When I first started educating the boys, I had grand ideas, mostly gleaned from other homeschool parents. We were going to take loads of field trips, join multiple co-ops, do some lapbooking, and work on over-the-top projects. Because that’s what the majority of homeschoolers do, right?
When these projects did not come to pass, I began to beat myself up over it. That resulted in my doubting my abilities to homeschool, which led me to seriously consider enrolling the boys in public school.
I was ready to chuck it all in because I compared myself to other homeschoolers. I am a relatively confident person but homeschooling was about to do me in.
Worst.feeling.ever.
Something had to change.
To get my head back into homeschooling, I took a week off from teaching and planning. The boys caught up on reading and I sat down to develop reasonable, attainable goals.
I did an honest assessment of what we could achieve during the year, how we could do it, and in what time frame.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: I scrubbed my mind clean of what other homeschoolers were doing and concentrated on my boys and their needs.
The result?
Some happy kids and an even happier mom. A no-pressure homeschool — but one where we achieve a lot. Maybe not French lessons or 4H… but hey – if you grade a fish on his ability to climb a tree, he’ll flunk every time. We set realistic expectations and push ourselves to achieve realistic goals – which makes my kids (and me) feel GOOD. Success breeds success.
I belong to several homeschool groups on social media and I have to refrain from commenting when a question is asked about curriculum choices and activities. Homeschooling is such a personal choice that I don’t feel qualified to comment other than to point out that it is a personal choice.
It’s okay to take advice from other homeschoolers, but the final decision on how YOUR homeschool will LOOK rests with you.
Will we ever do a lapbooking project and create a model of the solar system? Maybe.
In the meantime, I am not going to sweat it.
Peace and love to all,
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
So true, so true. Thanks for the encouragement.
You are very welcome!
Thank you! This was a timely post. We’re just getting started and already the thoughts of inadequacy are bombarding me. This was a great reminder.
Well done. I realized that as the mama I set the tone. Keeping our babies relaxed and happy is the main thing and believe me they are learning.
So true! My favorite part of the whole post is that picture … with that little one leaned over on his big brother – priceless! Thanks for sharing!
Excellent article!! This is something I am finally wrapping my own brain around. I would like our school to look one way, but the reality is that my family doesn’t fit that ideal. So, instead, I will rejoice for how it works for us right now and enjoy being together as a family!!
Thank you for this article! We are just starting out this year (firstborn is in K). Not comparing myself to other homeschoolers is so important!! I am surrounded by mothers who have been at this gig waaaaay longer than me. But they have different children, different family dynamics, and different needs. What my kids need, and what works for my family, is what I need to concentrate on! Thank you for the reminder!
Such a great reminder. Thanks!
I love this and will share it on my Stories for the Homeschooled Heart Facebook page.
I am so happy to see that I am not the only one feeling this way and I hope these words are helpful in some way. I commend anyone who makes the decision to homeschool. What a sacrifice and a blessing! Hats off to all and keep on truckin’!
Nice to read about another experienced mom who hit bottom and climbed out! I felt the same way, and after eight years of chasing other peoples’ ideas of how things should go, I walked away from it all, cleared the deck, and started doing things my way. I admitted out loud that I am not crafty. Guess what kids? Mom doesn’t sew! Now go watch Arthur! (Just kidding) But I DO have gifts and talents, my kids have gifts and talents, and I have to start focusing on them instead of moaning about the wonderful things other people have.