Homeschool your kids? If you’re feeling like you “just can’t do that,” I understand.
I once said that, too.
But then I looked into it.
In the US, homeschooling has been going on for a while. Even though my experience goes back 29 years, the modern homeschool movement began back in the 1970’s. It wasn’t “school at home,” but instead was a reaction, an alternative, to the American school system.
Since those days, thousands of parents have also concluded that public school isn’t the only way – and maybe not the best way – for all children to be educated.
Some say that homeschooling has evolved, but it might be more accurate to say that homeschooling has divided and grown. Whatever the terminology, today we have many options in the way we choose to educate our children.
Options? Yes!
If you feel that you could never homeschool, or if you’ve tried it and don’t know how to continue, maybe it isn’t that you can’t do it, maybe you just need to do it differently.
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and with the variety of methods, homeschooling is something you – yes, you! – can realistically consider.
My Story
When I first started out, I was dissatisfied with the way school was going for my kids. The suggestion of homeschooling brought an immediate “I could never do that.” But almost as quickly, I asked myself, “why not?” Then the journey began. The stars aligned. Everything I read and felt pointed to homeschooling. I made the move.
In the beginning, the driving forces were to keep our family intact and instill our values. The “standard” of like-minded homeschoolers at the time was following preset curriculum and keeping up with traditional core subjects. However, with life experiences of the following years, some of my views changed, my children grew older and methods of homeschooling became more defined and accessible. As I went along, I found what was worthwhile and what wasn’t, what I could manage (what was more fun!) and how I could take advantage of resources outside of our home.
At this point, with my two youngest, homeschooling has become less stressful and more enjoyable. Work, planning and challenges are always part of the experience, but school is part of life, and life is part of school: a gratifying fusion.
Your Story
Homeschooling today covers a much broader spectrum than a mom’s choices of 30 years ago. (Way back in the beginning, the home internet wasn’t even happening!) Tons of curriculum for all types of learning abound, as well as established groups and support for any homeschooling method. *
And here you are, wondering if you can – or event want to – venture into homeschooling waters.
I totally understand. Homeschooling is not for everyone. To take charge of your child’s education is a big responsibility.
The positive trade off, however, is living life on your terms, giving your kids the childhood, you think they should have. (And if you are forced to do school at home due to Covid-19, you might be happy to know that your experience of the past few months doesn’t need to be repeated!)
Three Things to Think About
- Consider
My recommendation – whether this homeschooling idea is new or if you’re at a stalemate – is to figure out why you want to homeschool. Write down your reasons as well as pros and cons. Determine what you really feel solid about. If you still sense the pull to homeschool, look into all of the options – research, inquire, scour Facebook groups and ask questions. There are lots of ways to homeschool.
- Dream
My next suggestion is to put some thought into the life you really want to lead. What are the true goals you have for your family? What is your vision for the days and weeks ahead? Do you picture your child sitting studiously at a desk nailing down core academic skills? Or do you envision spending more time outdoors with a nature based education? Does your kid have a deep, natural interest in a particular something that could be a springboard for this year’s educational experience? Are you hoping to travel and incorporate your studies into what you’ll learn along the way? Will art and music take center stage?
Dream a little! Really! Your children will be with you for only a certain amount of time. Which path will your family take?
- Plan
Third suggestion: think long term. Although you can start off by “giving homeschooling a try”, with the option of returning back to public school next year, this can be problematic. If your homeschool decision is viewed as a “trial basis,” every snag will be seen as a reason to drop the homeschool idea. Also, you’ll want to give your family a chance to settle into the new lifestyle, taking this form of education seriously. You might need to look into alternate employment options. In other words, switching to homeschool requires some adjustments.
So my advice is to make a decision for the long haul. Create a space to think about what you actually need and want to do for the next several years: years that will allow time for your ideas and methods to take root and blossom.
Homeschooling: can’t do it? Well, maybe you can. Keep a creative mindset (as a mom, I know you already do!) and figure out what’s actually holding you back. You just might be on your way to a whole new (fulfilling) lifestyle.
*This article has a pretty good rundown of the main homeschooling methods and options (although I think Waldorf should have been included in the list rather than just being mentioned in the after notes).
Here’s more help:
Getting started in homeschooling.
FREE e-book: an easy read on how to prepare and what to expect.
Troubleshooting common challenges in homeschooling.