The American Fairy Tale

Mothers of yesteryear were akin to modern-day corporate managers. They knew how to delegate authority, foster teamwork, and elicit the best from each of their children. Much like a well-run organization, everything was a joint effort, including tasks like writing the shopping list, which was often delegated to a secretarial staff of sorts. Mothers instinctively understand how to relate to their offspring, possessing extraordinary skills in motivating them to learn. Before World War II, young children returned home from school to the comforts of home—apple pie, cookies, and milk—reflecting strong family values in a predominantly rural society that shared common cultural beliefs. Teachers could maintain classroom control because children were raised by loving parents who instilled respect for 'the wisdom of grey-headedness' (Leviticus 19:32; I Samuel 12:2).

As we navigate the information age, the family structure is undergoing rapid transformation. Today, millions of children aged 5 to 12 come home to empty houses, with many lacking a stable home environment. The pride once associated with disciplining children to uphold the family name has diminished. Marriage rates have plummeted, while divorce trends dominate, leading to a culture where personal gratification often takes precedence. Women's Liberation has improved workplace conditions for women, but it has also contributed to the challenge of raising responsible children. Teachers, once respected for imparting knowledge, are now often viewed as free babysitters.

The accountability of the public education system has faced scrutiny for years, as many students complete 13 years of schooling without adequate reading or writing skills, ultimately functioning below their intellectual potential throughout adulthood. Are teachers responsible for this decline in educational quality, or is society to blame? Concerned parents find themselves forced to expose their children to violence, lack of discipline, and drug use, all due to compulsory attendance laws. School-age children are particularly susceptible to peer influence, as outlined in Erikson's Theory of Personal and Social Development, indicating that teachers' abilities are not the root cause of these issues.

In a bid to restore the essence of motherhood, many 'rebellious' parents across the United States are striving to revive the traditional family dynamic. These parents may be seen as eccentric for prioritizing daily family time for learning, yet their dedication is often criticized.

During the Golden Age of Learning, children were taught to read at home before entering school. The emphasis on early literacy ensured that if formal schooling ended, children could continue to grow and develop. High expectations were set and achieved; by the early 1900s, many children had a solid foundation in English reading by the end of third grade. Families who choose home schooling today aspire to recreate this environment, fostering confident and self-directed learners.

Parenting demands dedication and self-sacrifice. Fortunately, modern technology has alleviated many challenges faced by families 100 years ago in home schooling. A wealth of information is now available to assist families in pursuing this educational reform. The first step toward becoming an expert in home schooling is to explore available curricula and resources, compare them with family philosophies, and involve the children in the decision-making process regarding their education.

As the home schooling trend grows, professional educators have voiced concerns over its quality. However, with the establishment of virtual schools, parents who wish to educate their children at home can access valuable resources and support. The stigma associated with home schooling, once linked to inadequate education, has significantly diminished since the 1990s. The assumption that the public school socialization process is inherently beneficial has been challenged by home schooling. The notion that age-based classrooms with uniform teaching methods produce identical results for all students is increasingly seen as outdated. Iconic figures like Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Abraham Lincoln were all nurtured by devoted mothers, with Edison even labeled 'unteachable' by his teacher. How many other potentially brilliant minds might be overlooked if we disregard the merits of home schooling?

The family unit is crucial to the success of any society. Many powerful empires have crumbled due to family breakdowns, and the current global empire may be on a path to extinction as perspectives on motherhood shift. Future generations will ultimately evaluate the effectiveness of the home schooling movement in its quest to restore family values.