Since September, I’ve taken on the challenge of homeschooling my three youngest children. While I’ve always homeschooled my eldest, this is our first year diving fully into the homeschooling lifestyle. The daily reality of it has been eye-opening, to say the least! Here’s what they really don’t tell you about homeschooling…
- Transitioning from Parent to Teacher is Tough
I always knew my kids would listen to others more than they do to me, but it took a few months of homeschooling for them to truly grasp that I mean business when it comes to schoolwork. If I relax my standards, they quickly switch from reading to wrestling on the living room floor. It’s been an interesting adjustment, but we’re all gradually understanding that I can’t be as lenient about school as I am about what they eat for dinner. - You’ll Teach Subjects You’d Rather Avoid
I have a passion for reading, writing, and math—social studies and science? Not so much! But guess what? I have to teach those too, all while trying to look knowledgeable and Googling things like “Is the Fertile Crescent in Egypt?” on the fly. The upside? I’m actually retaining facts I once thought were irrelevant. - Loneliness Can Happen
If you’re not part of a large homeschooling community and most of your friends send their kids to school, you might find your social life feeling a bit lonely. I’ve struggled with this, trying to navigate where we fit in while my friends enjoy their brief solo grocery shopping trips while their little ones are in preschool. - Your Patience Will Be Tested
I knew I’d be with my children 24/7, but wow, it’s intense! We attend every doctor’s appointment together and tackle errands as a unit. My patience has increased tremendously—like a workout for my emotional endurance. The more math problems I solve with them, the better I handle the chaos of reminding everyone which way the 3 and 5 go. - You’ll Ditch Some Rules
At the start of the year, I was stressed about curricula and reading levels, but we’ve finally found our rhythm. I’m gaining confidence in my teaching abilities and am thrilled to see my kids learning and growing. Sure, the challenges will increase as they age, but I’ve learned to trust myself in this journey. - It’s Hard to Admit What’s Not Working
Homeschoolers often face skepticism, with many believing traditional schools do it better. So when things go awry, it can be tough to confess it. But guess what? We all have our ups and downs. The first time you admit you don’t possess the patience of a saint, you might get some shocked looks, but soon you’ll find fellow homeschoolers who share their own funny stories—like the time their child drew a masterpiece on flashcards. - Everything Will Shift
We’ve become a vastly different family since embarking on this homeschooling journey. My kids are together constantly, which has its ups and downs. They’re learning to support one another and have become more comfortable with who they are. My son, who isn’t your typical sports enthusiast, is finally embracing his interests without pressure. - You Might Love It or Find It Frustrating
At the year’s start, I thought I might hate homeschooling and try to backtrack. Now, I’m grateful we persevered. I genuinely love it, but I completely understand that it’s not for everyone. If you thrive on going out or struggle to stick to a homeschooling routine, you might find yourself wishing for that school bus instead—and that’s perfectly okay!
This whole experience has taught me that each family needs to find what works for them, whether that’s homeschooling or traditional schooling. Happy homeschooling or bus-riding, and if you’re on the fence, feel free to reach out with any questions; I’m here to share the real deal!
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