A Letter to a New Homeschooling Mom

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Hi Friend!

It was sooo great hearing from you today! You are such a neat lady and I’m so glad you’ve decided to join this grand adventure of homeschooling! Whether you feel like it or not, you are doing a great job at figuring out how to do things. Keep going! You’re doing fabulously!

The idea of homeschooling can sure seem like a daunting thing. And honestly, sometimes it is. But really, when you begin to get a fuller picture of things, you’ll find that you can know what to do, and you’ll be guided as to how to do it. So don’t fret! Things will come to you as you go. I promise you don’t need to know everything to begin. So just start where you are, work hard at it, and things will come!

I’m sure you’re wondering things like, what curriculum should I choose, what’s the best math program, how do I teach multiple kids of different ages, how do I get my husband on board or a million other questions. And yes, those are all important questions and we can talk about them another time. But for right now, as you are just beginning on this journey there are a few simple things I would suggest.

First of all, breathe. You have felt drawn or inspired to homeschool, that means there is automatic unseen support for you. You can trust that. Seek guidance, seek peace, and you’ll get it. That also means that physical, mental, and emotional support will also be there. As you take each step forward, you’ll find the answers you need. Just trust the process and know that you don’t need to know everything right now. 🙂

Second, despite what you may think, and especially despite what others may think, homeschooling is not primarily about your children’s education. What?! I know… Hear me out. Yes, their education is super important. Yes, this is a choice that matters. But ultimately, the thing that matters the most here, is your family’s relationships. It’s all about the relationships.

I have a whole lot to say about this that can’t all be included in this letter, but I know that after 25 years of homeschooling and interacting with many, many homeschoolers, that this is indeed true. Home education should not come at the expense of your relationships. And to me, the absolute best part of homeschooling IS the relationships!

You see, here is the key –> Good relationships absolutely fuel your children’s education. And on the other hand, poor relationships really hinder their education. So enjoy your time with your kids. Have fun with them. Let them see and feel your light and love. This is an adventure for all of you!

And third, homeschooling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Ok, unless you’re a total book lover like me, then getting all the awesome books you want can be expensive. 🙂

I can tell you the one thing that has been the absolute backbone of our successful homeschool – and that’s reading great books. Living books. Books that fill your soul and leave you better off for reading them.

The hallmark of our homeschool has been reading aloud to my kids. Hands down, this is the best thing we’ve done. And I can tell you that this (reading aloud as well as my kids reading a lot on their own) has been the basis for how incredibly smart and well rounded my kids are.

Family picture at two sons' college graduation, both having been mostly homeschooled

Two Johnson sons graduated from college on the same day. The oldest (on the right) with his Masters in Cyber Security, and the second oldest (on the left) with his Bachelors in Political Science. It was a great day!

Here’s one example – this may sound crazy but hear me out – I never purposely taught geography (gasp!) (meaning no geography curriculum) yet my second son placed top 10 in the state geography bee a couple of years. Why? Well, I think we can trace a lot of it back to the fact that he read most of the G. A. Henty books. (If you haven’t heard of those books I highly recommend them!) He would read those fascinating books and wonder where in the world that place was… and go look it up. He oftentimes would get more curious and read more about that place/culture/history. Rabbit holes are awesome!

The key to success in both reading aloud to your kids and to them loving reading is your enthusiasm. Your love for great stories. Be sure to not make reading an assignment, or a chore, but rather be an example of loving it.

Even if you don’t love reading, I think you can love gathering your kids for a good snuggle on the couch with a comfy blanket, and reading a fun story to them. That’s what I’m talking about. The relationship while reading is key.

Anyway, there are lots and lots of cool things out there to aid you in your homeschooling adventure. Don’t let it overwhelm you! If, and when it does, just pull back and snuggle with your kids. Do simple things for a while until you feel like you can breathe again. If I’m not careful, I can still get overwhelmed by it all! Just be prayerful and diligent in your efforts and you’ll be led to good things.

And yes, the Lord will let you work hard for this, and he’ll let you struggle. But he will also help you succeed famously! Remember, he’s just as interested in your education as he is in your kids’ education.

I would so love to visit with you anytime. If ever you have a question or are overwhelmed, stressed out, had a success, or just need a sounding board, I’d love to hear about it! You are welcome to reach out to me anytime. I am totally glad to help in any way I can.