Homeschooling/Homesteading Correlations

Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 9:44 PM

I've noticed that a lot of people on homesteadblogger homeschool (including us).  So I'm wondering what you all think:  are homesteaders more likely to homescool, or are homeschoolers more likely to homestead and why?

My theory is that a lot of people who homestead are trying to live a more simple, less worldly life.  Part of homesteading is wanting to live less like the "mainstream" and more slow-paced and fulfilled lives.  Consequently, homeschooling families cite those as reasons they want to homeschool as well.  We want to spend more time together as family, growing in our relationships, and less time in front of the TV growing large posteriors.  I'm sure there are PLENTY of homeschooling families that don't homestead.  I just think the two naturally go together, so a correlation is not surprising.

Anyway, just curious about your thoughts. 

Some other correlations I find interesting...many homeschooling families are Christians...many Christians homestead...many large families are Christians... many large families homeschool...

Anyone care to weigh in?

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Posted by CitySteader on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 9:53 PM - Link

Great topic! I think that those who homestead are more likely to homeschool, rather than the other way around, for exactly the reasons you stated. We "homesteaders" are searching to simplify in most, if not every, aspect of our lives. Are not our children one of the greatest part of our lives? Why then would we not want them to be subjected to the complexety of the secular school system when we are trying to simplify everywhere else?
I personally believe that the Lord is moving among His believers and calling us (collectively) to simplicity. Why? I have no idea! But I have observed it the same as you have. And isn't it wonderful to be connected to so many different believers who have the same interests!? I love blogging here!

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Posted by dsw3131 on Friday, April 11, 2008 at 9:22 AM - Link

Citysteader:

I think you're right. I think the Lord is drawing believers to simplicity because family has always been the nucleus of a godly home. We do so much "extracurricular activities" and spend so much money on entertainment (TV, video games, etc) that we are drifting apart as families. It's amazing how much time we spend together as a family without the TV. I'm not saying all extracurricular stuff is bad, we've just got too much of it these days.

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 11, 2008 at 10:49 AM - Link

I think more homesteaders are likely to homeschool

WE are a homeschooling family that is just waiting for that day to homestead.

The Lord has called us to homesteading - He has just not opened the door yet. We keep waiting for His perfect timing. He is faithful.

Charity
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/FHCJourney/

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Posted by Schatzi on Friday, April 11, 2008 at 10:37 PM - Link

Welcome to HSB....great bunch of people here....we were a homeschooling family, but now two have graduated and four are in public school. We live on ten acres on a vineyard...I do know lots of folks who homeschool but do not homestead and I know a few that homestead but their children are in school. So I guess it just depends on who you talk to....Thank goodness we live in a land of "freedoms".

Have a blessed weekend.

Connie

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Posted by gokings13 on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 9:52 AM - Link

I think when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we tend to listen to His Call in all areas!

When He called us to home school, and we obeyed, I think that opened our hearts to hear His Voice in many other areas.
"be in the world, not of it", 'come out, be separate', "love the Lord, my God with all my heart, soul, strength and mind"
Little things like that!!
Great post!
Laura

Welcome!

Posted by HSBFrontPorch on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 10:40 AM - Link

Welcome to HSB! I hope you enjoy your time blogging here. It is a great community here... If I can help you please let me know.

~Chasity Burrell
Senior Editor of Homesteadblogger
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/chas
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/hsbfrontporch