What if you don’t feel confident homeschooling? Well, did you know one of the biggest obstacles homeschool moms face is feeling inadequate. In fact most homeschool moms are not trained, or certified teachers.
Still you might be thinking how can I take on such an unsurmountable task? Don’t worry I’ve been there. With God’s help I learned by taking one step at a time.
Why feeling inadequate to homeschool your children poses a problem
Your lack of confidence can cause you to focus on what might go wrong. Or to put it plainly your fears can overtake you. You may remember past experiences where you have failed. Or you may know other moms who homeschooled, and quit after a short time.
You may be listening to others who do not support your decision to homeschool such as family members, or close friends. Then perhaps you may be listening to others who insist that you need formal training.
In short, you entertain negative thinking. So don’t start off on the wrong foot and get discouraged beforehand.
Don’t give into your fears
My biggest fear was missing a vital part of my child’s education even though I knew I would be following a structured curriculum. Then again others fear the lack of socialization for their child/children.
Subsequently, you may fear teaching certain subjects that are difficult and time consuming, or you know nothing about. This is especially true when taking on science and math courses during the middle and high school years.
To elaborate on this point, I taught my daughter Algebra 1 and geometry. Then we started Algebra 2 and I could no longer keep up the pace. Additionally, I had a toddler running around terrorizing the house.
In my case the problem was resolved when I hired a local college student as a math tutor. This worked out really well for us and she became a good family friend which was an added benefit.
The simple truth is you may sometimes need outside help when homeschooling your child. This is not an indication of failure. It simply means you know your limitations.
What to do about your lack of confidence
First you need to realize that your role as a mom involves teaching your child everyday even if you’re not homeschooling. Teaching our children comes naturally.
Think about all the questions a small child will ask their parents throughout the day, and you try your best to answer. Homeschooling is no different. Also, you have all the answers in your curriculum.
- Start with the basics of learning; reading, writing and math. So find a curriculum that puts an emphasis on the 3 R’s.
- Choose a curriculum with some oversight or accountability. This will help you to stay on track. Unit studies, in my opinion, are not the best way to start homeschooling.
- Find a place in the house to homeschool. For instance the kitchen or dining room table.
- Put yourself on a daily time schedule. For example; getting up time, meals, chores, lessons, outdoor time, quitting time.
- Make lesson plans. Keep them simple. This gives you a daily guideline and helps you not to lag behind.
- Pray before each homeschool day, and also pray with your children.
What I did
- I was overwhelmed and lost when I started. So I started with a simple curriculum that I could follow.
- Then I taught myself how to write lesson plans.
- We started out by sticking to our curriculum. Initially, we didn’t do any extra projects or become involved in after school activities.
- I joined a local homeschool group. We initially did not commit to their activities, but we would just visit.
- When I become more confident with homeschooling, and had our schedules under control, we became involved with the local homeschool group.
I failed at times, but eventually I learned what worked best for me and my children. You will learn too.
Mistakes to avoid
- Trying to get things perfect. There is no perfect when it comes to homeschooling. Children are flawed, and parents as well.
- Try not to copy other homeschool moms or friends. Follow your own instincts. You know what you can handle and you know your children best.
- Don’t feel you have to stick with a curriculum that is not working for you. Sometimes it is trial and error when it comes to curriculums.
- Being too rigid is not good. Be flexible with your lesson plans and the needs of your child.
- Don’t feel the need to prove yourself to others who don’t support your homeschool decision. This is a waste of mental and emotional energy.
Life happens when you homeschool, just go with the flow
Realize life happens while homeschooling. Something could throw off your daily schedule, a whole semester, or the whole school year.
Don’t let life issues discourage you from homeschool success. Remember there may be temporary setbacks you may encounter while homeschooling.
To conclude, most homeschool moms (even those who are certified teachers) feel inadequate when they embark on this new venture. Remember you are already teaching your children daily just by being a mom.
You will gain the skills you need to homeschool just by doing it. Life still goes on with all the ups and downs. But, with God’s help, you can persevere. Many moms have learned. It all starts with one single step. You can do it.
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