7 Things Every New Homeschooling Parent Should Know

1 Relax and believe you are doing the best for your children. If you have little ones start by just reading aloud on the couch. Enjoy this time.
Learn what philosophy of education you like.  If you are taking your children out of the system, deschool for a while. Don’t worry about academics and just reconnect with your child. Ask them what they want to learn.  I call it Delight Directed Learning, though I am sure I didn’t coin that term.

2. Find a local support group that isn’t just an online group. Get plugged in, that means participate. You will make lifelong friends.

3. Think outside of the “school” box. Don’t try to recreate a brick n mortar school at home. Make your school cozy, a joy to learn in. Don’t be afraid of messes. Clean up time instills good habits and discipline.

4. Find someone you can connect with that is older been there done that. That has a heart for homeschooling families.  Likeminded in your philosophy of education, religion, politics, just generally someone you can trust.  I know this can take time, and I am not saying people who aren’t the same are bad or wrong, it just makes it easier for you if you are not confident. 

5 Learn your child’s learning style. Check out The Way they learn by Cynthia Tobias. 
Everyone learns differently even moms. 

6. My number one thing I tell every new homeschool parent. If you do nothing but love your child, you are doing more than the public schools.  No one will love them like you do.

7. If you are a Christian parent, pray over your children and make reading the bible the first part of your day.

Becoming an Empty Nester

I think it is beginning to feel like it is happening already and there not even out of the house. Go figure.  I know I am being so emo right now.  My lil guy is now 15 goes to karate 4 times a week and once a month on Sat. So I am still driving him around.  He goes to Youth, and does a health class with some friends and if that isn't enough soon I will be teaching at our new local Co-op.

When my oldest went to college then law school it felt like I was going to die inside from missing him so much.  Even though I was busy homeschooling my youngest, being on two homeschool boards, and helping hubs in our family biz. He was an only child for 13 yrs before we were blessed with his brother.  My heart is so wrapped up in him.  Now with my youngest, he is busy with thoughts of becoming a Marine. So he watches lots of videos after school work and chores.  He loves history so he watches that too. So even though we are busy doing stuff and getting out, my heart is still overwhelmed with empty nester thoughts. Believe me I am not trying to make trouble for myself, it is just part of life right now.  Has anyone else ever felt like that?

Bottom line I have to live intentionally right now and be thankful I have these two beautiful blessings with me.  If my mom could hear me from heaven I hope she knows how sorry I am for leaving the state with her first grandson, and for not letting her babysit #2 (not because I didn't love or trust her, in case you are wondering).  I just have been madly in love and passionate for my kids.

On there way to volunteer at the local Habitat Restore.