Why Do We Educate Our Children?
By Cheryl Daley
Host of The Homeschool How To Podcast
In the whirlwind of our busy lives, we rarely pause to reflect on fundamental questions. We accept daily routines, societal norms, and even government actions without much scrutiny. Consider this: if someone asked why you send your children to school, you’d probably answer with something like, “To get a good education, have better opportunities, and secure a good job.” But who defines what constitutes a “good education” or a “good job”? And why do we believe public schooling is the best path to achieve these goals?
After earning my bachelor’s degree, I began working for the State of New York. Over 16 years, I climbed the ranks through civil service exams, eventually earning a six-figure salary. I had what many would consider the ideal job: a good salary, weekends off, solid healthcare, and the promise of a pension. Yet, I was deeply unhappy.
When COVID-19 hit and schools mandated that children wear masks, I started questioning everything. How could parents have such little say in what happens to their own children? If schools could enforce mask mandates when not all parents were on board, what else could they override us on? The lack of parental control over these decisions pushed me to consider homeschooling.
At first, homeschooling felt daunting. I didn’t want my kids to be “weird,” and both my husband and I had careers. I also doubted my own abilities—after all, I didn’t excel in school and wasn’t particularly well-read. The fear of my kids not being socialized also loomed large. But deeper reflection revealed a harsh truth: sending my kids to school was an easy way to shift responsibility. If they struggled, I could tell myself I was just doing what everybody else did. And it’s always been this way, right?
Most of us remember life before smartphones and the internet, but have you ever thought about a time before formal education? For thousands of years, children learned through their families and communities. It’s only in the last 100-200 years that compulsory schooling became the standard. However, exploring why this change occurred reveals some uncomfortable truths.
The shift toward standardized education wasn’t purely for the benefit of children. Pioneers like Horace Mann and John Dewey, along with influential figures like the Rockefellers, envisioned an education system that would produce obedient workers—not critical thinkers. The system's focus was on uniformity, not individuality. Standardized tests and curricula aimed to create a workforce that followed instructions rather than questioned them.
John Taylor Gatto, a celebrated teacher turned education critic, explored these issues in depth. His books, including Dumbing Us Down and Weapons of Mass Instruction, argue that modern schooling stifles creativity, critical thinking, and independence. Gatto believed education should empower children to explore and learn based on their interests, not force them into conformity.
My journey into homeschooling didn’t happen overnight. I attended local homeschooling groups, where I asked countless questions about what homeschooling looks like in day- to-day life. This led me to start a podcast, The Homeschool How To, where I interview homeschooling families across the country and even internationally, asking questions like, “Why did you decide to homeschool?” “How do you choose a curriculum?” and “Do you worry your children will resent missing traditional experiences like prom and football games?” ... something I worried about in the beginning.
What I came to understand is that a “good education” isn’t about memorizing facts from textbooks or achieving high test scores. It’s about understanding how the world works, pursuing passions, and developing the skills to thrive—without constantly reaching for a dangling carrot like a school dance or other traditional milestone, which is often used to make the rest of the experience seem more appealing. Education, I realized, should be tailored to the child, not molded to fit a system.
Homeschooling has allowed us to slow down, let our kids wake up naturally, and focus on what truly matters. Nutrition, for example, plays a crucial role in learning. While schools often serve highly processed foods, at home, I can provide nourishing meals that support clear thinking and focus. Most kids in America spend much of their day struggling to process chemicals like high fructose corn syrup and red dye 40, and by removing that barrier, we create an environment where they can engage more fully with their learning- which often comes from activities like cooking breakfast, going for a hike, or playing board games. Homeschooling also gives us the flexibility to step outside and release energy whenever needed, supporting both mental and physical well-being. I often wonder how many children might thrive without medication if we prioritized proper nutrition and allowed them the freedom to play and enjoy fresh air whenever they needed it.
Sure, I gave up a pension, good salary, and the security of a traditional career. But what I gained—precious time with my children, meaningful experiences, and the freedom to guide their education—is priceless. That said, not every parent has to choose between career and homeschooling. I've spoken with many families on my podcast who successfully balance both. That’s one of the benefits to home education, it doesn’t have to look like school- in fact it shouldn’t- so it can be done on days off, in the evenings or in a condensed schedule throughout the year.
Education should be about more than just preparing for a job—it should cultivate curiosity, foster critical thinking, and inspire lifelong learning. I used to think ideas like these were just abstract concepts, they felt distant and hard to grasp. But everything changed when I watched my children become captivated by simple questions, like, “Why does the moon change shape each night?” Suddenly, we were diving into books, conducting experiments, and watching videos together. That’s when it clicked.
Kids have different interests at different times and unique ways of learning. When you can tap into what excites them and match it with their learning style, education becomes fun, engaging, and even a little magical. And you get to witness their joy firsthand.
Stepping away from the traditional system allowed me to embrace this approach—one that aligns with my values. For me, education is about nurturing curiosity, teaching my kids how to explore their interests and find information, and helping them build a life filled with purpose and joy. So now, you must ask yourself: why are you educating your kids?
Cheryl Daley has appeared as a guest on Quite Frankly, is the host of The Homeschool How To podcast, and is the author of the children’s book, “Let’s Talk Emergencies!” which can be purchased here.