Why One of My Kids Isn't Homeschooled | Our Homeschool Journey | VLOG | Roots and Refuge Farm

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[@lovelight9164]

I am 60 years old and you are teaching me things that I just have never thought about implimenting into my own life and I thank you so much. Blessings to you and your beautiful family.

[@jeankelly368]

A great testimony. I can tell you really love your children. Government schools are changing every year. Your children are being taught true morals in their journey. God bless you.

[@VagabondAnne]

Love looks like good soil. Some children are flowering bushes full of scented summers, some are fruiting sprawling pumpkin vines that stay close to home, some are climbing grasping vines spreading seeds far and wide, some are trees that grow steady and tall for generations. Nourish them all, be good soil for them all.

[@zeppypaige]

VagabondAnne I love this! Thank you ☺️

[@fr33tobem3]

That's beautiful

[@AtlantaHospiceRN]

VagabondAnne Beautifully spoken

[@tamarabutterworth8300]

Absolutely Perfect and Beautiful!

[@kleineroteHex]

Beautiful!

[@chelsealashley9646]

I'm not sure what compelled me to watch this video posted from 5 years ago, but your story has blessed me SO much today Jess! We're finishing our "third" year of homeschooling (first official year under MO law) and it's been super tough on me and my firstborn. I DO, however, feel called to it. Any way, after your sharing in this video, I'm praying that the DEEP parts of my heart remember that God keeps me (and my kids!) even in my less than stellar choices. His grace is sufficient, particularly in the present, where I tend to miss out due to anxiety over the future. I bless you back sister, in Jesus name ;)

[@Oh-yes-she-can]

3 years after this video was posted! I am wanting to homeschool my 4 and 5 year olds, I already looked into The Good And The Beautiful curriculum and this just confirms that it is the right choice for me and my family. Thank you for all you do Jess!

[@dalelehman5194]

Ben looks like Mom. What a little sweetie.

[@petecilione4166]

This was very interesting, and I am glad I found this. My two grandchildren will be homeschooled. I feel really good about it.

[@melaniediessel7513]

Oh My Goodness, this just came up on my feed and I can't believe how cute Ben was here! He's the sweetest little guy. All your boys are so sweet.

[@intentionallymade]

2 years later and your words resonate. So much so I had to share on my fb page for others who might be feeling unworthy or inadequate for this homeschool life, distant learning or sending their kids to school right now. This is my first year homeschooling and I feel so at peace. Felt a desire seven years ago and finally God paved a way this year. ❤️

[@catbydie5]

NECESSITY IS THE WHISPER OF GOD! When we can't hear what is best for us, sometimes God will "whisper" necessities into our consciousness. You are doing great! Bravo momma!

[@alexisdear594]

Julie Harris love the way you said this.

[@goldierocks.]

I homeschooled 4 kids for 22 years. It was one of the best decisions we ever made. We also lived most of that time out in the country and were very isolated. But, each of the kids learned a ton of valuable skills that as adults they continue. Their strong work ethics have been praised by every employer they had. My husband has been a public school teacher for 35 years and has seen it all! Socialization is a 2 way street; good and bad. We have two introverts and two extroverts and made efforts to meet their needs accordingly. God bless your effort in all that you do!

[@tammyherrin9536]

Awesome video. I homeschooled my son and daughter from 4 grades up. They are 25 & 28 now and I don’t regret one second of it. I had some opposition from family members who still to this day say it was a bad decision but the difference in our children as adults now speaks for itself. The first year of jr high my daughter wanted to go to public school and I allowed her to go but the third day of going she came to me in tears saying it wasn’t for her and I pulled her out that day. Thank you so much for these encouraging words. I know there are parents out there that need them, I was one of them at one time!

[@donnas8867]

I’m Addicted! It started today with tomatoes!! I couldn’t stop watching!! Thank you! I’ll be surely watching And Sharing!!

[@wilmagregory8967]

I'm a retired teacher and i'm so glad to not be teaching anymore. Common core and new history all twisted up bode badly for the future of our kids. Home schooling is the best way to go in my opinion. Your kids are wonderful and a reflection of their parents and upbringing. Much love and peace, blessings. ♡☆♡☆♡

[@djchancla2451]

We were never thought the true history

[@djchancla2451]

Meant taught

[@Ladytasya]

DJ Chancla it depend on what you mean by true history. Early on in school that show America history in too positive of a light. Our founders were not amazing kind people. They were normal people and some were very greed, some were kind and other were very much asshole such Jefferson.

