If you are just deciding to homeschool there are just a few things you should probably know. The path you are going to travel will not always be easy but remember these things and you will get through it, just take it a day at a time.
- Homeschooling is a way of life. None of your days will ever be the same after you start this. For as long as you do it, it will be a lifestyle. It will be hard but you will find that you are smarter than you ever thought, you will enjoy learning right along side your children and you will grow closer as a family.
- You do not need a degree to do this unless your state mandates it. If you are in doubt please check with the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. You should know your rights. Just don’t doubt yourself, you can do this. Every teacher does not know everything.
- Socialization is a non-issue. Unless you are living in the sticks and never enter civilization your kids will be fine. Just don’t argue with people, it does nothing but set a poor example for your children.
- There will be days when you wonder if you are crazy or even adequate. Just hold your head high and know that even on days where you don’t feel that you gave 100%, you still have tomorrow. It’s only about doing the best you can.
- Homeschooling is not just for backwoods weird people. This is the fastest growing educational method. It is growing faster than private schools and all others. Most people that are doing homeschool are statistically middle class with educated two parent homes.
- A child’s main job in life is to learn. They love it, they thrive when they are offered new information and challenges. Don’t underestimate your child.
- Nationwide it is legal to homeschool. The state laws individually do vary so make sure you cover your bases.
- If you miss school for a day or two or even a week or two don’t fear. Somehow your children will continue to grow and even learn at astounding rates. Even left to themselves most children are extremely inquisitive and go about natural learning just as they do breathing.
- Should you come to subjects that stump you or that are too time intensive for you find options for your child. If you don’t like science you could start or join a co-op and find a parent that loves science and wants to do that share of the work. You can sometimes use dual enrollment where you child could go to the public school for one class if you like.
- Homeschooling can be time consuming but if you get organized and have reasonable expectations of yourself and your students you do not have to homeschool eight or nine hours per day.
