Should I Homeschool?

 Let's get to the Heart Of The Matter

I can remember the first time the thought came to my head about "should I homeschool". It wasn't because I woke up one morning and threw my cape on with my fist on my hips, wind in hair ready to take on my minions, nope quit opposite. I had been exposed to
homeschooling was from my friends I went to church with, I would hear them talking about school days at home and how they loved having there kids home with them all day.   Now I love my children however staying home all day with kids there entire school age life sounded stressful. The idea of myself who barely graduated high school, who is weak in math, who  really didn't feel had the patience for schooling my kids, and had the belief that education was for the professionals, let's just say I was not the super mom poster child. 

Although I had all these  distorted reasons why I didn't think I could homeschool I was still very impressed with my friends who did homeschool. I had a particular friend who kept telling me she would pray for me to gain the heart to homeschool and me telling her "don't you dare"  I knew God would be listening. But those hardened feelings would soon soften and it was really brought on  by hearing my daughter who at that time was in third grade come home and tell me some kid brought drugs to school and, or her asking me what some sexual phrases meant that she heard at school, or the fact that she had already gotten in a fight at school at eight years old. I knew I had to make some changes. Private school couldn't even be an option for me because we were not financially able to at the time.  God kept pressing me on the idea of homeschooling, with prayer and educating myself on the option  I decided to jump in. I was scared, intimidated, and unsure of this new journey but I was determined that fourth grade would be a new start and it was, and continued to be for the next seven years of her life, and for my son who is autistic 11 years.

So should you homeschool? Here are some key factors to look at when contemplating that idea. One is there someone that is going to be able to instruct your child everyday meaning you or a spouse, grandma, aunt ect.? Two do you have the full commitment it takes to dedicate your time on preparing curriculum, setting daily work schedules that fit your family, and making sure your child completes required daily work? Three do you have the excitement and zeal to watch your children blossom as they discover new ways of learning in a more relaxed environment with no pressures to keep up or slow down with peers. If you answered yes then dive in! the water may be cold at first but it will warm up I promise. Right now you're probably asking what is the first step? Where do I buy curriculum? What do I teach? How do I take them out of public school? Can I get in trouble? And I am sure many many more questions. Stay tuned, for the next blog's to come which will have all those questions answered along with links and resources you can go to for extra support. I am excited to walk you through your new journey and to hopefully provide you with a sense of calm and encouragement as you begin an amazing adventure with your children.