My Journey from Aspiring Educator to Homeschooling Mother of Six

Tamela Gill Davis' life took an unexpected turn when she met her husband, Demario Davis, a linebacker for the New Orleans Saints. Although she holds a graduate degree in education and envisaged a career within academia, today, she channels her passion into homeschooling their six children.

Navigating Life's Divergent Paths

In the past, I imagined two potential futures for myself. One involved a move to New York City, living independently, much like Carrie Bradshaw. The other path centered around finding a trustworthy partner and embracing a life dedicated to family.

Shortly after meeting Demario during graduate school—where he was completing his senior year—I found myself gravitating towards the latter option. Initially, we were friends for six months until Demario expressed his intentions of a relationship aimed at marriage, presenting his proposal earnestly.

A New Chapter

In 2012, life underwent a significant shift: Demario and I got married, and his new role with the NFL's New York Jets meant a move for us. It's here I began homeschooling our children, which continues today while he plays for the New Orleans Saints.

Our Unique Family Naming Tradition

A distinctive element of our family is our children's names, each with a double-barreled first name—such as our oldest, Bailey-Grace—derived from my love for Southern charm. This choice connects them to tradition and gives them a unique identity, while ensuring they assert their full names as needed in professional or formal contexts.

Although I initially wanted five children, like the Crosby family I admired, Demario suggested six. We've completed our family as, following our fifth child and a miscarriage, I recognized my body's limits after years of pregnancy.

From Classroom Aspirations to Home-Based Education

Prior to meeting Demario, my career path seemed clear: I would transition through various educational leadership roles. However, marriage and relocation led to a shift from formal employment to crafting a unique educational environment at home—more than merely convenience, it feels divinely guided.

Our home became a schoolhouse unintentionally, yet effectively. Initially searching for preschools taught me I was looking for an educational experience mirroring my standards, which my educational background equipped me to provide.

Designing Our School Day

Our home school runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., where wearing uniforms from Monday to Thursday teaches practical life skills and professionalism, embedding lessons in appearance and conduct.

Currently aged 12 to 1, our children's curricula are tailored individually. With help from another teacher, we manage teaching segments between older and younger children, adapting to our family's educational needs.

Family: Our Most Important Team

Sundays are game days, starting with early morning doughnuts, where the children prepare their outfits and checklist the night before, ready for stadium excitement and family participation.

In spite of our busy schedule, gathering for meals remains a priority. We maintain family dinners between Mondays and Thursdays, and if Demario's travels interfere, we ensure connection through nightly calls. Reinforcing their value in our family not only supports their growth but strengthens our cohesive unit as a 'team.'