When you start homeschooling there are so many things you want to know – which curriculum to use, how to homeschool with little ones in tow, etc. This list are the things you really need to know about homeschooling – the things no one tells you.
When I first started homeschooling, I was naive. I was young, I had 2 kids, and I had one very small homeschool catalog with very few resources. The only thing I was concerned about was teaching my 4 year old son to read.
But, as I dug deeper into this homeschooling thing, I quickly realized there was so much no one was telling me and it had very little to do with choosing curriculum, fitting everything in, or teaching my son to read.
Homeschooling is hard work. And it is most definitely a labor of love. As a seasoned homeschool mom, it’s important I tell you truth. Not the shiny, bright, fancy curriculum truth, but rather the muck and mire and messy truth. You deserve to know what you are getting yourself into.
#1 – You will never stop analyzing.
Every subject you teach, every method you use, every word you speak will race through your brain day and night. No matter how many homeschool conference speakers drill into your head that you truly are your child’s best teacher, you will still question yourself and worry about everything from teaching your 6 year old to read to making sure your high schooler is complying with state standards.
You will pray and research and pray some more, tirelessly looking for the best in everything you do. And this will never cease, even after your last child is long graduated from your homeschool.
However, all this analyzing will make you a better mother because it will teach you to capitalize on your strengths and rely on God to fill in your weaknesses.
#2 – You will learn much more than you will ever be able to teach.
You will learn to love history because you homeschool.
You will appreciate the world around you more because you homeschool.
You will become a lifelong learner because you homeschool.
And you will never, ever be able to impart to your children all the things you want to teach them.
You will own piles and piles of books in which lie pages and pages of projects and information you want to teach someday – a day that will never come. And hopefully, you will learn to let go of your need to be everything to your children, finally understanding you cannot possibly hold yourself responsible for teaching them everything they need to know.
Besides, one day they might homeschool and learn everything you couldn’t manage to teach.
READ > Why Homeschool Gaps Aren’t Mistakes
#3 – You will own a massive collection of books.
Just face it now and buy bookshelves. Lots and lots of bookshelves.
#4 – You will want more books.
See #2. That’s what happens when learning really seeps into your blood. You crave information and you get a high from buying books. The pen is mightier than the sword, so you desire to surround yourself with this strength.
#5 – You will start “safe” and end up eclectic.
Every veteran homeschool mom I know has a difficult time pegging themselves as a method homeschooler. You hear a lot of
Well, I’m a Charlotte Mason with a little Classical thrown in. Oh, and we do several unit studies throughout the year. Oh, and I’m really fascinated by the Delight Directed movement.
That’s why so many of us veteran homeschoolers cringe when you ask the question…
What curriculum do you use?
We’re afraid of scaring you. We know what we are doing, but we remember well when we didn’t and we were scared by people who couldn’t answer the curriculum question.
But there will come a day when you will branch out and you will feel totally and utterly out of control, but it will feel good!
Do not fear eclectic.
Embrace it!
#6 – You will feel inadequate…often.
There is an entire world out there telling you you aren’t qualified for this job. Let’s get one thing straight before I say any more…that world lies. And the very fact that you question yourself, leads straight back to #1.
Because you analyze and stress about your child’s education, you are the PERFECT person to teach them! You actually CARE!
LISTEN > Am I Smart Enough to Homeschool?
#7 – You will want to give up.
I’m going to level with you a second, I have never once wanted to put my children in public school. God called me to this and no matter how hard it is at times, I see no other way than this. However, that isn’t the only way homeschool moms give up.
Some homeschool moms do want to give up on all of it.
Some homeschool moms want to give up on a certain child.
Some homeschool moms want to give up on their spouses.
Homeschool moms often feel alone in their struggles. They think they are the only ones who are going through what they are going through with a particular child or a spouse who doesn’t play an active role in homeschooling.
Some do see the grass of public school as greener and some just drop the plate that seems to be spinning out of control, no matter the consequences.
This is where we must build a sense of community and then allow ourselves to depend on that community.
Yes, it takes a lot of guts to tell someone you feel like giving up and it takes even more guts to hear their response, but we need to be told the hard stuff and we need to be a part of something bigger so we stop feeling like we are homeschooling islands.
READ > Are Homeschool Groups, Co-ops, and Classes a Waste of Time?
#8 – Your kids will amaze you.
Need I say more?
