Making the decision is the first step in how to get started homeschooling. In this step you will be answering a few basic questions regarding homeschooling. What considerations are there when it comes to choosing homeschool verses other forms of schooling? Why is this the right decision for our family?

There are many things to consider when making the decision to home school your children. Time, money, commitment, socialization, home environment, desire, agreement of both parents, child's needs and personality, and benefits.

Homeschooling takes dedicated time. In order for your child to receive the valuable education you desire, it will take several hours a day in most cases. Some homeschool families spread it out throughout the day or consider almost every hour of the day as potential learning time. The key is that you recognize that time is a factor.

There are also financial considerations to keep in mind when deciding to homeschool your child. Though it can be done in a very inexpensive manner with used or borrowed curriculum, through free online programs, or through state charter home schools, there are some costs involved. Materials, curriculum, space required, field trip costs, state fees, support group membership fees, and other supplies can be a part of the overall cost. One major thing to consider is that often a two-income family where two parents work outside the home is reduced in order to accomodate home education. The loss or modification of that income can become the greatest financial adjustment to getting started homeschooling.

In close connection with financial concerns, comes the inherent idea of committment to the cause. In order to home school your child, you are making a commitment. It is a total committment of your time, talent, and treasure. That is why homeschooling is often referred to as a "call." It's a decision that takes committment regardless of good days or bad, because there will be both. It takes personal sacrifice. Think about it, you will basically be with your child all the time. Along with this commitment comes the new label of "teacher." This can be intimidating, but don ot fear. Kids learn from their parents. Now you get the opportunity to take credit. And for those difficult subjects, get support.

It is often important to look at the social aspects and needs of your child when looking at homeschool as an option. Support groups, sometimes called independent study programs or private school satellite programs, often provide the option of class days, park days, and field trips where your child can enjoy socializing with other homeschool students their age. Deciding whether your child will thrive in what can be a somewhat more independent learning environment is also important. Getting your education at home means less social interaction than traditional school.

Home school gives parents the opportunity to set things up in a way that best suits their child's needs and unique learning style. The home environment is something to consider. Who will be at home during "school"? Where will "school" take place in the home? Are there other factors at home that could deter an optimal education experience? All these are things to consider about your home as a school environment. Another thing is to realize that the normal everyday stuff like laundry, dishes and chores may get juggled a bit to accomodate the new decision you've made. If you're a stickler for cleanliness and organization, take a deep breath. Flexibility is your friend. It can work, just probably not the way you've always done it before. Be ready for changes in your routine.

High on the priority list of things to know is, does your child want to homeschool? Is it a shared desire between you as the parent-teacher and them as the child-student? This goes a long way. Ultimately, parents decide what they feel is best for their child's education, however having the child on board or even excited about it can make the transition to homeschooling a bit smoother.

Do both parents agree? This is also something that can effect the success of your child's homeschool education. It is important for both parents to be informed about homeschooling as well as participate in the decision-making process.

Often parents must look at home education as an option due to their child's specific needs. This may happen in the case of extremely bright children or those needing remediation. Other things to think about are: Does your child have special physical needs or handicaps? Is there a learning disability to consider or an emotional issue to nurture? How does my child best learn concepts and master information? How can I best work with my child's personality and unique interests when structuring their learning program?

One the most rewarding things to consider when making a decision to homeschool, is to look at the benefits. Homeschool kids are statistically very bright and have earned admission to the most pretigious universities in the nation. Homeschooling limits the overwhelming sense of competition often thrust upon students in the traditional school setting. Homeschool kids are free to learn at their pace, using hand-selected curriculum that suits their needs, in a style and environment that their parents believe is best for them. Another benefit to making the decision to homeschool is control over not only the academic training of the child, but also over the moral, ethical, spiritual, and environmental training of the child. It is beneficial as well to tailor the home school education to the interests of the child, thus giving them training in the areas that will prepare them most appropriately for their future.

Take these areas into consideration as you decide how best to approach your child's education. Making the decision to homeschool may be one of the best decisions you could ever make. Take a look at the next step in this series on How to Start Homeschooling: Step 2:Understanding Homeschool Laws.

Entire Series on How to Get Started Homeschooling
Step 1: Make the Decision
Step 2: Understand Homeschooling Laws
Step 3: Find a Support Group
Step 4: Understand Your Child's Learning Style
Step 5: Choose a Homeschooling Method
Step 6: Select a Curriculum
Step 7: Get Organized

Homeschooling is a worthwhile adventure, enjoy!