[@ElinWinblad]

LaTasya Booker most world history glosses over a empire tartaria and say it was just “ a region of land” when in fact it was a empire with flags etc.

[@Ladytasya]

Elin Winblad again what is true history is a matter of opinion. Most Americans don’t know much about when America tried to invade Canada because someone decided it was not important.

[@donsinclair9594]

Sensibility and confidence and love in one self and family will lead children a long way! Seems your family is headed in that direction!

[@iartistdotme]

Beautifully worded! Fear deals in limitations while love deals with inspiration without boundaries. In other words - what you said! I'm so lucky that I found your site - I am blessed.

[@christinedawson918]

Thank you for sharing your faith. I too am a believer who won't argue. But truly I knew you were a believer by watching you and listening to you as you share about your garden. And God bless you too

[@NickMusselle]

what a breath of fresh air, our public schooling is so politicly correct. you are doing an amazing job,(i do worry you might be doing too much) but its none of my business. you are also teaching your kids life lessons. you are a wonderful family.

[@lilyxciv5637]

You don’t even know how much I needed this video. Thank you.

[@vickimachovsky3480]

I home schooled my children was back in 1990, my marriage died, but I wished I could have done the home schooling longer. It was a wonderful time and I met some life long friends. The divorce and introduction to public school was difficult, my 2 older home schooled children struggled with good grades during the public school years, but they went into college doing well and affirming my decision to home school my two oldest children. My children have great memories, they refer to all the life experiences and are pretty strong people. I SUPPORT YOUR HOME SCHOOLING EFFORTS. As a 60 year old, it will be something you will never regret and memories you will cherish forever! LIFE IS A WELL ROUNDED TEACHER to aid you!

[@danaholloman7101]

Your wise beyond your years lady. I really admire you. I wish I was that wise at your age. May God bless you and your family. Btw I love your videos 😍

[@lifewithlaceylu9266]

Your awesome! I completely agree with your homeschooling philosophy!! People think sheltering your kids is bad, but we are called by Go to lead them in the way they should go!!

[@LizzSmoak]

Furst time watcher...thank you for raising men!

[@thebluecottage9952]

I think it’s great that your children are also learning life skills, I was not homeschooled but I was cooking dinners for the family by the time I was in middle school and could clean, I moved out when I was 18 and while there were definitely things I had to experience to learn I think helping my mom with my younger siblings and doing things around the house and helping with the shopping put me way a head in the faulting game. I have people in my life in their mid 20s who still don’t know how to budget, cook, or even do their own laundry. I feel truly blessed that basic life skills were taught to me! Love your family, you guys are such a beautiful example of a loving family!

[@jeaniepartridge6701]

Home school is so much easier than people think. I wish I had home schooled earlier because they learned so much more at home than public school.

[@MYPERMACULTUREGARDEN]

I love just looking at you when you talk !!!! You talk with your whole face !!!1 and your babies ,,,,, they are so well behaved !

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I find myself making the faces she makes as she talks sometimes! Lmao

[@fromfranceswithlove8084]

Same!

[@cathybehrens6250]

Kudos! I homeschooled my two girls for 13 years...all as a single parent. Challenging but so worth it. People's biggest concern was always socialization, but we were part of a homeschooling group for friends, etc. Also, true socialization is the ability to socialize/communicate/relate to/get along with people of all ages. Homeschooling provides that in spades. It does take commitment and organization to follow through with their education :)

[@courtneyrenegar4329]

Your rambling videos are my favorite! Keep up the great work!! Hoping I get to run into you while you're out here in California. It would be amazing to meet you!!

[@missmollycollie911]

Home schooled 2 of my 5 kids for a few years then became a teacher at their christian school for another 5 and then they went to a christian school to finish out high school. Did the life lessons as well. Had them all in 4H all they way up to high school, milking and raising goats, sheep pigs and even dogs. My youngest is now 32 and the lessons they learned have stayed with them.

[@tammycorley5831]

Quote of the day! "Fear's mortal enemy is love."

[@charitysmith5245]

Are y'all looking to adopt? I mean, I'm 45 but much younger at heart. And your babies are so lucky to have you for a mom.

