Deer Ridge Academy

It’s easy to feel discouraged as a home educating parent.

We spend our days swimming against a strong current of social norms, and sometimes it just wears you down. The responsibility can feel immense. The breaks, few.

We’ve chosen to walk away from a childcare system that someone else takes point on running - from when that fifth birthday cake is cut to the start of adulthood. We’ve opted out of one of society’s most central, and talked about, experiences. We’ve given up potential income. We’ve waived our right to hand over a significant chunk of responsibility for our children’s progress in life.

We’ve put all that squarely on our own shoulders instead, often in the face of disbelief and criticism from people we know and people we don’t.

But we’ve done it anyway, because we believe the very essence of childhood is crying out to be redefined.

We’ve done it because we believe the measures are irrelevant. The comparisons between children meaningless and often damaging.

We’ve done it because age should not define an academic standard. Because other people should not define our personal goals. Because the achievements of one child should never be expected from another.

We’ve done it because every child has their own dreams. Because every child is unique. Because every child deserves the right to be respected for who they are.

And we’ve done it because life is short, and our time together is precious.

If you’re having a tough day, week, month or even year, know that you are not alone. There are many, many families out there walking this road with you. The movement is growing, faster than it ever has, and you are one of the bold and brave leading it.

Taking the road less travelled is never easy, but where it leads is often the most rewarding.

So keep going. Because we’re right there with you.