Since September, I’ve been on a homeschooling journey with my three youngest kids. While I’ve always homeschooled my eldest, this year marks our deep dive into the world of education at home. The reality of homeschooling has offered me unexpected lessons that go beyond just lesson plans and spending time with my kids. Here’s the unfiltered truth about homeschooling that you might not hear elsewhere.
1. Transitioning from Parent to Teacher is Challenging.
It became clear quite quickly that my children tend to listen to others more than they do to me. It took a few months for them to realize that when it comes to schoolwork, I’m serious. If I relax my expectations, they can quickly shift from studying to rolling around on the floor or binge-watching their favorite shows. It’s been a learning curve for all of us, but they are starting to understand that I have different rules for education than I do for dinner choices.
2. You’ll Teach Subjects You Might Not Enjoy.
I have a passion for reading, writing, and math, but social studies and science aren’t my favorites. Yet, I find myself teaching these subjects too, often scrambling to look up information like “Is the Fertile Crescent in Egypt?” while pretending to be an expert. On the upside, I’ve retained a lot of the knowledge I once deemed unnecessary back in my school days.
3. Loneliness Can Creep In.
If you don’t have a large homeschooling community and most of your friends have kids in traditional schools, you might feel a bit isolated. This has been a challenge for me as I navigate where we fit into the homeschooling landscape while watching friends enjoy their brief errands without kids in tow.
4. Your Patience Will Be Tested.
I expected my kids to be with me all the time, but I didn’t grasp just how constant that presence would be. We attend appointments together, run errands as a unit, and rarely find alone time. My patience has stretched significantly—it’s sort of like working out. The more math problems I help with, the more resilient I become when they forget which way the numbers go!
5. Rules Will Be Bent.
In the beginning, I was overly concerned about curricula and reading levels. Thankfully, we’ve found our rhythm. I’ve become more confident in my teaching style and in understanding how my kids learn. Sure, the challenges will increase as they grow older, but I’m reassured knowing that I can effectively guide them.
6. Acknowledging What Doesn’t Work is Tough.
As homeschoolers, we often encounter skepticism about our choices. Admitting that not everything is going smoothly can feel daunting. Yet, just like traditional teachers, we have our highs and lows. It can be a relief to eventually connect with others who share their own struggles, like when a child draws a silly doodle on every flashcard.
7. Change is Inevitable.
Our family dynamic has shifted significantly since we began homeschooling. My children are closer and more supportive of one another, seeking help from each other instead of just relying on me. I’ve discovered creative ways to integrate learning into our daily activities, allowing us to take things at our own pace. It’s wonderful to see my son embrace who he is without feeling pressured to fit a mold.
8. You Either Love It or You Don’t.
At the start of this journey, I was worried I would end up disliking homeschooling and regretting my decision. Now, I’m thrilled we stuck it out. I truly love it, but I understand that this path isn’t for everyone. If you thrive on routine and enjoy being out and about, you might find yourself longing for traditional schooling, and that’s perfectly okay.
This experience has taught me the importance of doing what works for you and respecting the choices of others. So whether you’re considering homeschooling or opting for traditional schooling, know that both paths have their merits. If you’re curious about homeschooling, feel free to reach out with any questions; I’m happy to share my insights! For more information, check out this related post on our blog. And if you’re considering home insemination, this reputable online retailer has excellent kits to help with that. You can also find valuable information about pregnancy and home insemination at this resource.
Summary:
Homeschooling is both rewarding and challenging. From shifting roles as a parent to a teacher to navigating loneliness and patience, the journey is filled with unexpected lessons. It’s important to embrace what works best for your family and to respect others’ choices along the way.
Leave a Reply