Dear Homeschool Mom

Dear {weary, tired, excited, new, seasoned, reluctant, hopeful, any sort of} homeschool mom,

You are amazing, first of all.

To be in this place, either getting ready to tackle another year, another day, another adventure, or looking to the future and wondering if this is what is meant for your family because nothing else seems to work, or because you like the idea but don’t know how to start…to be *here*, taking the time to consider what will be best for your child(ren) and your family–is already amazing. Rest in that! You are doing your best.

You are brave.

Taking the jump into the deep end takes bravery, right? And let’s be honest, to consider and choose homeschooling is a bit like jumping into the deep end, with all your clothes on. Cuh-razy. Homeschooling is gaining momentum and acceptance, and yet, people still look at us funny, still wonder how on earth it works, still ask the age-old “how on earth will you socialize those children?” question. If you’re like me, sometimes you might even look in the mirror and call yourself crazy.

You can do this.

The task of educating our children can seem daunting. “What if I fail and ruin my children forever?!” you might wonder. Please, stop worrying into the wee hours of the night. It doesn’t do you any favors, and then you’ve missed out on precious sleep time. (anyone else count down the minutes until bedtime some nights, so you can just have some quiet and maybe tuck yourself in early?) You have already taught your child that different words mean different things. You have taught them to politely use please and thank you, how to sing the ABC song, the colors of the rainbow, the TARDIS, Oscar the Grouch, bananas, their eyes, your house, and so much more. You taught your child not to touch the hot stove, to use a fork and spoon, to dress themselves, wipe their tush, flush, and wash their hands. You count with them. You have already begun. You can do this.

This is not a forever decision.

You can change your mind. Maybe homeschool is right this year, but not next. Maybe this year isn’t the year to take on homeschooling just yet. Don’t sweat it!

When we decided to homeschool our oldest almost 5 years ago, we agreed that the decision was going to be a year-by-year decision. Almost exactly a year ago, we changed from homeschool to public, and again agreed that it would be year-by-year. Guess what? It just so happened that *this year* and *this school* didn’t work out, and our girls were back home for homeschool before a year was up. It might work in reverse for you. And that’s OK! Life can throw a few strong curve balls and a few punches. Do what is best for your child and your family as circumstances change. No decision is forever.

You will feel like this is a full-time job.

Because it is. It only took me almost 4 years to realize that. Now I feel much better about my lack of time to grab coffee or lunch with friends, because even though I am home, I am working. I chose it, I own it, I am working towards making this part of my “job” as efficient and enjoyable as possible.

Just because it’s like a full-time job, doesn’t mean it has to drain all the life out of you.

I love homeschooling. The flexibility, the possibilities, the time with my children…all amazing benefits.

But it can be exhausting and draining to be with small people 24/7, being asked endless questions (Why is 7N the same as 7 times N? What does this word mean? Why can’t I play the Wii before breakfast? Can I have a snack? Are we going to build this robot? How come Pluto isn’t a planet anymore?), being called upon endless times (momomomomomomomomom MAMA mama mamaaaaa momomomomomomomom), needing to cook and straighten the house at least once a day…

It is possible to enjoy this path, to get things done (most of the things, most of the time), and not go crazy. It’s about balance. You will find your groove.

You can say “no”.

You can, and should, say “no” to some things. Is a co-op going to add too much to your schedule? Do you and your child dread studying famous artists, but enjoy doodling instead? Consider when it is best to say “no” to a program or text or suggested project. There are countless good books, activities, and things to study. You can’t do it all. It’s OK to set your limits and just say no.

You can do it your way.

Don’t get bogged down comparing yourself to the standards held by anyone else or any other school. Do school your way! Isn’t that one reason you are here anyway? To give your child(ren) an education that meets certain goals and needs that you have determined are important, and which a different school setting don’t meet? Do it your way. If you love a box curriculum, do it. If online classes work for you and your child, sign up. If your son likes to read and spell his words on the floor with letter tiles, why stop that? If your daughter wants to take a walk and look for native plants and animals, enjoy the fresh air. If you want to take a month and focus on home skills, why let anyone else’s ideas get in your way?

So, dear homeschool mom, be encouraged. Fill yourself up with rest, so that you can give to your children in the way they need, not the way the sparkliest and prettiest and most-put-together blogs suggest. Do it your way. Make it fit your family’s lifestyle and personalities. You can do this. You are amazing.