthy relationships with ourselves, each other, our inner circle, and the world around us. We seem to have everything we need and want in any given moment, and don’t experience lack.
Food: Our biggest expense is food. Sure, I could cut this cost drastically; however, I have chosen to do what I need to do to feed my kids and myself healthy foods in the easiest ways possible for my sanity. Anyway, I think we would have a large food expense even if my kids were in school. Though, if they ate the school food, it would be cheaper than lunch at home.
Clothes: We save money by my kids not needing to have all the latest trends in clothing for school, or a lot of them. I was bullied in school for not wearing the ‘right’ clothing; my kids don’t have to deal with that. No one around us notices or cares if we repeat outfits during the week. The same goes for my working two long shifts on weekends, rather than a full-time job spread out over five or more days.
Study Materials: The library has free books, DVDs, CDs and internet. Amazon.com has inexpensive test-prep workbooks by grade so we know what to study and research more extensively in order to keep our academic pace, and to do well on the state-required annual tests.
Driving: I don’t put much wear-and-tear on my car and don’t spend much on gas due to homeschooling and my not working full-time. We set our lives up so almost everything we need is within a few miles.
Classes and Activities: If my kids really want a class or activity, I find a way. But usually they thoroughly enjoy not having a super-structured schedule. And they are motivated to study and experiment on their own to learn hobbies and other things they want to know. Living in the moment and being self-driven is inexpensive for us.
Keeping up with the Joneses: Like with clothes, we don’t have the pressure to keep up with the Joneses in technology, knowing what is on TV and social media, busy-ness, activity and club enrollment, and owning stuff because we aren’t surrounded by superficial relationships. We have no cell phone, cable or internet bills.
Relationships, Health, and Well-being: We don’t hang out with people who don’t feel good to be around. This saves on health expenses. Also, my kids aren’t locked up with hundreds of strangers which also saves on health expenses–emotionally and physically (kids in school and daycare seemed to get sick a lot more often than my kids). Because our schedules aren’t booked up and monopolized by others’ requirements on us, we have plenty of time for bonding with loved ones, privacy, self-reflection, rest, recharging, and pursing our own interests–which all contribute to our good health.
You can see how lifestyle choices and mind-set can save a lot of money and stress–without sacrifice.
Warmly,