Yes, You Can Homeschool…

There is a lot going on right now. Many things will look different in the fall. Have you had that small nagging in your heart that maybe you should be seriously considering homeschooling in the fall? Let me tell you that making the decision to homeschool is WAY harder than actually homeschooling. One of the first posts I shared on this blog was How We Began Homeschooling. It was a very “lie awake at night ” decision and took much prayer, research and questions to friends who homeschooled. Let me also say that I have the utmost love and respect for teachers in a traditional school setting. They work so hard and pour their love and craft into their students. Some days they are the only love a child feels. I am grateful for teachers. Homeschooling is not the best option for everyone. This is not a homeschool vs. traditional school debate, you wont find that here. This is simply encouraging you, a parent who may be thinking about homeschooling, to know you can do it.

I want you to know that you CAN homeschool…..and you can even enjoy it.

You have time to develop relationships

When you rush to get your children up, fed and off to school and see them again after school. Squeeze in homework, preparing meals and shuttling to activities there really isn’t all that much time together. If you find yourself dealing with a lot of stress during those hours it completely understandable, the only time you regularly have with your children are the most stressful times of day. With home based schooling you have times to address relationships between parents and children and siblings.

You can customize curriculum

There are thousands of curricula out there, some full school packages, some single subjects. You have the ability to choose and implement based on your child’s needs, learning style, your homeschool’s style, and your child’s interests. The bulk of our curriculum is with Classical Conversations. Among some other odds and ends we also use Teaching Textbooks and All About Reading.

You get to learn together

I am not saying I didn’t learn what I should have in my traditional schooling experience. I am learning with a different set of eyes and a different level of maturity now. I am learning about points in history, I am learning about countries I never knew existed, I am also learning how my 5 year old will best how to form his letters or how my 9 year old is learning how to correctly make his “s” sound in speech therapy. You cant beat it when a new reader practices his new favorite book by reading to his new baby brother. I am blessed to share these moments with my little learners.

You have freedom in your schedule

It’s a beautiful day and all of your children are getting along and exploring a bug in the backyard. Why interrupt and rush them inside to do their math? The only time the dentist can book all of your children at one time is in the middle of the day. No worries, you double up a bit the day prior and the day after, get your dentist appointments done and then go to the playground. Saturdays, when Dad gets home from work, through the summer etc. School doesnt have to happen September through June, Monday through Friday from 8-3.

You get to grow spiritually together

There is more time to dive into scripture to start the school day. There is also more time to address character building moments when they come up.

Socialization isn’t as big of a deal as folks think

That single word makes homeschooler’s blood boil. School is not the only way for children to have social interaction. If restrictions are not stopping gathering, there are many ways for you and your children to enjoy socializing. Socialization doesn’t solely happen with our peers the exact same age. Church, sports, small gatherings of friends outside, and your neighbors you can still create community and have the social outlet that many children need. True, social time is a bit more of an effort on the parents part but is it that bad of a thing to be aware of whom your children are spending time with?

Lifeskills

“Mr 1 can you start lunch while I finish up math with Mr2? Mr3 can you please do a puzzle or a game with Mr4 until lunch is ready? There are so many opportunities to teach children to care for their home, learn essential kitchen skills, vehicle care, carpentry, and serving others just to name a few.

Supporting your child’s interests and talents

So your student is a natural with drawing and sketching but math doesn’t come naturally. What, most often, happens next. You give her more math to do. Is she going to grow to desire to learn math? In a home based school setting you can support her math skills AND give her the time she desires and even lessons and mentoring opportunities to develop her art.

Pray now and don’t stop!

I recommend you to pray over the decision. Research and ask lots of questions but also trust the fact that you are your child’s first teacher. It wont be easy to homeschool but it also wont be easy sending your child to school in the fall no matter what the circumstances for your area. I am no expert but am happy to answer any questions I can, please feel free to comment below or email me. Sending you a hug and a large cup of coffee, this parenting gig isnt for the faint of heart, especially in our current times.