Homeschooling by choice!
We just wrapped up our third year homeschooling our two kids. It’s a choice we made together as a family even though I’ve been thinking about it since the girls were born. I just wasn’t ready to take the plunge.
So what changed?
There wasn’t one singular moment that led us to leap into homeschool. It was a combination of circumstances and timing. Many parents that tell me they want to try it, but think it’s too hard. Or that they aren’t qualified to teacher. So not true!
Ultimately, we chose to homeschool because we wanted to be involved in what they were learning. We also saw value in allowing our children to develop at their pace. And we wanted to be able to follow their interests. Right now, one is learning how to build websites and write code, while the other plays music and edits photos.
We also knew that travel was important in life and in learning.
Thinking about homeschooling?
- Do your research. Each state has different requirements and laws to follow.
- Find your community. Facebook Groups have been a great resource for local and curriculum specific community building.
- Give yourself and your kids grace. The first few months were hard for us. We didn’t have a rhythm. I found that, for our family, creating ‘school at home’ was not the best way. We decided to stop trying to check all the boxes everyday. Instead, we made learning fun and less busy work.
- Avoid the toxic people. People are scared of what they don’t understand. You may find that family and friends don’t support your decision. Until you’ve got your groove, it may be best to just avoid those conversations. Another reason why your community is so important.
Parenting is hard and our job is to give our children the best environment to be themselves, whoever that may be. Facilitate the love of learning!
When I found this video that Mayim Bialik made about homeschooling her kids it made me laugh. I’ve never felt so seen! Plus, I just love her.
I’d love to hear about your homeschool adventures.