#9 – Occasionally, YOU will amaze you.
I just love it when God hands me one of those Gold Star days!
#10 – You will cry – a lot.
Homeschooling is a huge gut-wrenching responsibility. It is also a tremendous blessing that will leave you speechless.
The first words your child reads will be because of you.
The outbursts of frustration that come from a difficult math problem will be spewed on you.
The daily ups and downs of life as a homeschooling family will primarily belong to you.
You will cry tears of joy, tears of anger and tears of exhaustion. God will bottle those tears and bless you for your faithfulness and you will cry at the beauty of it all.
Even though homeschooling brings anxiety and angst and tears aplenty, you will never regret being humbled and awestruck daily by the precious little children sitting round your dining room table (or all over the house, in my case).
And someday when you wish someone had told you what homeschooling was really about, you will realize it doesn’t matter. You are changed forever. For the better.
To learn more about being a happy and relaxed homeschool mom,
visit The Homeschooling Mother page and the Refreshed Mothering page of this blog.
Originally posted in 2012, updated in 2020
PäiviT says
I like this post!
I’m 13+1 weeks now and it seems we have similar sleeping pattern. Problem is that most of nights I fall asleep 3 a.m., not before.
Miranda says
Thank you so much for this, Amy. Your first point in particular really encouraged me; I’m a chronic over-analyser and it’s a relief to know that it’s not only normal but actually beneficial to go over and over (and over and over!) every decision you make. I’ve already got lists of books and collections of bookmarked articles and things that I accost my husband with for his consideration… and our first child isn’t quite 9 months old! I know I’ve got plenty of time yet but it’s just reassuring to know that I’m not daft for feeling a bit overawed at the magnitude of the responsibility of parenting in general and homeschooling in particular. You’ve struck exactly the balance of advice that I needed – take it seriously but remember that I can’t do everything and ultimately God is in control. Thank you!
Also, in case pregnancy sleep patterns and time difference don’t permit me to say it later, you are on my heart and I’m praying for you in the run-up to tomorrow. xxx
Nicole Auld says
Thank you for your honesty. I plan to homeschool my boys 4 yrs old, 2 yrs old, and 8 wks. We will start kinder this fall. I know it was God who placed it on my heart. I wasn’t homeschool and I look around and asked God are you sure about this bc I do not know what I am doing. :)) Thank you for being honest. I have read so much about homeschooling. I like the Charlotte Mason method but I also like the other methods as well. I love your blog thank you for sharing your heart. Keep shining for HIM!
Ginger says
Amen and amen to #1. I am forever analyzing our curriculum choices, my kids’ learning styles, why something isn’t working for 1 child, how we can make our schedule more efficient, etc. And #2 – I don’t know how many times I’ve said: This is my second chance at a quality education! (I was public and private-schooled.)
I don’t really understand #5. I started out eclectic, but have become more and more of a die-hard Charlotte Mason mom.
And #8, yes I wish you would say more. 🙂 My kids amaze me with their confidence and ability to laugh at themselves. Because my kids aren’t accustomed to being made fun of, they are secure and can laugh at their mistakes. I love that!
Amy says
#5-I think a lot first time homeschoolers think the packaged curriculum is the way to go because they fear doing it on their own.
Ginger says
Ohhh, you meant packaged curriculum. For some reason, I didn’t get that. (V8 moment)
Amy says
No, it’s probably more of a pregnant moment for me. I had a feeling I needed to clarify that point, but my brain wasn’t letting me. lol
Anita Chamblee says
So very true!! Even with beginning our 24th year homeschooling, I still struggle with doubts about curriculum and method choices. It would be so much easier if all the children were cookie cutters of each other and once you figured things out for the first you could set up shop and continue, but that’s not the way kids work, is it? And, yes, I almost hate it when a new homeschooler wants to come over and see my “stuff” and talk to me about homeschooling. I know they will be overwhelmed. So many think they need all that I have to start out without thinking that we have been collecting and weeding out books, materials and curriculum for 24 years. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was our homeschool! LOL!
Michelle C says
Thanks for this…sometimes I feel like I am the only one that does/feels these things, and #8 is one of the reasons why I love homeschooling.
Stephanie @ Harrington Harmonies says
5 MADE ME CHUCKLE. Very true too. Nice list thanks!
Verna says
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
stacy audirsch says
And let’s not tell them #11… your house will be messy, a lot, because you’ll live in it, teach in it, create in it, all day everyday and when you leave for activities you’ll bring home more great educational stuff. Embrace the mess! 🙂
Ginger says
Oh my. Do I really have to embrace the mess?
