The Price of Homeschooling

The Price Homeschooling

Don’t Be a Baby, Write the Check

Are you ready to make a difference in your homeschool journey? You have big dreams for your kids, but those dreams require action, commitment, and investment. Homeschooling has a price, and it’s not just financial—it’s about discipline, dedication, and doing what it takes to help your children thrive.

If you’ve ever watched The Last Dance, the documentary about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ run to their third NBA Championship in 1993, you’ll remember one of Jordan’s most powerful insights: winning and leadership come at a price. He didn’t just drift along; he was intentional, disciplined, and focused. He pushed his teammates harder than they wanted to be pushed because he knew that greatness isn’t achieved through comfort.

The Cost of Winning in Homeschooling

In sports, the scoreboard shows who’s winning. In homeschooling, the “win” isn’t always as obvious—but it’s no less important. The beauty of homeschooling is that you get to define what winning looks like for your family. Whether it’s nurturing a love for learning, helping your children develop strong character, or preparing them for future opportunities, you’re in charge of setting the standard.

Winning, by definition, means overcoming an adversary. But in homeschooling, who or what is the adversary? It’s not society, critics, or even the challenges of the day. More often than not, our biggest adversary is ourselves—our fears, doubts, and the temptation to take the easy road. We hold ourselves back, and that’s where the real battle begins.

Are You Leading by Example?

Your kids are watching you. They see how you handle challenges, setbacks, and victories. Are you showing them what it looks like to take full responsibility for your life? Winners take ownership—they don’t blame circumstances or others. Michael Jordan wasn’t competing against the rest of the NBA; he was competing against himself, striving to be better every single day.

As homeschool parents, we need to adopt that same mindset. We should be challenging ourselves to improve and grow, not just as educators but as role models for our kids. We’re not striving for perfection, but progress. So, what does winning look like for your homeschool? Is it straight A’s, strong moral character, or perhaps the ability to quote scripture? Maybe it’s simply seeing your kids exhibit the fruits of the spirit more consistently. Whatever it is, write it down! Make it clear, make it visible, and let your family rally around it.

The Vision for Your Homeschool

The Bible tells us in Habakkuk 2:2, “Write the vision and make it plain, so that whoever reads it can run with it.” If you want your family to win in homeschooling, you need a clear vision. What does success look like? And more importantly, are you willing to do what it takes to achieve that vision?

For example, let’s say your vision for winning includes maintaining strong, godly relationships within your family. That may mean prioritizing open communication and acts of love over getting every assignment perfect. It’s up to you, as the leader, to decide what matters most for your homeschool.

But here’s the real question: are you willing to do the hard, unpopular things to make it happen?

“Write the Check!”—Take Responsibility

The title of this article, “Don’t Be a Baby, Write the Check,” is a playful metaphor for taking ownership. Imagine you’re at a dinner party with your family and friends. After a wonderful meal, the server comes with the bill and asks, “Will this be one check or separate checks?”

Now, think about this: Are you going to step up and cover the bill? Or are you going to shift the responsibility elsewhere? Writing the check means stepping up, taking charge, and owning the results.

In homeschooling, it’s easy to make excuses—to blame circumstances, lack of time, or other distractions. But winners don’t make excuses—they take responsibility. Just like paying for the meal, you have to be willing to invest in your homeschool’s success, no matter the cost. That means being disciplined, making sacrifices, and staying focused on your goals.

Let’s Define the Win and Take Action!

What does winning look like in your homeschool? Define it, write it down, and make sure everyone in your family understands the goal. Then, commit to doing whatever it takes to reach that goal. Be the kind of parent who leads with purpose, who doesn’t shy away from the tough decisions, and who’s willing to “write the check” for your family’s success.

Your kids are counting on you to be the leader, the visionary, and the one who shows them how to win—not just in school, but in life. Let’s rise to the challenge, step up, and do what it takes to create a homeschool that inspires greatness.

You’ve got this! Let’s go win the day!

SPONSORED BY PIEDMONT HOMESCHOOL TENNIS TEAM