So you want to be a homeschooling parent?
June 18, 2023 Adrienne Brown 0 Comments
So, you want to be a homeschooling parent? But do you feel intimidated by the idea of becoming one? You’re not alone!
The thought of taking on the immense responsibility of teaching your own children can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t feel qualified or prepared.
What’s in this post
In this post, I will discuss some common misconceptions and negative thoughts that haunt new parents who want to homeschool.
Oh, and I will give you some ideas on how to be a successful homeschooling parent, no matter what.
By the way, there’s no need to worry; with dedication and an organized workflow, anyone can reach success in homeschooling.
As a child, I was poor. As a teen, I never thought that I could afford college for myself.
And as a new mom wanting to homeschool, I didn’t have peers who understood my desire to do so.
But let me tell you, non of that stopped me from homeschooling for the first time.
Have you heard any of these Common Misconceptions about Homeschooling?
- Homeschooled kids are “weird’ or ‘socially stunted”
Many people believe that homeschooled children are “weird” or socially stunted.
They falsely believe that homeschooled kids lack interaction with peers.
However, homeschooling can provide opportunities for children to interact with people of all ages, backgrounds, and grade levels.
Properly educated, homeschooled kids are highly capable of holding their own in conversations.
Many homeschooling families have this same testimony about their homeschooled kids. Our children are almost always capable of communicating with all ages of people, especially grown-ups.
2. Another common misconception is that homeschooling lacks structure and routine.
In reality, most homeschooling families have a structured curriculum and schedule, just like any other school.
The average homeschooling family thrives on structure in one form or another. It doesn’t matter which method of homeschooling you choose, most likely structure is built in.
3. Some believe that homeschooled children struggle with communication skills because they are not in a classroom setting.
But in reality, homeschooling can actually improve communication skills. Since homeschooled children learn at their own pace and have more one-on-one time with their parents or tutors.
For instance, our daughter was in speech therapy for the first 4 years of her life. Although the therapy did help her to make some progress it became boring for her.
It was not until I stopped the therapy sessions that her communication skills blossomed.
Due to intense work with her at home, this daughter is thriving now.
When it comes down to it, homeschooling is simply a different method of education. Homeschooling is just as effective as traditional schooling while offering unique benefits and opportunities.
Oh and by the way, homeschooled kids are often in classroom settings, with other teachers and all.
Now let’s look at a few more misconceptions about a parent’s desire to homeschool.
4. You need a college degree
Homeschooling is a path that many parents have chosen for their children.
In spite of them not having a college degree to face the challenge. You do not need a college degree.
But, what they do have is true commitment. A strong sense of dedication to their child’s education and well-being, which is a key factor to their successful homeschooling journey.
In other words, parents can be a child’s best teacher. And with a little bit of planning and research, a parent can provide their child with an education that is tailored to their personality, interests, and learning style.
5. You need to be wealthy to homeschool your child
You do not need to have a hefty bank account to undertake the task of homeschooling your kids.
But you do need to be resourceful and humble.
Remember homeschooling, is 100 percent your responsibility, and that will require not just money, but your full commitment to do it well.
If you want to be a homeschooling parent, learn to barter for classes and extracurriculars.
For many seasons, I would help the main teacher in a class so that my kids could get a discount or even get a free class.
I would even participate in their groups, like the band as a percussionist, or I was the den’s mother when they were in plays or drama class.
You can be very creative to get opportunities for your homeschooled kids.
One year, I took on the task of organizing a full basketball team that was recognized through AAU, The Amateur Athletic Union.
I worked alongside two homeschooling dads who were excited and willing to coach.
My job was to manage and handle all administrative activities, securing my two sons’ positions on the team.
Yes, this required a lot from me, but the trade-off was highly rewarding.
So, if you still want to be a homeschooling parent, here are a few tips to help you become one.
Since homeschooling can be a daunting task for first-timers who are not sure where to begin.
One of the first things you need to do is to establish a curriculum plan.
To include identifying the subjects you plan to teach and the grade levels you’re targeting.
This will guide you on what resources you need to acquire or develop.
Another crucial aspect is finding resources such as textbooks, online courses, and learning materials that align with your curriculum plan.
With these in place and a consistent schedule, you can create a learning environment that suits your child’s needs while providing the necessary structure to achieve academic success.
And most importantly, with the right mindset and preparation, it can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Being a homeschooling parent means seeing the importance of connecting with other homeschooling parents.
Homeschooling your children can be both fulfilling and challenging.
As a parent who has made the decision to homeschool for the first time, it’s essential to connect with other like-minded parents who are going through the same experience.
Forming connections with other homeschooling families can help you gain new perspectives, share ideas and techniques, and find support when you need it the most.
It’s a great way to build a support network and find a community of people who understand the unique challenges of homeschooling.
Through these connections, you can find encouragement to keep going even on the toughest days.
So, don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with other homeschooling parents.
You never know how much of a difference it can make in your homeschooling journey!
Above all, please join HEAV the “Home Educators Association of Virginia”
This agency fights for the rights of every American to have the freedom to homeschool.
Here are some more benefits of homeschooling:
- More control over your child’s learning environment
- Teaching about your family culture
- The ability to foster creativity
- Click the link for more benefits!!
As parents, we all want our children to succeed academically and personally.
Homeschooling is a great way to not only provide a strong education for your child but also to have more control over their learning environment.
With homeschooling, you can personalize your child’s curriculum to align with their interests and learning style, which can lead to a more engaged and successful student.
Additionally, homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to build pride in your family’s culture, as you have the flexibility to incorporate cultural teachings and traditions into your lessons.
Lastly, homeschooling fosters creativity, which is a highly valued skill in today’s workforce.
By allowing your child to explore their creativity through art projects, music lessons, and hands-on learning, they will be better equipped to solve complex problems in their future careers.
So, if you still want to be a homeschooling parent, remember that you are not alone.
It doesn’t matter if you didn’t attend college or if you come from a background of poverty – all that matters is your commitment to providing a meaningful education for your child.
Oh, and as a committed dedicated parent, you can make a successful homeschool plan.
In summary, consider the different types of homeschooling approaches, find resources, create a schedule and plan, and connect with other homeschool parents who have experienced the same thing as you.
Most importantly, remember to enjoy this unique learning experience.
When children are able to learn in an environment conducive to their success, they will often thrive in ways they wouldn’t be able to otherwise.
Embrace this opportunity for growth and adventure!
Homeschooling is a rewarding journey that requires dedication and creativity but brings about countless benefits.
Are you ready to embark on your own homeschooling journey?
Here is a link to the book that tells you the story of our humble beginnings.
What do you need to start homeschooling?
Let me know in the comments! 👇🏽