Have you ever noticed that I rarely mention my two oldest children in my homeschooling articles? It could be because they're grown men (24 and 25). It could be because I don't see them as often as the two youngest. It could be because they've requested not to be mentioned in my articles... But none of these apply.

Actually, the truth be told, I am ravaged with guilt. There! I've said it, and got it out in the open. I made them endure 8 years of public school. Yes, I say endure. Because I took them to school every day knowing that they'd have to contend with the indignities of the system.

Of course, there were the many excuses: It was law, I didn't know any better, there were no homeschoolers back then, the thought of taking on the education of 4 children whose ages spanned 10 years seemed overwhelming, and the negative feedback coming from ALL directions.

Still, I took the plunge and had them for four years. Taking stock, I see that we made up for those trialsome years. They started reading and sleeping better, and got a life. They learned about cars, appliance repair, carpentry, painting, and many other vocations. They grew food and tended livestock. My husband and I gave them options and headstarts.

When the schooling was over, the choices they made landed them good-paying jobs, a well-rounded outlook on life, and self-esteem that sees them through crises that rear up every now and then.

My point is that it's never too late to start to homeschool your child. Of course, the sooner one starts the better. But if you're in that No Man's Land of indecision, between coming up with the idea and actually doing it, I must encourage action.

Review my article: Is the Homeschooling Option for You? 6 Do's and Don'ts, make the sacrifice, believe in yourself, and invest in your child.

Years from now, you'll take stock and realize there's no better feeling than a job well-done, AND that at a guilt-free price.