Want your child to have a job that won't be replaced by automation? Homeschool.

Take a look at the phone from 100 years ago and compare that to now. How about a scuba diving suit? Two different pieces of equipment, right? How about a computer? Now compare a school classroom from 1923 to a school classroom in 2023. Not much has changed when you compare these two to the previous items. That is because the school system is not broken. It is working exactly as it was intended and formed. As the world becomes increasingly automated and reliant on artificial intelligence, the value of creativity and imagination only becomes more apparent. Yet, we stigmatize the student wanting to draw and can't stand the student who wants to play.

In a society that often stigmatizes individuality and creativity, homeschooling provides an opportunity to embrace personal interests and creativity, and it is the future of education. We must be ready to pave the way into that future where our kids are a priority rather than an afterthought, a means to act as the example rather than parent with a "do as I say not as I do" attitude, and move forward with a tenacity to create a future worth hoping for and an education worthy of true freedom.

One of the major benefits of homeschooling is the ability to personalize the education experience for each child. Unlike traditional education, where children are expected to fit into a predetermined mold, homeschooling allows children to learn at their own pace and pursue their own interests. This level of personalization allows children to develop their creativity and imagination, which are essential skills in a rapidly changing world. These are shunned in a classroom experience, as the teacher has a vested interest in keeping all of the students performing at around the same pace for the sake of testing and receiving federal dollars.

Homeschooling also provides a unique opportunity to embrace individuality and creativity. In traditional education, there is often a focus on conformity and fitting in with the norm. No matter a teacher's passions, the federal system that funds their schools is restrictive and sets the bar at the pace of only the highest performing student rather than what is developmentally appropriate for the children within the given age group. However, homeschooling allows children to embrace who they are and what they are passionate about. Whether it's a love for music, art, or science, homeschooling allows children to explore their interests and develop their unique talents.

Holding fast to our interests as adults is challenging enough, we have our own lives and appointments to fulfill. We have so much happening that having a hobby seems like a luxury. Yet I often consider what it would be like if we nurtured the seemingly 'unimportant' hobbies of ourselves and the next generation would the example of that behavior set the stage for others who absolutely never question the validity or capital means of their interests. Would this, in fact, cause creativity and critical thinking to rise as a result?

Embracing creativity and individuality is not only important for personal development but also for the future of the workforce. As automation and AI replace many jobs, creativity and innovation will be more valuable than ever before. These things cannot be taught to machines in the capacity that men, women, and children can learn and share them. In fact, a recent report by the World Economic Forum identified creativity and critical thinking as the two most important skills for workers in the 21st century.

We must embrace our innovation and ability to be faster, more creative, and brighter than our creations no matter how beautiful they may be. The creations of humanity are so gorgeous because our creations reflect ourselves. Perhaps it is time to give clout to the idea that we are paving the way to new and brighter possibilities when we allow our children time to grow. When we rigidly introduce facts to our children as rigid and unshakeable things we are giving them a yes or no answer to everything. There is no bending and life cannot be what you make of it because it is all already figured out. Yet when children are allowed to explore, draw their own conclusions which may be wrong, read, and correct themselves then they have a flexibility to life. Which of these options do you think will lead to a more stable outlook on life throughout life? Which of these options takes the longest to nurture?

There are many examples of successful homeschoolers who have gone on to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world. For example, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was homeschooled for a portion of his childhood. His creativity and innovation revolutionized the technology industry and changed the way we interact with technology today. Tim Tebow is an NFL player, professional baseball player, and motivational speaker. He is one of the most accomplished players in NFL history and was also homeschooled! There are many examples like him in the world showing by their living example that they are proud to be different, make a name for themselves, and lean into the things that make them uniquely who they are. Perhaps it is time to bring this mentality back?

In conclusion, homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to embrace creativity, individuality, and personal interests. In a society that often stigmatizes these qualities, homeschooling allows children to develop the essential skills that will be needed in the future workforce. As we move into an era where automation and AI are becoming increasingly prevalent, creativity and imagination are the only things that cannot be replaced. Homeschooling may well be the future of education, and it's time to embrace creativity and individuality as essential components of a successful education.