1. The responsibility of teaching your child rests solely on you. Recognizing and owning your responsibility in this task can be daunting and frankly, overwhelming at times. There won't be a teacher or peer-pressure to blame if your child is seen wanting in the skills and education they need to apply themselves in life. If your child cannot do the things that are expected from other children in the same age group, it can reflect poorly on you as an educator as well as a parent. Are you prepared to face this?
Having a support system of other homeschool moms and educators is a great way to combat the "I'm a failure" feeling many homeschool parents face. Know ahead of time that by deciding to take such a keen role in your child's education you should be applauded. Congratulations, you are putting yourself on the line. God sees your sacrifices and He is able to come alongside you to equip you. Make sure to seek Him, so that He can guide you.
2. A critical part of homeschooling is the amount of time you spend with your children. You may have to give up some of the time you spend with friends, shopping splurges and other entertainment in order to honor your committment to your child and their education. Be aware, this can become frustrating at times. You will feel trapped at times. Realize you are not alone, this is a common experience. You have to learn to take the aggravation with equanimity and wait for the rewards with patience and enthusiasm.
Where God guides, he provides and that is not only financially. If He led you into this adventure, He can multiply your time to be all that you are called to be for your family, and all that you need to be as a teacher. Don't give into the lie that by homeschooling you are missing out in some way. God doesn't measure things the way we do. Homeschooling is an eternal investment that neither moth or rust can destroy.
3. A parent who is dedicated to educating his or her child single handedly does not often have much time left over for a career. This means that the family may have to design their
needs around the traditional one-income model. Another avenue may be a fmaily business that is run out of the home. It is highly probable that in deciding to homeschool, your budget will have to adjust to meet this new demand. Be aware of this in advance, trimmed budgets may take some time to get used to. The dividends paid out
on this educational investment in your child's life will far outweigh the manicures and highlights you may be giving up.
4. Homeschooling is a committment. Though flexibility is a key asset to this form of schooling, it can also be a pitfall for parents who lack diligence or become sloppy with their time.
Children are looking to you to set the standard. The child will take advantage of a homeschooling situation where too much flexibility is afforded. However, taking breaks is important for mom just as much as for the child, so that the experience does not become stale, frustrated, and counterproductive.
As a part of your committment, take time to know your child and what style and curriculum will fit them best. Evaluate your schedule as well as what makes you tick. If you are a creative, outgoing person, recognize it from the beginning and maybe seek out a more organized friend to help you establish a schedule or suggest a routine. If you are the detailed, mathematical type, consider adding a class day activity where your child can enjoy the benefits of art or music. Partner with other parents. Swap teaching days with others who have
certain strengths in areas where you are weak. You can be committed AND flexible, just be sure its both.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|