[@cherylhale5755]

I read that “education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire”

[@tamzig]

We pulled our daughter out of public school the 3rd month of 7th grade & have never looked back! We use an online curriculum but also use Learn Math Fast because I felt like she just did NOT get a good baseline of math fundamentals with Common Core in public school. We supplement with Co-op classes & are part of a home school social group that offers geography fairs, spelling bees, science fairs, field trips & lots of social activities. Plus, we incorporate a LOT of life skills learning & teaching her entrepreneurial skills with our farm. I truly feel like she is getting a better, more well rounded education & isn't distracted by a lot of the social issues plaguing public school students.

[@heatherwilliamson9232]

Homeschool is awesome. I love having my babies at home and all over the world with me. Classical Conversations is the best curriculum I've found, so far. It's a curriculum with a meet up group once a week (which is the day I do my town errands). You can put your zip code in on the website to find out where your closest group is, if you're interested. Isn't it amazing that so many brilliant minds of the past were a product of good old fashioned homeschooling? We can barely understand their writings nowadays, because it's nearly beyond our mental capacity, yet people still believe somehow, that public education is the only way. May God bless your Homeschool!

[@mikkibates7854]

Classical Conversations has been a great choice for our family for 14 year. It isn't easy, but the community, encouragement, and accountability has been great. Getting together once a week is a pretty good mix for people who like their private time, as well.

[@RewiredforJoy]

I've been binge watching your videos all day since I found your channel this morning. I. Love. All. Of. It. 😂🥰 Seriously, thank you for sharing your story, your wisdom and your light ❤️

[@jenniferjanowicz4170]

I remember when you first posted this! Oh My, Ben is so adorable and his little voice!

[@conniebrister7229]

I homeschooled my grandson from 3rd grade to 9th grade. His ninth grade year he did the K12 on the computer and he HATED it. Sitting at a computer all day was excruciating. He really wanted to return to public school and boy was I worried. You just never know how well you've done and how well they will adjust. His first year was a struggle because he hadn't formed friendships through the years like his peers. He is now a senior and is doing extremely well, taking college courses through the high school and having a ball with friends. I had a child tell me the other day that she couldn't believe that since he was so smart that he had so many friends.

[@katherinehenry1480]

Kelp is the BEST for garden plants! As our children are uniquely and wonderfully made, so should their education be. As a parent, you know best. I love your attitude, especially the knowledge of how detrimental making a decision or of fear is. Private, public, homeschool... They are designed for some children (and parents)... Not all children (or parents).

[@kathymartz]

Grace, Mercy, and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. You are definitely a blessing. Thank you so much for sharing...I home-schooled my 6 children for 26 years...I now have 14 Grands...I see myself in a lot of you.

[@Eyesofmars2040]

I homeschooled my 3. My older 2 are in college now and my last is a senior. I do not regret one minute of it.

[@donnaflores50]

We homeschooled all 5 of our kids. I gave each of them the choice to go to school, but none of them wanted to go. They all are very successful and enjoy their choices. They were not bogged down with a lot of the garbage and wasted time that they would have otherwise went through in California public schools.

[@brendahunt5389]

I thank God that I found y'all's vlog.

[@melanieallen8980]

Thankyou...I homeschool my 9&10yr old.I believe they learn more at home & thrive more as individual kids.💙

[@user-nl7oz1gi6d]

Yes I agree 👍 💯, God bless you on your Home Shooling.🕊✝️🕊✝️🕊✝️🕊.

[@LadyWisdomSpeaksAcademy]

I love your attitude towards teaching and learning. Proverbs 15:2 states, "A wise teacher makes learning a joy..." Keep up the good work!

[@rudyorpington3152]

Good job! I am the mother who said I would never home school yet did so for 6 years. My mistake was thinking I needed to bring the solid structure of the classroom to my dining room table. Your statement about being flexible with curriculum and life skills is great and so much better than tying the children to the table for 6 hours per day. Children (especially boys) need to move, create and learn 'hands-on'. Wish I had been flexible like you. God bless your family.

[@tinagossett70]

I highly commend you for homeschooling! If I had the opportunity and could do it over again I would homeschool my children. As I see my grandchildren getting ready to attend public school I shutter! So many things we dO NOT want our children to know about until a much older age are learned in grade school. So kudos to you!

