My thoughts on homesteading and homeschooling

People always ask what my opinions are on homesteading and homeschooling. Even though I haven't chosen that lifestyle due to my husband being in the military, I would someday like to own a ranch. I enjoy the outdoors, animals, hiking and open spaces. I also feel that homeschooling is an option that each parent must choose individually. Today, education is much different and there are many more options to choose from than when I was young. I believe that I would have been happy on the homestead and being home-schooled if I had not been abused and isolated. I have met other people who have been raised in country living environments and were happy. I do not think it is the environment that shapes you 100% as a person. It is the nurturing you receive. If the parents are harsh and not nurturing and neglectful, the children will grow up unhappy no matter what the environment. Environment does play a role in a child's health and mental state and many people believe moving out of the inner cities into the suburbs or country is better for them where they can have more freedom. I tend to agree with that. I enjoyed picking flowers as a child, planting a garden and running in the fields barefoot. I still enjoy hiking in the woods, planting flowers and caring for my house plants. The abuse and neglect (lack of empathy and total apathy), overwhelmed all the good of the homestead however at least for me. I know I suffered more deeply than some of my other siblings. Some of them were able to filter out the good from the bad and carry on with their lives.
Homesteading? Yes. I think it's a nice idea. I would love having a solar powered house and a couple horses, a a range where I can go shoot my guns. A few trails to hike and ride on. A cute little fenced in garden. A little orchard. Only a few years until my husband retires from the military and we move to Texas to our Ranch.