Where to Start – What I Would Have Told Myself 5 Years Ago…

Cheers to quite a ride! My oldest will be 10 on January 1st. A decade of “momming”.  I LOVE homeschooling our 3 boys 9, 8 and 6. I never even considered it as a young mom, and now I simply couldn’t imagine life without it. Our learning time (I always hesitate to use the word “school”) is my quality time with my kids, and I love it SO, SO much. But it hasn’t come without struggle – many times me wondering how to help a certain child who just doesn’t “get it”, or perhaps, how to ignore a mess in my kitchen and sit down and happily complete a lesson (I’ve still yet to figure this one out), or how I sometimes would plan my retreat from the loud noises and fidgety bodies of my 3 energetic boys before I yelled at the top of my lungs to be QUIET!!! Sometimes they just need to go OUTSIDE and play, am I right?!?! 

 

I’ve learned many tricks that worked for me – how children learn, how to provide brain breaks and seek out one-on-one time… they may not work for you. I am always learning… listening to podcasts, YouTube channels, listening to audio books, asking mom friends. I credit this to our success. And, well, God for keeping me humble, sane, and for his amazing GRACE. It really is a vulnerable place to be willing to ask questions and seek help in this season because it can feel like our kids successes reflect our successes. If they are struggling, then we feel like we are failing. But it’s SO worth it but you NEED people. So be vulnerable and find TRUE friends who are in the thick of it too (probably some that are a few steps ahead would be good!)

 

Here are some things I would say to a new mom (or dad), who is just starting this journey. First – of course, read over and file your intent to enroll so you know our laws around homeschooling. Information is at the top of our Homeschool Resources page! After that… maybe follow some of these steps… and take a leap of faith!

• • Get connected with various homeschool groups and meet local parents who share your values.  Check out our resources page for links to Facebook groups & more! Co-ops are an option to explore for curriculum and socialization but are not required. There are plenty of wonderful meetups to keep your kids playing and making friends. You can also see if there are any other homeschool families at your church to talk to! 

• • Don’t be afraid to tell other parents you are new to homeschooling and are trying to learn – it can seem overwhelming with all the options and homeschooling styles. Most parents would LOVE to impart some wisdom or ideas to you – we’ve all started somewhere. It’s a learning journey for you and your kids!

• • Learn about the different styles of homeschooling. Look up what students learn in each grade level to think about where your child is at. Focus on those gaps (they probably know more than you know!) and use websites like education.com or Pinterest – free resources to print worksheets, and use online apps or games to work on topics your child hasn’t mastered yet in their grade. It’s amazing how when you can focus on those gaps you end up zipping ahead so fast and gain a peace of mind.

• • Research curriculum and pick out something fun to start with (I love YouTube day-in-the-life-videos or flip-throughs). Keep it simple in the beginning and add one or two things MAX and do them WELL before picking up all the “things”. One of my FAVORITE books (I wish I had read sooner) is Teaching from Rest. Another – The Unhurried Homeschooler. History, Geography, Science, Foreign Languages… all the “things”… the list goes on. These can all be added down the road when you get the hang of working with your child and finding your core ELA or MATH curriculum. You are going to have so much quality time with them to meet their needs.

• • Pray Pray Pray. Ask God to help you discover your child’s heart. If you are having opposition, build your relationship and trust with your child. Have clear boundaries and make your expectations clear. Talk about the benefits of homeschooling and how their lives will be very different. They can find new hobbies! Let them know you are on their team and want to help them discover a love of learning and you are right alongside them learning to. The 5 Love Languages for Children is a great book to make sure your children are being loved in the way that speaks loudest to their hearts!

• • Find some fun projects to do! Get outside and find field trips! Listen to podcasts, read books, make friends, and have fun! Go to the library! Read out loud to your child (favorite podcast I wish I had come across sooner – Read Aloud Revival). Subscribe to our email newsletter for more homeschool hacks and recommendations(form at the bottom of this page).

• • We love to incorporate chores and payments into our homeschool routine and this is learning. Soon I will write about our clipboard system our kids LOVE. They know what I expect from them and how to enjoy their free time.

• • If you are coming from a challenging school season, you may want to explore unschooling of some kind for a short season to build your relationship, learn, and make your plan! 

• • Things will evolve year by year as you learn more and your family’s needs shift and become more clear for the learning season you are in. That’s normal and part of the learning and growing process. Don’t be afraid to put something away for a later time if it’s not working and causing more harm than good. The curriculum serves you, you don’t serve the curriculum. 

• • Utilize dad (if available). We call him the “principal” and if I’m really struggling with a kid he can have some space until he can have a visit. This allows me to keep my cool and focus on the rest of the “class” who are putting in effort and doing well. Follow through with your consequences (good ones and bad ones). They will get the hang of it quickly if you leverage things they enjoy. Hard work = blessings! Just like in the real world. We’ve also given my husband a few readings to do throughout the day and it’s been a great bonding time for him and the kids. The more he has been involved the more he has really appreciated the process. I’m so glad he is just as committed as I am! 

Well I hope some of these ideas can spark you in a new direction. We will be praying over this community weekly. Please reach out to us if you have any questions – and comment below! What is something you would have told yourself at the beginning of this journey?