From long before I had my own children, I knew I wanted to homeschool. I was homeschooled, I had a fantastic experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world and, for so many reasons, I’ve always known that I wanted to give my kids that same time, dedication, and education. And because of that, somehow I thought I would wake up one day with a five year old and know exactly how I was doing this, and I would do it with all the confidence in the world.
Well, I was wrong.
It’s more like I suddenly realized: Oh my word, the education of the little people I love most in the world is in my hands, I don’t actually know what I’m doing, and I’m freaking out a little.
Now, I know, I know, it’s only the beginning, it’s simple, I can learn right along with them, and there’s no reason to freak out. There are so many resources, so many online options, there are fantastic co-ops and I have many friends (e.g. my sweet mama), who have been there and done that, and have all kinds of good advice.
But honestly, the reality of it all just hit me a little harder than I anticipated.
How about you?
Whether you have always planned to do this, have been thinking about it for a while, or with this whole COVID craziness, have kind of been thrown into it… Maybe you feel a little overwhelmed by the idea. Maybe you’re wondering if anyone else is?
Because, really, no matter how much help you get, it’s still up to you to get up every day, to be diligent, to be purposeful, and to give your children the best education you can possibly give them to set them up for whatever they aspire to do with their life. You want to prepare them academically, spiritually, physically, and emotionally, and that’s a GIGANTIC task. You know that no matter how much help and advice you have on the side, it will vary, it will change, and it’s still up to you to make those decisions about curriculum, schedule, discipline, flexibility, and exactly how you want this whole thing to look (which I’m sure will change with each year and each kid for that matter.)
It’s overwhelming and it’s kinda scary.
Now, I know there are likely a few seasoned homeschoolers are out there thinking, “Oh good grief, calm down and breathe a little, it’s not as bad as you think. Let them learn as they go, don’t freak out about the perfect schedule or curriculum, it will all work out.”
And, generally speaking, I would agree. I’m sure I’ll calm down as the years go on and maybe I’ll realize I over-reacted. I’m super glad I have you mamas to let me know it’s all gonna be ok. I need you in my life.
But, just to be real, I will say that while I have many, many, friends and would include myself in this group, who have had incredible homeschooling experiences, and felt totally prepared for anything we wanted to do… I’ve honestly also known many people who didn’t feel as prepared by their experience, and I don’t want to believe that isn’t a real possibility if I don’t act and think with purpose from the start. So although I shouldn’t be anxious, I do want to be aware.
All that being said, if you are a mama who is planning to or considering homeschooling and you’re a bit terrified yourself, these are the only words of wisdom I have to offer, and it’s what I need to keep telling myself:
We can do this!
We can? Yes!
And it’s not because we know everything that is coming or exactly how to do this or what the future will hold, but because God does. You were created with a beautiful mind, the ability to learn and adapt, and children to pass that along to. It’s only been in the last few hundred years that schools as we know them have existed. For so much of time, children learned from their mothers and the beauty and power of that should never be underestimated or forgotten.
“I am sure that, in my early youth, no teaching ever made such an impression upon my mind as the instruction of my mother; neither can I conceive that, to any child, there can be one who will have such influence over the heart as the mother who has so tenderly cared for her offspring.” – C. H. Spurgeon
God made you for this.
And another thing:
We have to stop being so afraid.
Be purposeful. Be aware. Be concerned. But don’t be afraid.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
If we personally feel that God is leading us to teach our children at home, then we have nothing to fear. We can be bold, we can be courageous, and we can walk in wisdom, because we are striving to walk in step with the only One who can make this work, the only One who can give us the tools we need to do this well.
And lastly:
It’s going to be messy, but it’s going to be beautiful.
It’s going be worth it.
For every moment that doesn’t seem to go right, there will be a million more moments…moments spent with your child instead of somewhere else, questions they ask you instead of asking someone else, a sparkle in their eyes when they “get it” and you were the one who showed them.
For every moment of frustration, there will be so many more moments of joy and hysterical laughter, moments you get to incorporate faith and truth into their lessons, teach them life lessons, in and out of the books, and there will be needful and important conversations that wouldn’t have happened if you weren’t around.
If we acknowledge that it’s all by God’s grace and strength, then I’m convinced it won’t just balance out, but the good days will outweigh the bad, the victories will outweigh the mistakes, the blessings will far outweigh the burdens. So let’s do this thing!
My Family Freedom 