Homeschooling and Teenage Rebellion

Here is a response we recently wrote to a discussion on homeschooling as a "remedy" for teenage rebellion. In a nutshell, it was said that homeschooling should not be seen as a cure for teenage rebellion, because homeschoolers do rebel.

Our purpose in posting this is not to discourage or judge those whose children have rebelled, but rather we want to encourage parents who are perhaps just starting out, that they not be disheartened by those who would say, "It doesn't really matter what parents do, kids have to learn things themselves," etc. The point is, we must figure out what God's Word says we should do, be obedient even if it is unpopular or difficult, and trust HIM to do the work in our families.

Our response (edited):

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Good points, BUT we would be careful to point out that we must faithfully plant and water, and God gives the increase. We can take no glory for a child who trusts Christ, but we must merely be faithful to do what he has called us to do as parents!

We have seen many christian parents follow the world's methods and expectations, and then say they did all they could when the child follows the path of worldly peers and influences. "The child rebelled, it was their choice." True, they do have a choice. But if we knowingly allow our children open doors to the lies of the world, while our children are still forming opinions, if we demonstrate our own love for things the world offers, then our inconsistencies (unrepented of or ignored) could be the stumbling block that scripture warns us to not provide.

We were raised in unbelieving homes, and we know and thank God his grace is without limit. It reached us. But we have seen with our eyes christian parents who just allow dangerous influences (tv, boyfriends???) to affect their children. They simply don't take the same precautions they would use with their own TOOTHBRUSH to protect their children. To lead them in the ways of truth is too extreme for these parents, but the world is permitted to take their children's hand and lead them in its lies! (The world is very convinced of the effectiveness of Deut 6:7,8 even if christian parents are squeamish about it!.)

To whom much is given, much will be required. Stumbling blocks will come, but woe to those through whom they come.

Rather than comfort and prepare one another for our children's rebellion (as a gardener would prepare other gardners for weeds?), let's encourage one another to stand against the parenting lies and low standards of the world and disciple our children. Let 's demonstrate to our children that we are pilgrims in this world!

Jesus came that we could have life and have it to the full-- not that we could just pat ourselves on the back and assure ourselves an easy cure for teenage rebellion.