The idea of homeschooling, for some, can be terrifying. So many questions come up. Will they get what they need? Will they have enough socialization? What if we miss something? What if they struggle? What if I can't do it? There are a lot of fears and concerns around any unknown territory especially when it's outside of your wheelhouse. Here are a few of them, with some perspective: 1. Most of us are not licensed teachers. The assumption that we were never academically and professionally prepared to educate out children can lead many people to believe that they are not qualified. This is a myth. Because we are their parents, we are in many ways the most qualified. We understand our children better than anyone. And the rest, well, we learn as we go, too! 2. Some think it is a calling....and they're not hearing it. This is also an assumption. Homeschooling does not have to be a "calling" or a passion that you've spent your whole life pining to do. Anyone can homeschool their kids if they make the choice and commitment to do it. Use your best judgement. If you think your children would benefit from the experience and that it would be a fun journey, go for it! 3. It will make life difficult and dull. Some parents may fear that homeschooling is really hard and that they would be giving up much of their own life to do it. This is not true at all. Homeschooling is what you make it. If you want it to be fun, make it fun! There are so many benefits to homeschooling and one of them is the freedom to explore the world around you. Another benefit is that you work it into your schedule the way it works for your family. And, you can homeschool for about two hours a day and get more than enough education. 4. The kids will not be well socialized. This may have been true several decades ago but it's far from true today. There are mountains of extracurricular resources these days that are social in nature, getting you and the kids out and about and meeting knew people all the time. Homeschoolers are also adept at forming communities. And with more and more people choosing this lifestyle every day, there is no shortage of homeschooling friends. 5. It's too much responsibility. Sure, you are solely responsible for your kids education and that can be scary. But it is not too much responsibility. With the right plan and resources in play, it can be well executed. And, homeschooled children time and time again prove to perform better on educational outcomes. If they're doing it, so can you. 6. The kids (and I) will spend too much time together. It is a legitimate concern that too much time together can be a bad thing. But, homeschooled children, especially younger ones, actually benefit from that extra time at home with you. It's a more nurturing environment that supports their developmental needs. As they grow, there are plenty of resources to reach out to that get them out of the house more, like drop-off programs. It's also good to know your kids' needs and to be perceptive of when space is needed and have some tools you use to create this balance, like quiet time where everyone goes to their own room or space for quiet reading. Or plenty of outside time! You also need to make your own self care part of the daily regimen. Carve out time and space for your needs. 7. Maintaining structure can be overwhelming. There are all types of homeschoolers: Heavily structured homeschoolers to homeschoolers with little or no structure. You pick what works for you. 8. The kids will miss out on certain experiences. While it's possible, it's less true today. Remember those community-oriented homeschoolers mentioned above? They're also really resourceful. If it doesn't exist and a homeschooling mom wants it for her kids, she'll create it. And so can you! There are homeschool dances, homeschool band, homeschool science fairs.... you name it. Just about anything you experienced in traditional school your kids can now get as homeschoolers. It may look a little different but it will be good. 9. The kids won't cooperate. Many many, parents believe that their kids will never tolerate them switching to their teacher hat and that every day will be a battle. This is in your control. If your kids are truly impossible to homeschool, then maybe THEY don't want to homeschool or maybe they need special resources. As their parent you can assess this. However, the structure of your homeschool lifestyle is up to you and it doesn't have to involve sitting your kids in a chair for hours, drilling them. Get them out and about! Meet them where they are in their learning styles and interests! Don't make homeschoolnig torture for you or for them. If it doesn't work, change what you're doing and try a different approach. 10, You're on your own. No, you're not. There are so many people homeschooling, so many social groups on social media, so many resources, so many meet-up groups.....There are about 1.8 million homeschoolers in the United States today and that number grows rapidly. If you need help, just ask. Reach out on social media, look up blogs and website online, look for activities where you might meet other homeschoolers. You can do it and if you look, you will find a very a very interesting, warm, down-to-earth community waiting for you.
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