People choose to homeschool for different reasons. Although the word ‘homeschooling’ is enough to fill most people with fear, this venture can be fulfilling. Like most things in life, it’s challenging when starting-out but as you settle into it, it becomes easier. Challenges will still be there, but they can be overcome. Here I share 5 common homeschooling fears and how to triumph over them.
‘We are falling behind!’
This is one reality that tends to happen due to different reasons such as sickness, family emergencies, travelling or even lack of motivation in child/parent. We experienced this when we relocated. Firstly, because we were busy with packing and then trying to settle. We were out for quite some time. But by the end of the academic year we had caught up; actually we were done much earlier than I had anticipated. This is one homeschooling fear that is bound to recur, but it can be conquered as often as it appears.
One of the ways we caught up was that I did not stay long at a concept my daughter understood. I believe that in younger years we aim for exposure as opposed to mastery, so I did not have to spend longer than necessary at any station. Some connections will make more sense and get clearer as they grow older. Getting social support is also very crucial, you need tips from others- take what works for you and discard the rest.
‘Am I teaching enough?’
This is one area that I was anxious about. And I am not alone. Most homeschoolers pass by here at some point. The concern is comparability to a child’s peers. One day when we were at my child’s Adventurer club, I noticed the other kids writing well, and fast too! And there I was scribing for mine at home to reduce stress: hers and mine. I did mention this to my husband, who calmed me from worrying.
Well, he was right, now she writes us notes and enjoys it. I have also learnt that I can’t teach her everything, my duty is to teach her to love learning! There are things that she knows that I am not responsible for. Starting with the alphabet, numbers and colors! Within reasonable boundaries, children will pick up knowledge as they go. So this is one of those homeschool fears that can come up, but don’t stress, you can triumph over it as your child progresses.
We have policy and goals that act as our rudder, so that we are not haphazard or careless in our homeschool. This gives us a good baseline. Of course, we can’t cover 100% of it, and so can’t formal schools!
‘I am not an expert!’
This is one worry that most people face. You are bound to be asked if you are qualified to teach, adding to your own misgivings on this. And relating to the point discussed earlier, whether you are teaching your child enough.
This notion is mythical, you DON’T need to have some qualification to teach your own child. Sometimes these qualifications can be a hindrance as you tend to want to fit your child into a certain mold because that is what you were taught. The biggest and best qualities that you need are patience, responsiveness, and a warm environment.
History is full of stories of uneducated parents successfully homeschooling great men and women. But can this be done in our times? I believe so, to a certain extent. If a parent can read and write, they can teach. There are so many resources around us such that ignorance can be a choice, and should not be an excuse. The story of Ben Carson is one inspirational one, where he was taught by a mother who had only a third-grade education and went on to become a neurosurgeon and politician.
You can use other people as resource persons for subjects that have deeper content requirements. My husband is better at explaining science and patient at math than I am, and I often lean on him for this. I am a better reader and have more songs and games. We help each other, depending on the strength needed. Some lessons are given through a cartoon program or from church or the library. Limitless possibilities, you just have to be innovative!
‘Child will be bored at home’
‘Mum, I am bored!’
This line is very common, and you wonder how this can be. Can you not entertain yourself, child😒? Well, nowadays they cannot. And for their safety, there is a lot they just cannot do by themselves, too. The world has grown more evil from the days when we were children ourselves. It’s not advisable to let them off by themselves, unsupervised.
I was apprehensive my kids would find me boring. But that is far from the truth. My daughter makes me feel like a cool, big sister! She is always following me around and wants to do stuff with me. I will enjoy the time before they want their independence.
One benefit of homeschooling is you can change your schedule to your benefit. If they start crying boredom, you can leave the house and head to the library, park or some place where they can still learn and play. Or if the mood is low that day, you can leave things and take it up again at an opportune moment.
‘There is no going back after starting’
I am often asked how long I am going to be doing ‘this’. Fair question, which I do not have the answer to, but just to say as long as I am able. There are people who have homeschooled all the way through, and it has worked for them. But sometimes life doesn’t allow you to, and you have to adjust. Taking the kids back into school is not a sign of failure but it shows a consideration for what’s best for the child, family or even you. Homeschooling should not be a life sentence that one has to bear. There is going back after starting, the kids can be put in formal school and out again, depending on your current circumstances!
