As an education freedom advocate, Sam Sorbo’s mission is to help parents and their children emancipate from our modern school system. A successful Hollywood film actress, writer, and producer, Sam stepped back from her own career to immerse herself in the home education of her three young children for over a decade. Recognizing the brokenness of our institutional system led Sam to understand there is much more to education than academics. As a prolific author, podcast and radio host, international public speaker, and mentor, Sam is dedicated to teaching families how to “educate…differently.”
In today’s rapidly changing world, the mental health of our children is of paramount concern. As Christian parents, we are called to provide not only physical sustenance but also a nurturing environment that fosters spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth, and an abiding faith in Christ. Home education presents the singular opportunity to safeguard our children’s mental health while instilling biblical values.
One of the most compelling arguments for home education is the parents’ ability to create a personalized learning environment tailored to their child’s unique needs. Schools typically struggle to accommodate individual learning styles, which can lead to frustration and anxiety for students who do not fit the conventional mold, in other words, most of them! In a home education setting, parents can tailor lessons to suit their child’s strengths and interests, fostering their sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, while also challenging them to meet standards the parents deem appropriate.
Home education promotes stronger family bonds, which are crucial for a child’s mental well-being. The close-knit family environment fosters and encourages open communication, where children feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings. This stability can significantly reduce anxiety and depression by providing the solid foundation of love and support, while preserving the parents’ authority. In contrast, traditional schooling separates children from their families for long hours and challenges the parental authority, forming a conflict in the mind of the child, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Children can struggle to determine which authority to turn to if their school stands against their parents’ values, as we see more and more often. God never intended for children to be educated away from their parents, as God’s design was always family-first. In this way, the child’s devotion may be transferred from the parent to the Lord.
Home education provides the opportunity to integrate faith into daily learning, providing not just academic knowledge but also moral and spiritual guidance. In fact, by focusing entirely on academics, as our schools encouraged from the 1960’s onward, they have distracted us from the most important – the spiritual development of the child. By incorporating scripture, prayer, and discussions about faith into their education, we equip our children with the tools to navigate life’s challenges. This spiritual grounding can enhance their resilience, helping them cope with stressors more effectively, and galvanizing them against the negative and secular social pressures that abide in the schools and the culture. Far from sheltering their offspring, Christian parents who homeschool can better equip their children to do battle in the spiritual and the cultural realms.
Home education offers the flexibility to create a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes mental health. Parents can schedule educational activities alongside time for rest, play, and spiritual practices. They can call a “snow day” any day they choose, relieving pent up anxiety that fervent academic study can foment. This balance is crucial for mental well-being, allowing children to develop better emotionally and spiritually. The structured yet adaptable nature of home education enables families to respond to stressors with grace, wisdom and prayer, reinforcing a sense of stability in an unstable world.
Home education provides a nurturing environment that can protect, preserve, and significantly enhance a child’s mental health. By fostering personalized learning, strengthening family bonds, integrating spiritual growth, reducing negative influences, and promoting balance, parents can create a holistic educational experience. As we commit to educating our children at home, we fulfill our Christian duty to protect their minds and spirits, ensuring they grow into resilient, well-rounded individuals grounded in faith. In an age where mental health challenges, especially in our youth, are on the rise, home education stands as a beacon of hope and a viable alternative for families seeking to cultivate a flourishing life for their children.
To learn more, visit SamSorbo.com
