This paragraph from my last blog stuck with me, and I wanted to talk a little bit more about this.
Just remember not to compare yourself, to how others homeschool. Everyone does it differently and you will find your groove. It’s also not a failure if you or your child decides to go back to public school. It’s your job as a parent to do what’s right for each child, as you see fit.
Here’s the thing about homeschooling if I’m being honest … that you may not be prepared for. You may get made fun of, get strange looks, people may talk behind your back, question your integrity, ethics, qualifications, aptitude, sanity, and in some cases, I’ve heard the school may call child protective services for abuse.
You need to homeschool to your state’s qualifications, you need to follow the town’s rules to an extent that is within the law that was set by Brunelle decision of Supreme Judicial Court as well as the Care & Protection of Charles, and others. Check your state regulations here. https://hslda.org/content/laws/
Your mom or dad, aunts or uncles, friends or social media may question you as to why you choose to homeschool. You have one of two ways to answer their questions. Honestly or mind your own business. Much like raising your kids everyone has an opinion on how you should school your child too. I mean I get it, I didn’t dream of being a mom and homeschooling my kids.
Homeschool depending on your community still might be a little unusual, unconventional and downright unheard of. None of that should matter other than you are doing what is best for your child. You learn to not care what others’ thoughts are on the subject, you learn to navigate around the critiques, criticism, opinions, insults and sometimes the entire subject.
I’ve received a few questions along the way, many judgments, and lots of people who ignore the subject of it altogether. The year I turned 40 I no longer cared what others thought of me. This was perfect timing as it was the same year I pulled my children from public school.
Stand strong in your convictions no matter what they be. A few other things I can share that I learned on this journey. It’s ok sometimes we realize we were wrong, in that case, course correct, let it go and move on. Sometimes along the way, we change how we view things, or we change and evolve. Again course correct, let it go, and move on. Nothing is set in stone. Nothing says you have to finish the year with a terrible curriculum you picked out. Find something else that works better for everyone involved.
One myth I busted for myself, you don’t have to be the expert. Heck, you don’t even have to know the subject. 1. There are people out there who can teach it to your child. 2. Or you learned it right along with your child. The blessing for me in homeschooling is that I get to learn or in some cases re-learn things. 3. Find a video, book or another resource to teach it to you, so you can turn around to reteach it to your child.
Flexibility is the name of the game at my house. Each year we pick out what we want to learn together. You can choose from a list of common core items or find a syllabus for that age, or subject appropriate for grade levels.
The thing is this isn’t for everyone, and that’s ok! Be who you are, let your kids be who they are, and don’t let other’s views stifle how you see the world!
#livefreeandwithjoy #homeschool #mindset #motivation #liveconfident #followthelaw
Holistic Mystic D 