[@cherylhale5755]

I homeschooled my youngest child until she was ready for college. My reasons were partly because of her aspergers , and partly because of a horrible teacher. I figured I couldn’t do a worse job, and I’d take things year by year. I loved it. She was accepted into college... no problems, and now she is married, has two toddlers, who she is homeschooling them.

[@judyrobertson9479]

I worked for 30 years as a program coordinator at a large state university. We watched the home schooled kids because we did not want them to start getting behind before anyone noticed. Well, they made excellent grades because they had not learned bad habits. Some of our best students were home schooled.

[@tbbart6463]

Bad habits...no honey, WE ALL have bad habits to some extent. They just actually learned HOW to learn.

[@julieselden7932]

I had my last daughter at the age off 44 all my other kids were grown and gone and had kids of their own when she was born. I chose to home school her too, and loved being able to know what she was learning and how she was learning it. When she turned 13 she wanted to go to school, and to be honest, it had been so many years since I had been in school I didn't feel I could do the high school stuff. I let her go back in the 8th grade that was this year and she seems to be doing great in everything. I miss her so much though it has been very hard on me to let her go. Last year we read a lot of the classics together she would read one page, and I would read then next. It was great fun as I had never even read them myself. I will treasure those days always, and wish I would have home schooled my older daughters. They learn so much more on a farm, she was helping her father with the castration of the sheep at the age of 5. She has never been upset about losing an animal because she knows they are being raised for food. Her friends come over and are amazed when I tell them that their hamberg comes from a cow. To me this is a very sad thing.

[@leannac2743]

We were a homeschool family. I loved it & I learned as much or more than the kids! We had our curriculum but had more of an unschool approach. Very similar to yours. Life skills are so important!

[@sweetpea3472]

Bravo! Wish I'd done Bible & unschooling.

[@LaurieEggleston37]

When my girls were school age, I homeschooled. On Fridays, I would have them write (No requirement on length) what they learned Monday - Thursday that they loved and what they didn't love. On Monday, I would turn that back to them (Graded for grammar only) with suggestions. If they wanted to learn something that wasn't on the books, we would turn that into a lesson for the following quarter. "How to balance a bank account" was one of those. We went to the bank, set up an account, and made decisions about that account throughout the school year. "How to apply for a job" was another "Wish Class". There were so many that Public Schools aren't able to teach. You are doing such a great job! It is comforting to know that this learning style is working for so many children!

[@susanamilhem6265]

As a former school teacher, you are doing a great job! Daily life involves a lot of math, science and the rest of the school subjects. Keep it up!

[@reillybooker1318]

Hey Jess! Just wanted to let you know, your lengthy videos are what I look forward to after a long day at work! Thank you for putting so much love and content into your videos. :)

[@not2tees]

Fear, you can have it and not know it, but watching someone with the love of life can show you where you're really at. I do say thank you.

[@patsycav]

Home schooling is better on so many levels.

[@awkwardturtle9615]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I can raise my hand and say I am the one that feels unqualified and rather "not wired" to homeschool. Nevertheless, this year God placed it on my heart, I feel like i am reclaiming my children and will homeschool for the first time starting this year. I am terrified, yet tremendously positive that this is what I am meant to do! Thank you so much for your inspiration and encouragement. I am so glad to have recently found your channel and feel quite a connection to you and your homestead. My "homestead" if you could call it that is just starting out. This is my 3rd year on my own property and had a massive failed garden last year and 2 flocks of chicken completely wiped out, the first by my dog, the second by a fox. We will get there eventually... Your videos, and their honesty, have helped pick me and encourage me to continue. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@lovebugs508]

BRAVO FOR YOU PROUD SUPER GOOD CARING MOMMA BRAVO GOOD CHRISTIAN LADY.

[@meganmackenzie5993]

Late to the party, but I have been getting to know you lately and watching older vlogs. As a public school teacher, I love your focus on growing your children's curiosity and love of learning. I also agree that there's lots of other stuff going on at school that's non-academic (by necessity and choice), and your ability to honor the individual learner in each of your boys is something that's tougher in a class of 30. My teaching has been influenced by your messages and videos this year.