Cara Rohde says
This was one of the hardest things about homeschooling for me. I know it’s really shallow, but I just have SUCH a hard time doing anything when there is a mess, and I find myself getting distracted and cleaning instead of focusing on my kids. I know that’s not right, but it is real.
Coby says
Oh, this helps me so much! I’m just starting to homeschool, and already feel inadequate! 😉 A lot of friends and family think that because I used to be a public school teacher that I TOTALLY know what I’m doing…I don’t! Ha! Number 1 and 2 really help – I’m always wondering if I’m doing the right thing, wanting to get the “perfect” curriculum, and building up a file of things I want to do “someday.” I had to chuckle a little at that! Thanks for sharing, and for the reminder that the Lord is with me, guiding me in this adventure!
Meghan Carver says
Buy LOTS and LOTS of bookshelves! Thanks, Amy. We’ve been through everyone one of those and are loving homeschooling!
Glad to hear your pregnancy is going well. Prayers for you….
Erika says
Thank you very much!!!! I REALLY needed this today. I’m a homeschool mom of 12 ages 14 and under( No twins) I have been hearing comments lately that I’m not a teacher. How will my kids ever learn..etc… I was starting to take it personally. I really needed to read this even after 10 yrs of homeschooling. Thank you!
Amy says
Those “voices” can really get to us, can’t they? I pray you are having a wonderful day and the Lord is strengthening you!
Cara Rohde says
Oh, Amy! Could you please pray for me? We had our oldest in a Classical Lutheren school for 3 years, and then we homeschooled for 3 years. Last year, I was so overwhelmed, we decided to put them in public school. We live in Wyoming, so I feel that as public schools go, it’s more conservative and safe. The kids actually did really well, and haven’t brought home “problems” from my perspective. Nevertheless, I still feel unsettled. I’m a huge believer in homeschooling, but I honestly have to believe that with this last year, God had a purpose with them being in school. I had some pretty major complications and hospitalization with a pregnancy/delivery that came out of nowhere, then I had a major surgery a few months after that. When that was all said an done, I was thankful I hadn’t been homeschooling, because not much school would have been completed, but like I said, I’m still not sure, and obviously, no matter where they are at school, I’ve felt that way. I guess I just need to know, without a doubt what God has called us to. Thanks:)
Amy says
Praying for you right now, Cara.
vickchick says
As a mom of six kids who went to public school, who had never even heard of homeschooling till my oldest was in 10th grade, I want to encourage you that the method of schooling is not the most important thing–the home life is! I know kids who were homeschooled who are now Goth and so far from the Lord. I know public school kids who love Christ and are serving Him. Sin is in the heart, so it’s with us no matter where we go. The Lord promises to be with us and help us and hold us up (IS 41:10). It is a matter of personal preference as to how one schools. You shouldn’t feel guilty for the choice you made this year. Apparently, the Lord led you that way, confirmed by all of your physical problems.
As I mentioned before, I have six children, all believers, all grown, all married to believers. The oldest son is a lawyer. The middle son is a district manager for a grocery chain. The youngest son is in med school. Each of our three girls stays home with their children. One of them homeschools one of her five children and has others in school. Another will be homeschooling next year. Whatever they choose is fine, but they all know that the home life is more important than where a child goes to school. In the end, any good thing that comes out of our parenting is all of God’s grace. He makes no mistakes! 🙂
Naomi says
Lol, you are hilarious. Thanks for the chuckle.
Laura says
I really needed this today.
Meg says
Thanks for the great post! Yeah, #10…. made me cry! Not sure if I’ll ever love history, but I’m open to anything! 🙂
AnnaMichelle Worthley says
Thank you for this. You are absolutely right. I’ve been homeschooling for 2 years and feel like I struggle just as much as when I started. Though I’m definitely in a different place than when I started. Apparently that feeling never goes away. Thanks for validating this.
Laura says
Thank you sooooo very much for posting this!! Gonna print it off and review it often!!!
KM Logan says
Love this!
Rhoda says
Trust that you have more Gold Star days. I agree with the need for bookshelves–just make sure that they are good ones, because if you move, they don’t always make it in one piece to the new place!
