Since September, I’ve been homeschooling my three youngest children. While I have always educated Zara at home, this year marks our full dive into the homeschooling lifestyle. The everyday realities of homeschooling have caught me off guard. I anticipated lesson plans and significant time spent with my kids, but the learning curve has been steep and enlightening. Here’s what you might not hear about homeschooling…
- Transitioning from parent to educator is challenging. It didn’t take long for me to recognize that my kids often listen to others more attentively than to me. However, it took several months for them to grasp that I am serious about their education. If I slip even a little, they’re soon rolling on the floor or binge-watching shows instead of focusing on their studies. It’s been a fascinating journey, but we’re gradually understanding that I won’t ease up on schoolwork like I might with dinner options.
- You’ll be teaching subjects you’re not passionate about. I enjoy reading, writing, and math, but social studies and science are not my favorites. Nevertheless, I must teach these subjects and often find myself pretending to be knowledgeable while desperately searching for answers online—like “is the Fertile Crescent in Egypt?” The upside? You’ll find that many of those seemingly trivial facts actually stick with you.
- Loneliness is a possibility. If you’re part of a smaller homeschooling community while most of your friends send their kids off to school, you may feel a tad isolated. This has been a struggle for me as I navigate where we fit in the homeschooling ecosystem while watching my friends enjoy their brief moments of freedom when their youngest is at preschool.
- Your patience will be put to the test. I was aware that homeschooling would mean my kids were with me constantly, but I didn’t realize just how true that was. We go to doctor appointments together, run errands as a family, and rarely have alone time. My patience has expanded significantly—imagine it as a workout, the more you practice, the better you become at enduring the chaos.
- You’ll find yourself bending or breaking the rules. At the start of the year, I was overly concerned about curriculum choices and reading levels. Thankfully, we’ve settled into a routine that works for us. I’ve gained confidence in my teaching style and my kids are progressing in their learning. While it will only get more challenging as they grow, finding my footing has been a relief.
- Acknowledging failures can be tough. As homeschoolers, we often face skepticism. Many believe traditional schools do a better job, so when things go awry, it can be hard to admit. We all have ups and downs, much like any educator-student relationship. The first time you realize you’re not a paragon of patience, you might feel judged, but eventually, you’ll connect with others who share their own struggles.
- Change is inevitable. Our family dynamic has transformed since we began homeschooling. My children spend more time together, which has fostered a supportive environment. They know who to approach when they need help, and I’ve discovered ways to integrate learning into our daily activities. My children seem more confident in their identities, with my son feeling free to be himself rather than conforming to stereotypes.
- You may either love it or find it exhausting. At the beginning, I feared I was heading towards resentment for homeschooling. Now, I’m genuinely grateful we persisted. I love the experience, but I completely understand why it’s not for everyone. If you thrive on being out and about or struggle with establishing a routine, seeking a more traditional schooling option might be the best fit for your family.
This entire experience has reinforced the idea that we must choose what suits our individual families and respect one another’s choices. Happy homeschooling or school bus adventures! And if you’re considering your options, feel free to reach out—I’m here to share the honest truth about what it’s really like.
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Summary
Homeschooling offers unique challenges and rewards that can reshape family dynamics. From the difficulty of transitioning roles to the necessity of teaching less favored subjects, parents often find their patience tested and their relationships transformed. Ultimately, this journey requires a balance of personal growth and mutual respect for differing educational choices.