Hello Parents!

Welcome to homeschooling!
Whether you planned on homeschooling or this decision was based on need, this is a big step and one I know that you don’t take lightly. I will be here every step of the way to help you on this journey. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Before you start looking at curriculums, worrying, or doing any planning, I want you to stop, grab a piece of blank paper and something to write with. I want you to split the front side in half, in any direction. On one half, write “My School Experiences” and on the second half, write “My Child’s School Experiences”.

On your side, write down your experiences. You can separate good or bad, if you like. I want you to think about how your experiences made you feel. What made you feel really good? What made you feel not-so-great? What opportunities did you like? What didn’t you like? Write it all down, even the “just okay” experiences. You can ask your spouse or another caregiver to share their experiences, too.

On your child’s side, think about the experiences that they’ve had that made you make the decision to homeschool. If that was because of a school they were in previously, include the experiences that stick out to you. You can ask your child for input on this, as well.

Think about all of the experiences. Why did they make you feel that way? What was right or wrong about them? How would you have rather that happened? Or how could you do it differently? Take your time with all of this. It could take days to really think some of these things through. That’s ok. This work is important to your next steps.

When you’re ready, flip the paper over. On this side, you’ll split the paper in half again. On one half will be ideas or experiences and on the other half will be goals. Think about all of the things you can do for or with your child. Think outside of the box. Don’t worry about things like passing Algebra, getting a high score on the SATs, or even anything to do with school. Think about life experiences and how they could teach your child about the world around them. Think about your culture and what foundation you want your child to prosper out in the world. Think about life and what they should be valuing, besides other’s check boxes and expectations.

This paper is going to form your “Why” and allow you to homeschool your child according to your values and convictions. It will provide them with a parent who isn’t frazzled when your homeschool doesn’t look like someone else’s. It will provide them with a comfortable atmosphere of expectations. It will do all of the same things for you. This is your bar. This is your checklist. You don’t have to stand up to society’s. You can rest knowing that you’re holding yourself to you.

Now, about society. Society is a fickle thief. Its requirements of you are always on it’s terms and ever-changing. While we have to abide by laws and meet requirements for somethings, you know where you can flex and shift things. Do not let society look down on your education paths. YOU know what is best for your child and your family. YOU are walking this path, not them. And remember, generations have walked this path long before the public education system was a thing. YOU’VE GOT THIS!