Jessica says
I liked to your page at http://jajalarue2.blogspot.com/2012/07/raising-arrows-has-great-post-about.html
Great post!
Mom @ Cube2Farm says
Thanks for sharing! Am so glad that you are having a good pregnant day! Those didn’t come very often for me and I know how excited I would get to actually have energy. Hope you get some sleep later! 🙂
Ponder Woman says
Thank you so much for sharing that! I am at the very beginning of this journey and I’m scared! I don’t know what I’m doing, I don’t know how to go about teaching and I am just freaked out at the idea of ‘ruining’ my children’s love of learning because I’m notaverypatientperson. The only thing I am sure of is that God has placed a conviction on our hearts that this is the way we should go with our children and I want very much to be faithful in following through. I am grateful for those that have walked the path before me and are willing to share the wisdom they have gleaned from the journey over the years.
Louisa G Settlemire says
Omgosh. Notaverypatientperson is hilarious, wether typo or not. You hit the nail on the head for me 8 years later! I hope things have gone well in your homeschool adventure. God bless!
Carrie says
I for one am glad that your sleep patterns changed so I could be blessed by your words! I read your initial post not too long ago – found it browsing one day – and I’m thrilled that you expanded it. I wanted to join in the link-up but hesitated. I don’t yet feel qualified to hand out advice (I’m a semi newbie, less than 3 years) and I certainly couldn’t have done it as eloquently as you! I love every single piece, so much so I’ll be printing out for future encouragement. I saw parts of myself in each thought – I started out using boxed curriculum because I lacked confidence, I over analyze mostly to a fault (!), I’m a serious collector of books (Amazon loves me). This is one of my favorites: “However, all this analyzing will make you a better mother because it will teach you to capitalize on your strengths and rely on God to fill in your weaknesses.” I appreciate your insight. Thank you for sharing!
Amy says
Aww, you’re so sweet…thanks for such kind words today! I think I’m finally beginning to have more good days than bad, praise the Lord! And yes, Amazon loves me too. 😉
vickchick says
Seriously? Only homeschool moms “actually CARE” about their students? Thankfully, our six kids have had many teachers interested in them personally and in their educational outcomes.
Sharon says
Thank you for this. It’s very encouraging. I am feeling a lot of #6 & #10 with a smidge of #7 thrown in today. I am planning for fall and wondering if we are doing enough. I never have wanted my kids to be smarter than everyone else but it seems like people expect that because I homeschool they should be. It’s a lot of pressure. I have trouble keeping the focus on God, I get caught up in curriculum and forget the reason they are home.
Sherry Ball says
Thanks so much for this article- I’ll be starting to homeschool my son in the fall, and I thought all the paranoia and freaking out was just me. I do have some long-distance friends who homeschool, and look forward to joining a local homeschooling group, once we find out where we will be moving to. Again, many thanks, and I have this bookmarked now!
Raleneb says
Amy, this post brought tears to my eyes. It is encouraging as well as honest. I am going into my 2nd year of homeschooling (first “official” year) and I anticipate much of this in the coming years. Thank you for posting on your “Gold Star” day!
Crystal @ Serving Joyfully says
Thanks! I’m going to start homeschooling this year (as my children reach school age), so I’m soaking up everything I can get 🙂
Beth says
Thanks. As I have 1 of 5 children who challenges me every day. EVERY DAY! He has a slew of issues and I try to be patient, always. However, sometimes I don’t have the best day. As I ended the school year 2 weeks early because I couldn’t take it anymore, I cried out to the Lord. Over my tears I was asking and begging for him to give me the strength not to give up. Not to give in to the easier road. Then my strength showed up again. I will not give up on this child. I will not let him down. Even in our worst days, I will love him that much. Homeschool is hard. I don’t know what else I would rather do though. They are worth it.
Abby says
Thank you for the beautiful post. My heart needed it today!
Angela says
I’m so glad you did get a chance to post. Your words were so encouraging and I gleaned from your wisdom. Thank you!
Mom as Doctor says
Great post! I am so glad that you shared all of this. I so needed it right now. I am 3 weeks away from my due date and feeling out of sorts today. I needed these reminders. 🙂
Karen says
Excellent! I wish I had thought to write those things down! lol I found myself agreeing with every one of them! And like you, I have never, ever wanted to quit and hand my children over to a public (or christian) school, BUT I have certainly wanted to quit in many other ways. Thank you for a very timely post!
