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Ask any homeschooler and you’ll hear them say, “There are things I wish I had known before I started homeschooling…”
Well, wouldn’t you like to know what those things are?
You’re in for a treat because a whole bunch of awesome homeschoolers have shared their wisdom with us:
Things I wish I had known before I started homeschooling…
Randi said: It’s not easy, but it’s not nearly as hard as I expected.
Jonelle said: How much I would absolutely love it. We’re heading into year 19.
Also, that playing is usually more educational and offers different, but valuable chances for learning.
That each child will show us when they are ready for more structure, and to be patient with that process and not rush or force it.
That reading aloud every day is the most important thing to do besides spiritual learning.
Tara said: That we all homeschool in the way that is best for our family and there is no one who knows what your family needs better than you and your spouse! I wish I had not listened to all the other voices telling me how I “should” be doing it. I feel like I lost a couple of years trying to homeschool like other people.
T.K. said: Not to judge yourself off of what others do. I am a no-frills, low key, I am not about to plan a bunch of activities my kids won’t remember in ten years kind of homeschooling mom.
Linda said: I tell people that each one of us is unique. We each have our strengths. God gave us our children because we have something special to offer that child. Believe in yourself. Make teaching a partnership between you, spouse, and God.
Tassia said: Kids like store-bought playdough just as much as they like homemade. I would have saved so much time, money and sanity. Also, a simple, no bells or whistles, homeschool curriculum done consistently is much more effective than sporadic, Pinterest-worthy unit study projects
Rachel Ann said: Read John Holt!
Danielle said: Wait until the child is ready for certain subjects.
Carolyn said: There are different learning styles, (auditory, kinesthetic, etc) and the power of the word ‘yet’.
Child, “I JUST DONT GET IT!”
Parent, “Yet. It takes time and practice.”
Both of these made huge differences for us.
Alyssa said: There will be good days and horrible days. Days where you do nothing and days where you didn’t know you and the kids could accomplish so much! Be forgiving and understanding with them and yourself.
Cassandra said: People in the public school system will be weirdly jealous or insecure & take your decision to homeschool personal. I genuinely hope this isn’t an everywhere case, but I lost many friends because people thought my homeschooling was a jab at their abilities.
Natasha said: Go to the Dollar Store. As much as homemade is awesome, save your sanity and unless it really goes with the lesson, just get your playdoh, paints, cups, gifts, posterboard, and markers at the dollar store. It’ll save your brain, your budget, and your experience.
DeeAnn said: Trust your instincts and inspiration. Don’t feel the need to copy anyone else, including public school. Good habits are SUPER helpful. Being consistent by doing a little bit each day makes life sooo much easier.
Anissa said: That we should not feel guilty that we are not using every.single.bit of curriculum and that it is a tool to use as we wish or to ignore when we don’t like it.
Rachel said: You do NOT have to have all the books, or use the curriculum, or study the subjects that the homeschool community will tell you that you need. You do YOU. And let go of the rest. Don’t “should” on yourself.
Cindy said: I wish I had known I CAN DO IT! Rather than kicking myself regularly.
Heather said: It’s not nearly as stressful as so many made it out to be. Find out what works best for you and DON’T STRESS ABOUT IT.
Ashlee said: I like how it has all worked out and even with all the hard stuff because it has taught me so much. I wish I would’ve known it wouldn’t look like all the perfect pictures I saw from many homeschool moms on Instagram.
Stephanie said: That just because the first two were reading at 5 does not mean that the third one will be interested in trying until just before he turned 8! You can’t force kids to learn anything and they’re all on their own schedules.
Tiffany said: I can’t do any worse than the public education that failed me.
Tracie said: Read “Teaching From Rest”
Lela said: Every time you have a life-changing experience (car accident, move, new baby, etc) you’ll have to take a longer break than you realized, but it’s ok, catching up isn’t as hard as it looks.
Valerie said: That there’s no place for stress! Keep it calm and simple.
Tami said: That every family homeschools to some degree – many families take the full responsibility and teach all subjects at the kitchen table; some find classes, mentors and drive-drive-drive; some send kids to public school and then spend evenings at the kitchen table with homework. And all combos in between!!
Natalie said: You don’t have to emulate anything from the public school system. You get to make your own system that works for you!
Emily said: The small stuff is really the big stuff, and no one else’s opinions matter in the slightest.
Tammy said: Remember that your relationship is the most important thing.
Wisdom shared helps everyone
So there you have it, 27 awesome homeschoolers have shared their wisdom with you.
Now instead of years down the road of saying “Boy, there are things I wish I had known before I started homeschooling!” you already know a whole bunch to get you started!
I hope the advice from these good people has helped you out.
Enjoy some foundational tips to help you with your homeschooling.
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