[@teresaroman3348]

I have 2 children left at home, one is homeschooled and one attends public school. I love your approach - kind of meeting your children where they are at, learning their passion, teaching life skills, and not living your life thru your children. I totally support your chatty videos!

[@trustthedirtfarm3928]

You and your family are sharing a wonderful message. Your blessings are many.

[@theclosetmusician1945]

Love what you shared. I was homeschooled all to graduation. Really enjoyed it. ☺👏👏

[@bethberndt3172]

Looking back I wish I had homeschooled for the simple fact that teachers have to push through a curriculum and kids don't all learn in the same way at the same pace. When they don't understand something they have to stay after school. My kids saw that as a punishment. It would interfere with sports and the main point is that if one kid doesn't understand a concept, you know there are others. Good for you! You sound like a smart cookie so give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy this time. It really does go quick.

[@user-lu3sd2bh2u]

So great! Thank you for those words. They were powerful. Fears mortal enemy is love. Perfect love casts out fear.

[@gerberdaisy2388]

I started watching your gardening videos before I knew you were a Christian and a homeschooler - how kewl it was to find out that you're a believer and a homeschooler. We have 3 kids (31, 21 and 20) and are now on the other side of our home education - it was a great adventure. We both learned so much from each other; the best and deepest lessons of life came at me from my children. One of the things you said was that some people make it harder than it needs to be: you are exactly right. The first couple of years were tough, but we eventually figured it out. It seems that you've discovered that early on -- fantastic. Blessings on your home!

[@hopebridgefarm4032]

You weren't rambling. It was a blessing and you are so right! Thank you. I homeschool our kids and it's been quite a journey. It's so true that sometimes we can think we aren't qualified or cut out for something but knowing or having a sense that we are called to it changes everything

[@farmonturtlehill1157]

Love your chatty videos! I wish I could have home schooled my boys. I was a single mom and had to work outside the home. I am also an art teacher at a public high school. All the Home school kids we get that were raised homeschool until they got older are so mature and intelligent! I think you are wonderful and I am so in awe of you and your family. Thank you for sharing your life with us!

[@mawrawmiller561]

Home schooled three sons through high school and loved it❤️🙏🏼✨

[@HazelNutz2]

I just realized after watching your garden videos for 2 years.. this is how I came across your channel 😆. Homeschooling. I was going over next months plan for our school and the thought popped up. So I searched your videos and sure enough. So strange to me. I am curious on your routine now. We’ve all seen so many garden videos now and I know that’s your focus here. You could do an outline video (not actually showing the kids but talking about it). Would be helpful to all the gardeners/ homeschoolers out there. ❤️ to you and yours

[@lynnrivard1276]

I totally enjoy your videos. I wish you were my neighbor. We could have so much fun together. Thank you for everything you both do. My son is now following you too. He is in iowa and I am in Alabama but our gardening skills have improved so much. I am a Master Gardener but you have taught me so much more and in such a wonderful way. God bless you and keep you and your family safe

[@anthulanicholas3343]

Thank you Jess, I like rambling chatty videos. I feel like I'm sitting with you at your kitchen table having a conversation.

[@salemthorup9536]

You're so cool to even make this video. Not that you should ever have to justify your parenting to thousands of strangers, but the way you approach these subjects is so humble and charitable to those asking about them.

[@maureenbrophy7852]

I was so glad when my kids went school. But for one child I had to do extra reading every day as well as homework 😣. This made big difference. They have turned out to be good people & academically they exceeded. But it was their choice subject. Mother did all the work when young. Good luck you kids are great already 💐🇮🇪

[@carlyblankevoort3856]

I COMPLETELY agree. My daughter is not particularly sociable, she hated school and I decided to keep her home. We spent invaluable time together and her life skills are beyond her years. People spew forth about 'social aspects'. She had no need to bend to peer pressure, she could converse with people from ALL age groups and walks of life. Besides, LOOK at the cyber bullying and ugliness little kids have to deal with. I also spent hours in introspection 'have I done the correct thing?'. She is her own ambassador to the success of our endeavours. She is aghast at how inadept girls her age (22) are at life skills, conversational ability etc. I could make my.own vlog but you've done a great job. ;) love your channel.

