Finding the right education for your children can be a daunting challenge, especially if you are considering homeschooling. In the past, homeschooling came with unique obstacles, but it is more accessible than ever to parents today. Adrian Sullivan and Lana Von Haussen spoke to us about their homeschooling journey and provided insight and tips to those considering it.
What inspired you to start homeschooling your child(ren)?
Sullivan: It was a calling for me. I originally homeschooled my oldest, who is now a rising ninth grader, back in kindergarten and
first grade. After a few years in school and me returning to work, I felt the Lord calling me back to homeschooling. I contemplated it for a while and after his sixth-grade year, we made the leap again. It’s been a blessing ever since.
Von Haussen: When my oldest was a baby, I had several close friends who homeschooled, and I admired them so much. Still, my oldest went to public school from K-2 while I hesitated. In 2020, everything changed. My youngest was supposed to start kindergarten, I lost my job and I just knew: it was time. We weren’t doing distance learning. We started homeschooling – and we haven’t looked back.
How would you describe your homeschool philosophy or approach?
Sullivan: Eclectic. I use a mix of approaches tailored to each child. I pull from traditional methods, Charlotte Mason (a homeschooling curriculum) and project-based learning depending on what fits best.
Von Haussen: I also take an eclectic approach. I believe in the value of classical education, like literature and critical thinking, but also embrace Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on nature and the arts.
What does a typical homeschool day look like for your family?
Sullivan: Each year varies, but typically we eat breakfast around 8 a.m., then have family devotions. The kids then break off into individual assignments. Some subjects are shared, like writing for my older three and science/history for the younger ones. We eat lunch around 11 and usually finish by 1. The afternoons are filled with sports practices and co-ops on Thursdays and Fridays. Co-ops offer electives like computer science, musical theater and art; subjects I may not teach myself.
Von Haussen: We start around breakfast, often with a read-aloud. Group lessons come first –science, history – then we split for individual work. I let them choose between math and language arts to begin. With a fifth and eighth grader, those subjects take more time now. We’re usually done by early afternoon unless extracurriculars extend the day.
What has been the most rewarding part of homeschooling?
Sullivan: Being with my kids all day. We genuinely love being together. I also love that our curriculum (except math) is taught from a biblical worldview. Christ is present in every subject, and that matters deeply to me.
Von Haussen: All of it, honestly. I taught my youngest to read, and now she’s a bookworm! Watching them explore their interests, like astronomy, and tying that into learning is magical. The wonder on their faces during field trips? Priceless.
What was one of the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome it?
Sullivan: I worried I couldn’t challenge my oldest, especially in math. But God provided. We found a great curriculum with video lessons. He’s thriving and even completed Algebra 2 in eighth grade.
Von Haussen: I struggled with the idea that homeschooling had to look like public school at home. Once I let go of that rigidity and embraced flexibility – like four-day school weeks and experiential Fridays – everyone became happier, and learning exploded.
What advice would you give to new or curious homeschooling parents?
Sullivan: Go for it! There are so many resources out there. Don’t feel like you have to teach every subject; be a facilitator. Kids are naturally curious and capable. You’ll be amazed at what they can do, and what you’ll learn yourself.
Von Haussen: Be flexible. Try things. Throw out the schedule if it’s not working. Know that you know your children best. Learning can happen anywhere: on a walk, in the grocery store, at the beach. Homeschooling isn’t just an education, it’s a lifestyle.
These homeschooling parents remind us of the power of presence, patience and purpose and the choices out there relating to the homeschooling process. While each homeschooling journey is different, it is evident that these heroes share one thing in common: love and devotion to their children.
By Cari Lawson
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