8 Things I’ve Learned About Myself While Homeschooling my Daughter
The thought of homeschooling your child can bring about all the feelings. Am I capable? What if I screw up? What will people think (hint: you shouldn’t care)? I’m excited! I’m terrified! All.The.Feelings.
Here is what I’ve learned about myself while homeschooling over the last several years.
1. I’m capable of teaching my own child
One of the concerns I had when first discussing homeschooling my daughter was: How am I going to teach my kids anything? I’m not a teacher. I did well in school, I have two degrees, I’m smart. But… teaching the core subjects is a different ball game. But you know what? I’m doing it. Do I know everything on every subject? Of course not. But what I don’t know, I find out. I research. I learn with my daughter. There are endless websites, books, curricula, etc. that help me in the teaching process. And you better believe I use/research all I can get.
2. I can admit I don’t know everything
To some questions that my daughter poses, I just don’t know the answer. It’s okay for my answer to be “I don’t know. Let’s look it up.” Learn together. Your child will appreciate your honesty and your willingness to learn with them.
3. Learning is personal
I’ve learned over the years the way that my daughter learns. I know that she needs breaks throughout the day when there is heavy book work. I know she enjoys activities that have her moving and busy rather than sitting at a desk doing book work. I know she is a visual learning. These things we learn through the process help us become better teachers (and parents!).
4. Pinterest is amazing
Need a craft idea? Pinterest. Need a lesson plan? Pinterest. Looking for books to read on a certain topic? Pinterest. Seriously, you can get so many ideas for so many things on Pinterest!
5. My daughter has my addiction to office/school supplies
Staples. Office Max. Target. You name it. We find the office/school supplies. Do we need them all? No. But will we get them anyway and use every last one of them? Yes.
6. A schedule is a necessity
For us, anyway. Some type of schedule is a necessity. We don’t always follow it to a “T”. But having a set schedule helps us stay on track. I’m a work from home Mama as well as a homeschooling one, so figuring out a schedule that works for us is a must.
7. It’s okay
If you have a great day. It’s okay. If you have a bad one. That’s okay, too. If you feel like you failed sometimes. It’s okay. If you’re terrified. That’s okay. You got this, Mama. It will all be okay.
8. It works best for us
My daughter is more advanced, happier, more secure, etc. than she would have been going to public school. I truly believe that. This life we’ve created works for us. We prefer adventure and fun over sitting in a classroom eight hours per day. She prefers learning one on one than getting lost in a class of 20 kids. It just works for us. (And it could work for you, too!)
What have YOU learned while homeschooling?