Kristy says
Amy, this is SO true!
I am a newish homeschool mama (one going into 3rd grade, one going into 1st, and two little ones bringing up the rear!), but I can certainly relate to EACH of your ten points.
Number two was especially true for me this past school year. I certainly learned more than I could every have taught.
Dawn says
2,3,and 4 are very true for us. I enjoyed your list.
Blessings, Dawn
Sara Killian says
Thank you so much for this post. God knew I needed to read it, especially #10. This has been a very challenging year for me and I don’t think the biggest challenge is over. So thankful for your words. May God bless you, your baby and family.
amber says
Thank you for your post..it felt like a hug from an old friend who arrived to stand by my side in a trial…our homeschool journey begins with K in the fall….
Melinda says
Thanks so much for this great post, and congratulations on your pregnancy!
Lisa J. says
I appreciate the reality of this post. Yes, you will cry a lot. Something I never imagined motherhood would hold so much of – tears. Thanks for being real. 😉
amber@classichousewife.com says
Love this. Laughing about the scaring people with the answer to “what curriculum do you use?” =p Well, hm, letmesee… how long do you have for that answer? =p
Amy says
I do put each year’s curriculum on my Homeschooling Mother page, but even that changes over the course of the year. lol
Elizabeth says
Love this post. You are spot on. I struggle in all these areas off and on. Thank you for reminding me I’m “normal.”
monica says
This is excellent! My list would look very similar! 😉 passing it on!
Jennifer Dawn says
Thank you for sharing this. My kids are not school aged yet, but I just quit my job as a 4th grade teacher to stay home with them. We have been debating on whether I should go back to work when the kids get to the age of going to school or whether I should keep them home and homeschool them. This is a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing your heart and thanks for sharing the good and the bad!
Stephanie says
I sure did enjoy this post! I was “Amen”-ing the whole time. Especially about the owning so many books, needing more bookshelves, and enjoying (maybe a little too much) buying more books. And also about the becoming “eclectic.” That’s where I find myself now, and I do hesitate to tell people too many details about our school because I will probably scare them. 🙂 Lovely. I’m pinning this so I can read it over and over for encouragement.
Carrie says
Thank you for this… I have been considering homeschooling my now 6 year old since I found out I was pregnant with him. Unfortunately I was never able to go through with it. My husband and I have been together for 3 years-he has 2 children from his previous marriage I have a son from my previous. I put my son in Public PreK as well as K, really not wanting to, but I had no clue where to start and still fill a bit lost about what to do or how to go about starting. #1 is a huge issue with me and I’m thrilled to know that I am not the only one. My step children 13 and 9 have gone to public school their whole lives and homeschool is not an option for them. I believe that I am my sons best teacher, I want to do what is best for him and follow God’s will for our lives. Sometimes I just feel overwhelmed with the many curriculims out there and knowing the best way to go about this. Noah (my 6 year old) did extremely well in public school, I kept an open relationship with his teachers, participated in his class events and even sat with his class every chance I was given. His K teacher would call me and tell me that Noah would talk about God and Jesus in class with her to make sure she knew that they loved her. It was amazing to hear.
I guess the main reason I am posting is asking prayer for guidance and wisdom so that I know without any doubts what-so-ever that I do what God wants me to do. I would really appreciate it.
Amy says
I will be praying, Carrie. If this is the direction God wants you to go in, it will be very difficult for you to do anything else. 🙂
Carrie says
Thank you very much Amy. I have been looking through your blog and am just so inspired by you and your family. Thank you for sharing your journey so openly.
Ruthie says
LOVE this post. I especially agree with #1-#5. I think I do get a high from buying books. I so needed this encouragement today. 🙂
tereza crump aka mytreasuredcreations says
Oh, you sound like me when I am pregnant: I don’t sleep much at night. Will take a nap in the afternoon if the kids let me and snooze when I am nursing the baby to sleep.
Amy, I love this post. So well said. I think the books and all the things I want to do with the kids are the main ones for me. And all the crying out to God.
