3 Helpful Steps If You Choose Homeschooling – Step 1: Admit

Are you considering homeschooling?

In the spring of 2020, approximately 50 million students and their caregivers experienced distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though there are differences between total distance learning and other methods of homeschooling, students have discovered they like learning at home. And most of their parents are cool with that.

According to an EdChoice opinion poll, fifty-two percent of parents with school-age children have a more favorable view of homeschooling since the COVID-19 crisis began. In fact, forty-one percent of parents said they are more likely to homeschool this fall (Real Clear Opinion poll, May 2020).

Are you considering making the switch? This is not a decision to take lightly. It requires prayer, wisdom, and courage. In the weeks ahead, I’ll post a series of three posts with helpful steps if you choose to homeschool.

The title of the first step is: “Admit.”

Step 1: ADMIT

Perhaps your mind is currently where mine was in 1999—wrestling between a desire to homeschool and a multitude of fears. It’s okay to express your fears about homeschooling. Fear of the unknown. Fear of inadequacy. Fear of failure.

Then, it’s time to admit these to God. Following that, we’ll be ready to inform others of our decision.

Disclose Your Fears about Homeschooling

The first helpful step is simply allowing your family to be honest about their feelings. The decision to switch from public school to homeschool may come easy for some folks. But for many, even though the desire to homeschool is great, making the final decision involves months of weighing the pros and the cons.  

Talk with your spouse. Or if you’re a single parent, find a trustworthy friend. Disclose your fears and what possible problems you think may arise. Write them all out if it makes you feel better.

You can take that list of concerns and turn it into a prayer list. Because, if you truly think God is calling you to homeschool, then He is going to be the best one to whom you can take your concerns. Right?

Your apprehension of shouldering your children’s education is normal. I’ve got to tell you, it will ease up. But occasionally, even after you’ve homeschooled for twenty years, you’ll still have moments of wondering if you’re teaching them everything they need to know.

Spoiler Alert: There is no way you can teach them everything they need to know.

Why not? Because as much as we love them, we don’t know what that is! No one knows every skill, every concept, every experience each child will need for his or her future.

BUT, God does.

And that is the truth we must come to terms with. We can plan and teach to the best of our ability. But, ultimately, we must trust God, to not only use our humble offerings as homeschool parents, but also to fill in the gaps where we fall short.

Pray Without Ceasing

In all honesty, I could not homeschool without God’s help. Most days are enjoyable, but there have been plenty of moments I wanted to quit.

My frustrations come when I try to homeschool in my own power and “wisdom.” Needless to say, trying to do it on my own is not adequate.

Yet, every single time I have sought the Lord for help, He has been faithful to give it. Not just Biblical wisdom, but also provision of tutors, books, patience, grace, and the will to persevere.

If you choose to homeschool, then it makes a huge difference if you acknowledge from the beginning your fears, your shortcomings, and your need for God’s divine intervention. Otherwise, you’re shouldering more than is necessary.  

Find Others Who Homeschool

Find others who are homeschooling. Before we made our decision about homeschooling, we visited a local homeschool support group. We talked with experienced homeschool families. They answered our questions and offered encouragement.

Local homeschool groups offer cooperative learning opportunities, fun activities, and best of all, friends.

Homeschooling is easier when you have like-minded friends who are paddling upstream with you.

Most counties have at least one support group. Usually, if you type your state and “homeschool groups” in the search bar, you’ll find results. Also, an extensive list of national, state, and local groups is provided on the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) website.   

Tell Others You’re Homeschooling

After you’ve talked with God and your immediate family about homeschooling, then it’s time to tell others about your decision.

For some people, this is a big deal.

It was for me. I come from two generations of teachers. My mom and my husband’s father both worked in the public educational system. I was nervous about telling them of our decision to homeschool. Why? Because I too, had been a public school teacher for eight years. I remembered the misconceptions I used to have about homeschooling. Anytime anyone questioned our decision, I had to show a lot of grace because I had thought and said similar things.   

Respect other people’s opinions for what they think is best for their children. It’s best not to engage in a debate. Simply state you’d like to tailor an education best suited for your child’s individual needs. Express your desire for their support, but state it’s okay if they don’t agree with your decision to homeschool.

Relationships with family and friends are important. Try to keep building those relationships regardless of personal opinions.

For the most part, we had great family support. The ones who weren’t in agreement with our decision in the beginning, later acknowledged their misjudgment. Eventually, they offered praise and encouragement after witnessing the benefits of homeschooling and watching our children flourish.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the rise in violence, and the fact that many have already seen the benefits of learning from home, there may not be as much pushback from friends and family as there was several years ago.

You definitely want the transition to go as smoothly as possible which also means abiding by your state’s homeschool laws.

Inform the State

Contact your state’s Department of Non-Public Education. There you will find the necessary steps to begin homeschooling. Withdrawing your students from public school is not difficult, but it needs to be done legally. If your children have yet to enroll in a public school system, then there are other steps to take.

One of the first tasks you’ll have to address is naming your homeschool. That can be fun. Just remember your school name remains the same from here on out. It will be printed on your child’s transcript and high school diploma. So, while “Cute and Crazy Academy” may bring a smile now, it may not bring the polished look you desire when presenting it to a college admissions office later.

Admit it. You’re starting to get excited about homeschooling! Great! You’ll be ready for next week’s post, “Believe.”  We’ll talk about creating special learning spaces, how to find curriculum, and how to begin planning.

Until then, why don’t you put your thoughts on paper, or in the comments section below?

Why do you want to homeschool? What is your greatest fear?