Are you scared to homeschool? Asking What if’s? It’s okay. That’s actually a good sign. See Why!

If you are already worried about homeschooling and feeling a little trepidation or fear, that’s a good sign. Because that means you CARE.

It means that something has triggered you to invest in your children’s education and you are committed to their best interests.

Here are some common fears we’ve heard and answers/solutions:

• What if I don’t know what to teach?
  • You’ll find better curriculum than public schools because it’s tailored your child’s needs.
  • See curriculum page for ideas, reviews and links to purchase
  • Find any type of curriculum you want that is detailed or flexible
  • Pick wholesome and quality books and materials (Apologia/Story of the World and more!)
  • Select full schedule curriculums that plan everything you need – step by step for all subjects with daily instruction manuals. (Example: Sonlight curriculum all in one)

• What if my kids leaves all their friends at school?
  • They will find more meaningful and lifelong friends in homeschooling.
  • Co-ops and homeschool groups connect on deeper levels
  • No one said you can’t still stay friends with people from school
  • Team sports or church events build friends just as quickly
  • There are just as many socialization opportunities in homeschool as in public school.

• What if I feel like giving up?
  • It’s normal to feel frustrated many times in homeschooling because it’s parenting and parenting is rough many days.
  • If you are having a difficult day reach out for help or take a day off to breathe.
  • Figure out what is making you feel like giving up and start researching or asking others for support. There’s a lot.

• What if the school is weird about me taking my kids out?
  • You don’t have to explain much. You are legally allowed to do what you please. You only need to give notice.
  • See HSLDA website for your State’s requirements and help with pulling your child or children out.
  • If friends or neighbors ask-you can choose to say nothing or tell them the reasons. Maybe briefly tell them you want to help your struggling child or help your child who has special needs. People are much more understanding than you may realize. Most people are accepting of homeschooling now.
  • Public schools get $$ for your child attending. They don’t get $$ for educating your child. You will still pay local taxes to the schools even if your child isn’t there. So it doesn’t matter. Take them out and teach them better without ulterior motives.

• What if I don’t have a degree or “teacher” qualifications?
  • You will never be unqualified. These are your children. You know them best.
  • Did you ever go to school and graduate? You qualify.
  • Do you know your children? You qualify.
  • Do you care about your children’s future? You qualify.
  • Do you want them to learn core subjects? You qualify.
  • Can you read and write? You qualify.
  • Never doubt yourself. You qualify.

• What if my family questions me?
  • They don’t parent your children. You do. They’ll see the changes and understand over time. (Trust me, we’ve lived through many people doubting and now they say our children are amazing and smart.)
  • If you know your why and goals, answering them will be easy. For many it’s religious reasons, children’s behavior or needs or lack of involvement. Regardless, it’s your decision, not theirs in the end. Be strong because they are your children.

• What if my children have special needs?
  • You will be able to correct and help them over time.
  • You will help them with 1:1 attention that public school can’t provide.
  • You’ll be able to pinpoint the issues right away and adjust/modify.
  • You’ll be able to provide a loving and safe environment for your children to express worries or stressors.
  • You can experiment with modules, different programs and more.
  • You can model good behavior, habits and attitudes.
  • You can modify: from highlighting, to reading out loud, to longer test times, quiet spaces, color coding, large font, manipulatives and more!
  • Some Curriculums/Resources for special needs: Power Homeschool, Time for Learning, Online Schooling.

Don’t Be Scared – Just Breathe – There’s Support Everywhere!

Here are the basics:

1. A Schedule or list (here’s a freebie)
2. Decide on your goals (I want to teach 4 days a week and 4 subjects for the first year)
3. Decide your why-motivations (I want my children homeschooled because of religion, academics, behavior)
4. Decide on a few subjects (not everything at once – that’s overwhelming. Just do the basics first)
5. Know your people and resources (like this blog, your friends, church, community, co-ops, online links)
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – homeschooling families LOVE to share. I’m one of those. I tend to get TOO excited when I’m asked.

Links for Quick Help:

• HSLDA
• Time 4 Learning
• Power Homeschool
• Apologia
• Math-U-See
• Homeschool Groups
• Classical Conversations Co-Op
• Online Schools List
• Google/Facebook also have tons to join.

Hang in there! You’ve got this. We’re here to help. Keep reading and diving in to more resources. Homeschooling is the best choice you’ll ever make. Asking what if is normal. It’s okay to be scared. Just breathe and go along for the ride. You know your children best. You’ll do a great job.