Since September, I have been homeschooling my three youngest children. While I have always taught my oldest child, this is the first year we have fully embraced the homeschooling lifestyle. The daily reality of homeschooling has surprised me in numerous ways. I anticipated lesson plans and spending considerable time with my children, but there are insights I’ve gained that were unexpected. Here’s what you might not hear about homeschooling:
- Transitioning from Parent to Teacher is Challenging. While I always knew my children seemed to respond better to others than to me, it took a few months of homeschooling for them to realize that I am serious about their education. Letting my guard down results in distractions, and it has taken some time for everyone to adjust to the new dynamic.
- You Will Teach Subjects You May Not Enjoy. While I have a passion for reading, writing, and math, social studies and science aren’t my favorites. Nevertheless, I must teach them and often find myself pretending to be knowledgeable while quickly searching for answers online. Interestingly, I’ve discovered that I retain a lot of information I once dismissed as unimportant.
- Loneliness Can Happen. If you’re not part of a robust homeschooling community and most of your friends send their kids to traditional schools, feeling isolated is common. I’ve grappled with our place in the homeschooling world while trying to stay connected with friends who have free time when their kids are at preschool.
- Your Patience Will Be Tested. Homeschooling means my kids are with me all day, every day. We attend appointments together and rarely spend time apart. This constant togetherness has significantly expanded my patience. It’s true what they say: the more you practice, the better you get. The more math problems I tackle with my kids, the more I can endure their questions.
- You May Have to Ditch the Rules. Initially, I was stressed about curricula and reading levels. Thankfully, we’ve found our rhythm. I now feel more confident in my teaching abilities and understand my children’s unique learning styles. While the challenges will grow as they age, recognizing my capability to educate them has been empowering.
- Acknowledging What Doesn’t Work is Difficult. As homeschoolers, we face skepticism about our choice. When things aren’t going smoothly, it can be hard to admit it because we want to prove we can succeed. But like any educator, we experience both good and bad days. Finding others who share their struggles can be reassuring.
- Your Family Dynamic Will Evolve. Since starting homeschooling, our family has transformed. My children are together constantly, which fosters both support and occasional conflict. They have learned to rely on one another for help and have become more confident in their individuality.
- You May Either Embrace or Resent It. At the beginning of the year, I worried I might come to dislike homeschooling. However, I now appreciate the experience. I genuinely enjoy it, but it’s not suited for everyone. If you thrive on being out and about, or struggle to maintain a homeschooling schedule, returning to traditional schooling may be the best option for your family.
Ultimately, this journey has taught me the importance of finding what works for us and respecting others’ choices. For those contemplating their educational paths, whether homeschooling or traditional schooling, I’m happy to share insights into this experience. If you’re interested in learning more about family planning or home insemination options, check out this informative resource on intracervical insemination. For those looking to explore further, Make a Mom is an excellent source of information on home insemination. Additionally, Kindbody offers valuable insights into pregnancy and family planning.
In summary, homeschooling presents a unique set of challenges and rewards that shape both the parent and the children involved. It fosters growth, confidence, and a new family dynamic, but it also demands adaptability and resilience.