Find your reason to start homeschooling

Before you begin any life-changing journeys, you need to have a reason.   Before I decided to start homeschooling, I thought homeschoolers were people who made their own clothes and milked their own cows.  Also, I thought they didn't have TVs and didn't eat fast food.  I made lots of assumptions.  I think most of us tend to do that when we are unfamiliar with something.  We fill in gaps with things we've heard or seen.   Media and entertainment do not help.  I have found in most cases, you really need to research these things on your own.So, with this immature attitude, I felt called by God to homeschool. My reason.  I was so resistant to the idea at first.  And let's be honest, our family was pretty against it too.  My husband got on board pretty quick, which was totally a God thing too.  I would say this was the first time I really felt God leading me in something.  I was uncomfortable and unsure of myself, but I knew this is what God wanted.So, find a reason to homeschool.  If you don't have a reason, you could throw in the towel before you know it.  My reason is to follow God.  After that, my reason is my four kids.  They are worth the effort and time.  There are lots of people who work full time and still manage to homeschool.  If your kid is not blossoming in a traditional school, don't feel like you don't have a choice.  Every kid and family is different, but if you are motivated enough, it can be done.

After I felt God's Call

My next step was research.  When I decide to do something, I research like crazy.  So, I filled the next few months with trips to the library so I could read book after book.  This was when my oldest was 2-3 years old, so the internet wasn't as helpful as it is now and online materials to help start homeschooling were limited.After lots of reading, I went to conferences and was blown away by the wide variety of styles and types of curriculum. I am not one who goes to conferences anymore.  I get really overwhelmed in these settings and can't make a decision on anything at the time. So, I tend to just shop for my curriculum online. If you don't get overwhelmed in these situations, or you are new, they can be a great way to put a curriculum in your hands so you can see what it's like.  Take notes and don't take a lot of money, lol.I'm a big book lover and I have a hard time saying no to all the pretty and interesting books.  Do not go in my basement.  I have so many books down there it's insane.  I think most homeschoolers end up with lots of books.  Let's face it, we buy curriculums that don't work and sit there unused.  Or we have different kids with different learning styles.  Or we think something would be a great program or activity and we never get around to it.  It happens, don't beat yourself up over it.The great thing is, you can sell any books you aren't using at used book sales.  This allows others to take advantage of your books and you can get some of your money back.  Or, hoard them like I do and never see your basement floor again!  Seriously, I have books stacked in every cranny I can find.  I need one of those shows to come in and take over, lol.

Find other homeschoolers

Mom needs support

Once I decided I would start homeschooling, and did lots of research, I realized I needed other homeschoolers to talk to.  I found some support groups that were very helpful.  There are so many more now than when I started.  But even back in 2003, we had support groups in my area.  It is a great way to hear about new curriculum ideas, how others dealt with problems, and just a general encouragement to keep going.  It can get lonely if you don't reach out.I love when they have graduated kids come in and talk about their experiences.  It gives you such hope.  The most memorable was when a girl came into our group and talked about how she and her mother argued the whole time she was homeschooling.  Cue me perking up since my oldest is the most stubborn when it comes to doing his work.  He is so bright, but maybe too bright.  I found such relief that even though we can go through rough times with our kid, we can see great things accomplished in them if we stay the course and don't give up.

Your kids need support

Your kids need other homeschoolers, too.  Find playgroups if your kids are little.  Once they are older, look into finding co-ops or other types of enrichment opportunities.  Some will require work from you, like teaching, assisting, or just helping with setup or clean up.  This saves you money.  If those things are not up your alley, some co-ops allow you to drop off kids and some have classes you pay for ala carte.  It depends on how they are run.  I teach classes and assist in classes at our current co-op.  I am not a teacher at heart and am pretty introverted.  But, I love my kids and am willing to go out of my comfort zone.  Plus, I get to meet so many great kids and families.Find one that fits your schedule, but keep in mind, you might need to sacrifice some time.  It's a commitment, but worth it.  Especially, if you have junior high and high school kids.  You will find you are not an expert on every subject and it is such a relief to have someone else teach those couple classes you aren't comfortable with.

Other ways to find Homeschoolers

Other ways you can find fellow homeschoolers once you start homeschooling, look for groups like girl/boy scouts, sports, dance, art classes, etc.  My kids have taken dance for many years and the last few have been with a studio that caters to homeschoolers.  Many sports facilities will run classes for homeschoolers during the day.  If they don't currently, if you find enough people to join you, you can usually get a class going.  It doesn't hurt to ask.Find a facebook group covering your area.  You would be amazed at how willing we homeschoolers are to answer questions for those who want to start homeschooling.  There are some that just organize get-togethers like going to the park or field trips.  Others are more for questions like what are the laws in your state, to what kind of math curriculum others might recommend.  Speaking of laws, if you don't know what your state laws are for homeschooling check out Homeschool Legal Defense Associations website.  It is filled with tons of information.If you think you might be ready to homeschool but wonder what that really looks like see my post on How To Homeschool.  I talk about the various styles of homeschooling from unschooling to online academies.  Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.  I would love to help. Sign up for my newsletter[mc4wp_form id="168"]Contact me with any questions or comments [contact-form][contact-field label="Name" type="name" required="true" /][contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="true" /][contact-field label="Website" type="url" /][contact-field label="Message" type="textarea" /][/contact-form]