Tiffany Edgerle says
Hi,
I am new to your blog but this posting was shared on a Facebook group that I am a part of. I just completed my first year of homeschooling with my two boys who were 4th grade and 1st grade. It was eye-opening. They came out of our local public elementary school…where I thought they would be till they moved onto the next step and beyond. I never imagined myself as a homeschooling mama…but the Lord has a funny sense of humor and impressed upon my husband and I that we should transition them home. I really thought for the first couple of months that I was going to have a nervous breakdown but I would not give up. We actually homeschool through a charter school in our town and I have a resource teacher that was invaluable to me. Bottom line, I related to so much within your posting and just wanted to say thank you. We are going to do it again this coming school year and I feel much more confident than I did last year. But, I recognize that questioning myself and fielding all the criticism that comes from the world is going to be a constant battle. I am thankful that I am not the only one that can relate with those feelings. Blessings to you and yours!
Love, Tiffany Edgerle
Bakersfield, CA
Amy says
Congratulations! You will be blessed by this journey. 🙂
Linda says
I love the comment about starting out safe and ending up eclectic. I’m fortunate that we started out with a curriculum that was really great (Time4Learning) and that gave me the confidence to branch out. We have been homeschooling for over 5 years now, and I am constantly amazed at what I learn, and what my daughter learns. And those tears…sometimes they are tears of joy or amazement. Homeschooling is a great journey. Thanks so much for your post!
Joy says
What an amazing post, Amy! Everything you wrote was just the way it has been in my own journey. You’re such an inspiring writer. 🙂
Min says
Thank you so much for this. I felt like you were talking right to me. I’m comforted and encouraged as I start the first day of kindegarten with my firstborn daughter on Monday 🙂
Laura Miller says
My homeschooling days are long over but I very much appreciated this affirming article. Thank you for posting it. I started in 1970 in Northern Ontario with our first at 11 months and continued to end of Grade 8 with all of our eight children born in the next 9 years.
DL says
As one who recently ended this incredible homeschool journey as my youngest child now works full time, I would add that you will also look back and be overwhelmingly grateful for the privilege to teach your own children. The homeschool journey gets even better because grandchildren come next! I am filled with anticipation at being a part of the process for the next generation!
Rachel says
Thank you so much for this post! I am “new” to homeschooling… ( home-schooled our oldest for preschool then sent her off to private christian school… After 2 years of struggling with God & myself we all decided that I can do this & am happy to same I am now back at it homeschooling our oldest in 2nd & son in “preschool” ) There are days I feel so alone & question myself endlessly!! Thank for this encouragement! What a blessing your blog is in my life! :o)
Amy says
I’m so glad you are here! 🙂
Cristi says
Linked to you from Time-Warp Wife and how perfect the timing is! We are struggling with whether to home school, send to charter or private ($ we don’t have), or public school. Originally it was homeschooling, but so many things have caused us to question it. You have reinforced my desire and reasons to home school! Thank you!!
Amy says
What a blessing to hear this Cristi! 🙂
Chelly says
I’m so glad you weren’t sleeping well that night! It’s a wonderful post, I enjoyed it and forwarded to a friend who is also beginning the home school journey. Hope you get some good rest tonight. 🙂
Kathryn says
I feel like Anne of Green Gables when she said:
Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.â€
? L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
I am jaw droppin’ amazed at how much this agrees with what has gone on in my homeschooling journey. The book comments made me laugh and #7 makes me want to choke back tears when I think on some of the hard phases we have walked through. Now I see so clearly the great gift God has given me. Thanks for posting this – am sending it to friends.
Marolyn says
Thank You so much for sharing this! I ‘tripped over’ this on pintrest- it’s so open, honest and ‘heartfelt’. I am a Gramma to homeschooled kids, and am honestly tired of the judgement that people get for homeschooling. I worked in the ‘public school system’ for 10 years and the biggest problem is – it is a ‘system’. A ‘one size fits all’ – (which it doesn’t!).
………. Before anyone gets ‘worked up’ from my opinion, please realize it is just that- my opinion- I am not saying that everyone should homeschool – for some people it just isn’t possible for many reasons. I was not able to homeschool my own kids, and it worked out ok for them. Anyway….. I feel blessed to see my Grandkids being taught by someone who knows them, and loves them for the true individual treasures they are. I am beyond proud of my daughters for taking on this gigantic challenge, which in the end will produce huge results, as each child ventures off into ‘the big world’ being educated in so many diverse areas. I can understand wanting to give up at times, and that is parenting in general. Some people just parent with more passion, more determination, and a dedication only sustained by the love of a parent. Some don’t know how to parent any other way, because God has chosen you to do something in your life, that will affect many others along the way. You are a warrior of God’s love, a warrior that is meant to teach your child as best You can, for as long as You can. Do not feel defeated – you are giving a gift to each child. A gift that can never be returned, exchanged, but can be re-gifted and will be living on forever. (Like your Love for them) I hope and pray that each of you homeschooling will persue your passion for as long as you can, but don’t give up because of others…. Don’t give up at all…… If you make a decision to no longer teach at home, consider yourself as passing on a baton…. on Olympic baton. Your torch will live on, and on, and on…….. etc. Be Proud- no matter how long any of you teach for. You are a very special Treasure!
