Because I Can Hug Them Anytime
I’ve shared many posts in our Facebook group about what I love about homeschooling, and honestly, the list keeps growing. But one of the most tender and powerful gifts I’ve discovered is this: at any point during the day, I can stop and hug my child.
That might sound like a small thing. After all, any parent can hug their child when they’re together, right? But for me, having the freedom to wrap my arms around them at any moment — when they’re frustrated, proud, silly, or just needing closeness — is huge. It’s a daily reminder of why we chose this path.
Before we began homeschooling, I worked outside the home, and my children were either in public school or with a babysitter. My middle two started daycare at just 2 and 3 months old. I still remember those pickup moments — when I’d arrive after a long day, and one of them would fall into my arms, sobbing. Confused and concerned, I’d ask, “What happened?” and the babysitter would say, “They had a great day!”
It didn’t make sense. Why the tears if everything was fine?
A quick Google search will tell you it’s normal — that kids often hold in their emotions all day and finally let go when they’re with the person they feel safest with. And while I found comfort in knowing I was that safe place, part of me wondered... is this really the best way for them to process everything they’re feeling?
Now, several years into homeschooling, I’ve come to understand the beauty of being there throughout the day. Not just physically, but emotionally. I can be the one to help them navigate big feelings as they come — not hours later, when those emotions have been bottled up and finally overflow.
It’s changed everything.
Now, instead of being greeted at 5 PM by a child in tears, I get to walk alongside them moment by moment. I get to notice when they’re overwhelmed by math or discouraged by handwriting — and I can pause, scoop them into my lap, and say, “You’re doing great. Let’s take a breath.” Sometimes, it’s just a spontaneous hug from my five-year-old that resets the whole afternoon. It’s good for them... and it’s healing for me, too.
As parents, we’ve been given this beautiful, fleeting gift: the chance to raise our children not just by providing, but by being present. Homeschooling has given me more than academic flexibility — it’s given me time, connection, and those precious midday hugs that remind me we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.