[@masuganut2082]

Carly Blankevoort my daughter sounds like yours but mine is only eight. You, just like Jess, are giving me hope. People keep pushing me to send her to school but she wants to be home and I want her home as well. She goes to an art class once a week and chats with everyone, kids and teachers alike and helping everyone. Thank you for sharing Carly. ❤️

[@Cemommster]

Carly Blankevoort I hate when people bring up being social in homeschooling. We have a very extroverted daughter and we just adjust the amount of activities she participates in.

[@carlyblankevoort3856]

@@Cemommster For sure, Jenny, and there are many unpleasant aspects to conventional schooling and "socialising"!

[@carlyblankevoort3856]

@@masuganut2082 sorry, I only saw your message now. You just do your thing and ignore the rest. She is YOUR child. You're welcome re the encouragement. ;)

[@carlyblankevoort3856]

@@masuganut2082 A YEAR ago! How time has flown! Are you home schooling? Enjoying it?

[@francesahrens1578]

You expressed yourself SO WELL. You spoke to a number of issues with homeschooling that, as a former homeschooling consultant for the state I lived in, really concerned me. I hope many, many parents listen to this post...I am sharing on my FB. Thank you!

[@jenedge5949]

Fear is a liar...I was just thinking that while you were talking about decisions made in fear. I'm not a religious person, but I can still really relate. You are a sweetheart. Ty

[@shannoncascio5990]

This is awesome. I homeschooled my two oldest who are now 29 and 22 all the way thru college. What a wonderful time that was for our family. :)

[@walkbyfaithfamily9177]

I feel the exact same way about homeschool! When they are mature enough to make good decisions I will give them the choice. I also keep my supplies in a trunk! Lol We will start homeschool on Monday- this was very encouraging- I need to focus on helping them love to learn not just getting thru the curriculum! I am excited to jump into it now! ☺️ Thank you for sharing!

[@ritadempsey3641]

I just love your videos and have gotten much great information from you guys. I am also a believer and was privileged to homeschool my youngest son. Your videos are inspirational and interesting and just fun. You and your family are a pleasure to watch. God bless you all and all you are doing,

[@sherreenations2964]

Oh my, I watched this one when you did it so good to see how your children have grown. I'm still enjoying your journey to South Carolina and best wishes to you. Sherree

[@ireneturner2944]

Thank you JESSICA!!! 😊

[@barkingtreechronicles7504]

I love how articulate and expressive you are :) I contemplate the concept of homeschooling should it fit for us in the future. My sister homeschooled 4 kids, and or neighbor homeschools her boy. It is a wonderful way to learn. Yup... I don't feel wired for it. But as with everything, it is a part of a whole. Stepping more and more into homesteading, farm/family/nature I think will help to provide a more grounded foundation for our boy in this world of increasingly toxic social and political interaction ;)

[@maryrogers5269]

homeschooling your kids is a very smart thing to do during a pandemic. I use a liquid bone meal say half a teaspoon to qt water for my tomatoes seedlings and tomatoes cuttings. Love your videos im hooked

[@christina7088]

I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. My husband has agreed to homeschooling until my oldest is 7. And, I'm warring back and forth on if I'm qualified....... This video has helped.

[@christinelewis5765]

You did a great job, as always, sharing this part of your life. You have a wonderful perspective and attitude on all this. I too homeschooled my 3 kids until my 2 boys wanted to go to high school. And I just totally agree with all you said about it. It’s really a blessing to be able to have all that time with your kids. Personally, I believe way too many hours of a typical school day are just wasted. I wish I could have been home schooled. I am also an introvert and would have been a much more secure person if I hadn’t had to go through the public school system. And I think most of them are only getting worse. Great job!

[@ireneturner2944]

OMGOODNESS, OMGOODNESS, OMGOODNESS!!!! JESS LOOK WHAT POPPED UP!!LOL LISTEN TO YOU VOICE ,,,,YOU HAVE GOWN UP !! 😆 LOL 7-13-2022 I LOVE ❤ IT !!!! LOOK HOW LITTLE BEN IS... JACKSON IN THE 3RD GRADE!!! HOWWWWWWW ,,CUTENESS OVERLOAD!!!!!!!!!

