If you’ve ever wondered why a growing number of families—ours included—are choosing to homeschool, I hope this story gives you clarity, courage, and a little bit of conviction.
Ever since we decided to homeschool our kids, my wife Wene and I have been met with a wave of questions. From close friends to relatives, many were simply curious, others genuinely concerned. “Is it even allowed?” “Aren’t you worried about their social skills?” “Isn’t that too much work?”
Honestly, we didn’t have all the answers at first. We still don’t. But we did have a calling. And that calling pushed us to take a leap of faith.
The Heart Behind Homeschooling
Before we ever held our sons Isaac and Israel in our arms, Wene and I had already discussed the idea of homeschooling. Back then, it was just a dream—a vague hope that, one day, we could guide our children’s learning with intention, rooted in our values and anchored in our faith.
It wasn’t an easy decision. It still isn’t. Homeschooling isn’t just about academics—it’s a lifestyle. A whole new rhythm of life. It meant rethinking everything we knew about education, discipline, and even ourselves.
But it was also the beginning of something beautiful.
Why Homeschooling Makes Sense (For Us)
I’m not here to tell you homeschooling is for everyone. It’s not. But if you’ve ever felt a tug in your heart, wondering if there’s something more—something richer—for your child’s education, then let me share what we’ve learned so far.
1. It’s Personalized and Purposeful
No one knows our kids better than we do. Homeschooling lets us tailor learning to their interests, pace, and personality. Isaac is naturally curious—he loves asking why, and we love that we can stop everything and explore answers together. Israel, still little, shows signs of a deep thinker. We get to nurture that without rushing him through arbitrary academic timelines.
2. Faith is Not Compromised
In most traditional schools, you’re lucky if biblical values are even mentioned. With homeschooling, we teach math, science, and reading—but also kindness, humility, stewardship, and generosity. We read the Bible alongside storybooks. We pray before lessons. We bring God into every subject.
3. We’re Building Character, Not Just Curriculum
Sure, academics matter. But what about resilience? Compassion? Honesty? Homeschooling has given us the time and space to shape not just what our kids know, but who they become.
4. Real Socialization, Not Forced Conformity
One of the biggest myths about homeschooling is that kids miss out on socialization. In reality, they’re freed from peer pressure, bullying, and unhealthy comparisons. Instead, they engage meaningfully with people of all ages—family, community, church friends—and learn to relate with respect and confidence.
That’s why we embraced the Charlotte Mason philosophy. Through Living Learning Homeschool, we’ve begun integrating a curriculum that focuses not just on academics, but on character formation, good habits, and cultivating a love for learning. Charlotte Mason once said, “It may be that the souls of all children are waiting for the call of knowledge to awaken them to delightful living.” That spoke to our hearts. We want that kind of awakening for our children.
However homeschooling might be so controversial to some countries, but there are many benefits to homeschooling your children based on research. We also took faith in running it. Whether it's the social aspect or simply knowing you're giving your child a better education, there's no denying that homeschooling can be beneficial for both students and parents alike. Before we even had children after getting married, we already explored how homeschooling can really be a good option for schooling our kids. We have been encouraged by Teach with joy on some major principles. Although it was not easy to begin with.
So why homeschool? I have tailored some answers which I believed and learned from some instructions. My wife and I are also learning from these and I hope you do.
Homeschooling allows you to teach your child with a unique and individualized curriculum.
Homeschooling allows you to teach your child with a unique and individualized curriculum. You are the best person to determine what your child needs, and you can also tailor the curriculum to fit your child's interests. Right now, my wife and I have subscribed to Charlotte Mason's approach to homeschooling from Living Learning Homeschooling.
In addition to providing an education that is relevant for each student, homeschooling allows parents like us who are interested in giving their children a faith-based education (or any other type of religious upbringing) the freedom to do so without having to compromise on quality. Unlike in regular school, the kids doesnt have a choise.
It is the best way to promote a love of learning.
Homeschooling is the best way to promote a love of learning. Based on my experience from regular school, we were not taught how to love learning, in fact we are obliged to learn.
In HS, it allows children to learn at their own pace, and pursue their own interests. Learning is a lifelong process, so why not start early?
Being homeschooled, children learn to think creatively and independently. Although our child abused it sometimes. They are not subject to peer pressure or bullying, which can be very beneficial in a world where everyone is expected to fit in.
Not only are homeschooled children more focused and less distracted, they also have a better understanding of how to get along with people. They learn social skills as well as academic subjects, which will help them in their adult lives.
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Homeschooling is a trial session for us.
Homeschooling is a trial session for us. We want to create a new culture of learning and make a good future for our children. What we mean by culture, its a faith-based culture. We believe that the right principles make the right foundation, so we started using Charlotte Mason's approach. We have subscribed to LLH as a provider for our 5-year-old little one and he enjoys it at least. We are taking it one year at a time.
We also want to teach our children with a unique and individualized curriculum because we believe that everybody has different needs, so why should they have the same education? Now that we are starting to homeschool our child, it became a learning ground for us (parents) as well!
The Struggles Are Real—But So Are the Rewards
Let me be honest: we’re still figuring it out. Some days, we question ourselves. There are moments of chaos, self-doubt, and spilled snacks in the middle of phonics. But there are also days when our son reads his first sentence, or when we talk about kindness and he applies it to his little brother—and I realize this is exactly why we chose this path.
Homeschooling isn’t perfect, but it is purposeful. It’s not always smooth, but it’s sacred.
Mistakes Are Welcome Here
One thing I’ve learned: as parents, we don’t need to have all the answers. We’re allowed to grow, stumble, and try again. In homeschooling, we model that learning never stops—and that failure is not a dead end, but a stepping stone.
We don’t correct every mistake right away. Sometimes we pause, breathe, and let our children reflect. We believe this kind of education—rooted in grace—is where real growth happens.
Is Homeschooling for You?
Maybe you’re considering it but feel overwhelmed. Maybe you’ve dismissed it in the past. Or maybe you’ve never really given it serious thought. I invite you to explore—not out of fear, but out of possibility.
Homeschooling is open to all, but it’s not for all. And that’s okay. But if you believe in nurturing hearts before filling heads, in cultivating character over chasing rankings, then maybe, just maybe, this journey is worth your yes.
A Final Word from Our Home to Yours
We’re only just beginning. And honestly, we’re loving it.
Our home has become our classroom. Our living room, a chapel. Our meals, conversations. Our mistakes, lessons.
If you’re curious, struggling, or simply looking for a community to journey with—reach out. Let’s share ideas, encourage each other, and build a culture where children are seen, heard, and deeply loved.
From our family to yours, we pray that you find the path that’s right for your children. Whether that’s homeschooling or not, may it always lead to a life of purpose, joy, and faith.
With grace and grit,
Jack Marbida
Husband | Father | Financial Educator
📩 papajackph@gmail.com
📱 Let’s connect on [Facebook] and [Instagram]
“The goal of education is not to fill a bucket, but to light a fire.” – William Butler Yeats
Jack speaks at conferences across the Philippines on topics such as family finances, and personal and professional growth.
You can contact Jack Marbida through his social media accounts or email him at papajackph@gmail.com.
Cheers!
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