Many families are homeschooling their children these days. While it’s not for everyone, those that feel this is God’s will for their family, are going after it with all their heart.
Perhaps there are those of you, like myself, who have been down that road and are now finished. (Did I hear a happy shout?) 🙂 As you look back on your experience, can you recall:
- What did you do with the little ones in your family that weren’t homeschool age? How did you deal with the distraction they were to their sibling trying to do their school work?
- How did you organize all the “stuff” for school – records, books, papers, supplies, etc.?
- What do you know now that you wish someone had told you when you were first starting out?
If you could answer one of those questions even, I know of many young moms who will thank you for it!
With love,
RefreshHer 
I homeschooled my children for thirteen years (K-5-12). When God convicted me that home schooling was his plan for our family He did not tell me it was for 13 years! Instead, He led me year by year to that conviction. Also, He did not lead me without also leading my husband. He was fully convinced of the Lord that this was God's will for our lives.
Looking back on the experience I would say that God truely enabled and led me all the way. He was my sufficiency. Do not fret about inadequacies. The same Christ who saved you by faith and works through you for other aspects of your Christian life stands ready to enable you for homeschooling. Study and prepare to be the best vessel you can be then walk confidently by faith that your Shepherd is leading you. God bless!
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bagoveWe did school during naptime for many years. I also distracted the younger one with a video, her own “school” work, and toys.
No one curriculum will work for every child. Each is different and unique. Nor will every child meet the standards for that age in every subject. Pressing a child to read or understand math before he is ready just frustrates you and the child.
As homeschoolers, we sometimes feel the pressure for our child to excell and be above grade level in every subject as it seems any homeschooler we read about graduates from highschool at 12 and starts their own thriving business at 10. Or will feel we have to justify our ablity to homeschool by our child maintaining above average skills.(“Well if you knew how to teach, then Johnny would be at grade level”) On this we have to trust in the Lord to show us what each child is capable of at the time and teach what the child is capable of learning.
But the most important thing to teach is to love the Lord with all thier hearts, soul, mind, spirit and strength.
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As a homeschooled child, now a homeschool Mom, I loved the shorter school days and school week. There is no pressure that your child has to be in school 8 hrs a day/5 days a week. Our school was often 4 hours long(even in high school) and we only did 4 day weeks. The fifth day was reserved for family times(a.k.a. field trips, PE, snow days, holidays, teacher work days, and sick days), and volunteering (when we were in high school).
For the extra sibling that's too young, I encourage a small “school” time for them and when I can see that they're getting bored, then they have to go play alone somewhere else. Kids need to learn that they can play by themselves without having mommy's attention 100% of the time.
Then when school is over, I can give extra attention to the child who isn't in school. Also in the early grades, I explain the entire page and tell them I will come back when you're all done. That way, I'm not sitting or standing over them the entire time.
All in all, it's a total learning experience for the whole family. There will be days filled with tears and frustrations, and there will be other days you actually enjoy school. ***Remember, you didn't learn to ride a bike without scraping your knee a time or two, and your family won't adjust to homeschooling without a 'scraped' knee occasionally either.
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A few things I might add to these great tips already posted above would be:
1. Don't make things too serious. Make the days fun and as stress-free as possible. If there's stress over a hard lesson, go outside and swing or play tag for a few minutes, then come back in and try again. I had come from a teaching career to homeschool, and tried to implement the same tactics and schedule. Needless to say, it didn't take long to see it didn't work at home! I love the idea of the 4 day week and using Friday for volulnteering, or field trips!
2. Keep certain toys, books, or projects only for school time for the younger ones to busy themselves with. If it's something they enjoy doing and they only get to do it during their sibling's school time, they'll be less likely to disturb while you're teaching.
3. For me, starting the day early and finishing by lunchtime was crucial. My energy level was best in the morning, and my girls were happy that they were finished when lunch was over. There can be dread if you wait too long in the day to get going.
4. Make your child as independent as you can. As they get older, give instructions, then step back and let them complete them. Don't hover over their desk watching for an error. They need to learn to work on their own.
Hope these tips help. Homeschooling was a blessing and we have great memories to look back on. We all have bad days, but it's amazing how those days fade away in time!
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