[@HappyFarmsLa]

thanks! this is our first year of homeschool! (10 yo boy and 4 yo girl) so far it has been awesome! I quit my 7-4 teaching job. it was (is) a leap of faith financially! we don't have a curriculum yet, I'm just seeing where my son is. he is one of those that is super smart, needs lots of life skills! :) we wake at 8 (well they do, I teach online before they wake up) then we start at 9-12! I love the short time. i love giving my energy to my own children. anyhow, I appreciate you and your humble yet driven and called self! No fear! be the guide in Love!

[@user-di6cn2ne7u]

I cannot express how happy I am that you let them choose home or public schooling. Absolutely amazing .

[@steffany3513]

Jess, I really feel you always try your best at everything and are a good person. I would like to encourage you to seek out POC history as told by a POC historian. Sometimes the classics tend to over look or make POC history less valued. I think you will know more than I on the history you are teaching. But I wanted to very gently encourage this view too.

[@turquoisebabies]

I'm a single mom to a 2 year old and I am so exhausted I cannot even imagine homeschooling 4 children. Hats off to you, you are such a strong woman.

[@tinahopkins8520]

I love your videos. I think most of us that's on here does love your long videos. You just have a way of talking to us. I wish I could be more like you. Love you

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I swear i freaking love you! Its so awesome that you even notice those differences in your kids and respect them. I wish more parents were like you.

[@wendyp2011]

I understand this completely. We live way out and the closest school is 30 min away, no busses go by our house, so even if I let them ride busses, which I don't because elementary is mixed with high schoolers and that's a big issue for me, I would still have to drive the kids ten min to the bus pick up spot. Nope I'm not doing it. Homeschool it is!

[@thechurchmusiciansassistan3743]

Scholars Online!!! I was home schooled and transitioned to Scholars Online classes in high school. I was extremely well prepared for college because of Dr. Bruce and and Christe McMenomy et al.

[@janajankowiak4493]

I m so sad. German kids are not allowed to be homeschooled. I am happy that people who can do it take their chance.

[@cherylhale5755]

Public schools, necessarily, use a LOT of busywork. Farming is educational, as is travel, nature hikes, so many non-curriculum activities.

[@stephanieeverett383]

I am from Forrest City, AR, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything you said. Do what is right for you, your family and your children. Please, PLEASE never feel bad for your choices. I, and people like me, support you and people like you COMPLETELY. Do your thing. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I think you are on the right track. God bless you.

[@JudyEddy]

I am basically an introvert as well, hence I enjoy being home a lot with my family as going out for me sometimes is pretty stressful! I think really you noticing the needs of your children is pretty cool! I hope it is all working out well for your family! Ben is too adorable! Tfs!

[@janaeshepherd5833]

This is just what I needed to hear “fear” has been overwhelming my whole being. It has me questioning every decision I make. We have made the decision to homeschool - it took a lot to even get to the point to say we can do this. We both work full time and run a farm/ranch on top of our jobs, but still feel that we can make it work. My husband works at the printer that prints The Good and the Beautiful curriculum, just a fun tidbit. I have followed you from when you use to do like all day Instagram stories and just the simple love of your garden was contagious. You have left prints on my heart and I want to say Thank You for being true to yourself and bold enough to share it with the world. Thank you for blessing all of us every day.

[@ReneeRichterthisonesforyou99]

We home schooled our two boys all the way to college and pretty much everything you said in this video I said at one time or another. You just can't parent out of fear and you have to believe that God loves your kids more than you do. And if you are on a horse that just won't "go" you have to get off and try another horse. We went through so much curriculum and of course nothing worked for both boys the same way. But they are both well educated, articulate, intelligent men who are great dad's of 3 kids each. They also can wash clothes, cook dinner and fix just about anything that needs fixing. I'm grateful for my time with them and glad to be past the home school phase! BTW, all 6 of my grand kids are in public school and each of them is thriving and doing remarkably well. I believe the success of your children has less to do with where they go to school but rather how much you are involved in their lives in a positive way. Keep up the good work.

[@annCRP]

I just watched this April 2020 and I understand all your reasoning but as a mom of a 7th grader these kids need to expand their worlds, make childhood friends that can last a lifetime, earn trust & learn to rely on themselves.... so 👍 just make sure they memorized all information!

[@nicoleshepherd3279]

I know this is an old video but this helped me so much. Thank you ♥️ and God bless, I hope to share some tea and garden with you in heaven one day 🌱 you’ve been an inspiration in my garden and now my motherhood journey as well