Choosing to homeschool, means shifting away from a traditional model of a parenting, to create a life that incorporates learning and family into everything you do.
This can feel daunting - as anyone who has ever tried to go grocery shopping with a baby and a toddler can attest - but it can also be so rewarding.
"Have a growth mindset when it comes to homeschooling."
Finding systems that work for you takes time and iterative growth. If you are clear on why you're homeschooling, find a supportive community, and create a process for living a learning lifestyle that fits your family, homeschooling can be one of the most important and impactful parenting choices you make.
Building a Homeschooling Life
Creating a successful homeschool life requires planning, dedication, and a lot of patience. Start by thinking carefully about your homeschooling "why". Your "why" will likely be a set of beliefs or values that resonate deeply with you across your parenting experience. Visit our planning page for resources on how to do to this. It is important to have a clear vision for what you want to achieve with your homeschool experience. Research the different homeschool programs available to you and find one that suits your needs and lifestyle. Remember that eclectic homeschoolers exist - you don't have to pick only one teaching style if multiple styles resonate with you. It's your homeschool life. Pick what works for you and leave the rest.
Establish Systems That Work
Next, you'll want to set up systems for how your homeschool life is going to run. These systems will guide how you make decisions about the details of your homeschooling life. Will you decide what activities the kids will do or do they decide? How will you assign work? What's your system for planning? There are lots of systems you can put in place that will support your work. You'll find a list of systems to consider putting in place in our "Putting it all together" section.
Many families like having an organized schedule for their homeschool days. They structure their day by dedicating specific hours to different subjects and activities. This can help you stay on track and ensure that your homeschool life runs smoothly. Additionally, make sure to include plenty of breaks throughout the day to allow your children to take a break and reset.
Disclaimer - you will fail... sometimes. Have a growth mindset when it comes to homeschooling. If something isn't working, it's okay to shift gears and try things a different way. You know your family best and you get to decide. So on the days when the project you so carefully and thoughtful prepared turns out to be a giant failure, it doesn't mean that homeschooling isn't right for you. It's a chance to show your kids how to deal with setbacks gracefully, pick yourself up, and try again.
Have fun!
Lastly, don't forget to make learning fun! Incorporate activities like field trips, experiments, and hands-on projects to help engage your children and make the lessons more interactive. This can help keep them motivated and excited about learning.
Good luck on your homeschooling journey!