Sarah Yoder says
Thank you! I’ve been going through quite a bit of tears lately. But when I stop to think that God still cares and sees and knows all things it is so comforting. For God knows and He cares about me and my struggles. Thanks be to God. His way is love, peace, joy, hope, righteousness and faithfulness.
Heidi says
This is exactly what I needed to hear today! I just started homeschooling my three who are 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade. It has been the most wonderful and trying past 4 months. Hearing someone else who is and has been going through this is so comforting.
Nadia says
This is an amazing post!
Emily Spencer says
Amy,
I just wanted to let you know how much of an encouragement you are to me in so many ways! God has truly blessed you with a wonderful ministry. My husband and I are just starting out- we will be married 2 years in march and have a beautiful 6 month old daughter. We will obviously not be doing formal homeschooling for a while, but I still enjoy researching and reading about it for when that time comes. The love you have for your husband and children is so evident and it’s so nice to see someone else who seeks to build up their family! I just wanted to let you know how amazing it’s been for me to have a more mature mother who is a little further down the road to “mentor” me. I just wanted to let you know how much God has blessed my life through your writing. I know it cannot be easy to put yourself (and your family) out there for criticism, but I wanted to encourage you that you’ve touched me life and have truly blessed me and helped me grow as a daughter of Christ, a wife, and a mother.
Amy says
What a blessing your words are, Emily. Thank you!
sandra contreras says
Hello Amy,
I am new to homeschooling and I just wanted to say that you have given me the confidence to embark on my homeschooling journey. Like you say, there are times that I second guess myself, and unsure of myself, but I know god has given me the strength and wisdom in letting me know that everything is going to work out. I get a lot of flack from my family on how I am not qualified and I am doing my children harm, it is difficult at times to hear that, but I just move on and hopefully once they see how well my children do, they will see that what I am doing is best for them. I just wanted to say thank you, and that I am glad that I am not alone. God bless you and your family!
Sincerely,
Sandra
Chris says
I could have written this post. This is exactly how I feel. Thanks for putting it into words. So many times we feel so alone and are afraid to share how we really feel. We want others to think we have it altogether. I need to let go of my pride and share my heart with others. So many times we will be an encouragement to someone else who is struggling and is afraid to speak up. Blessings.
Monica says
Thank you very much! What you say it is totally true!!!
Samantha says
I’m so glad I found this blog and particularly this post! We haven’t even started the school year and I’m telling myself that I can’t do it. Thank you for reminding me that I can!
James Schroeder says
Great points. We recently started homeschooling and it has been a awesome experience. We can really see the difference in our children’s confidence and desire to learn. Much of the responsibility fall on my wife since she is the one doing most of the teaching. We sat down with our Pastor and his wife (who home schooled their three daughters) and they told us some of the same things. We were definitely not expecting the number of books, though. It was overwhelming the amount of thing we received with our curriculum. At times we have felt inadequate and wanted to give up, but when we see the changes in our kids then it is all worth it.
Yamilka says
Wow! What a wonderful post! I am a new homeschooler mom with a 3 year toddler and a new baby due in September. Thanks so much for writing. This has just pumped up my desire to this and do it right because I KNOW is something the Lord has called us to do. May the Lord continue to bless you abundantly. Happy pregnancy and happy homeschooling!
Tanya says
This is most probably one of the best blog post I have read. It is sooooo true! I have only been home schooling officially for 4 months now, and I can relate to everything you have said. Thank you. It made me laugh, and knowing I am not the only one feeling all this, is quite comforting. Thank you. Great post
Amy says
Thank you, Tanya! It’s been (and continues to be) quite a journey!
Tess says
Thanks so much for this post!! I have felt a calling for me to home school our kid for a couple of years now and I’ve to go for it. Not everyone agrees but my husband is being a good support! I loved reading this post and I felt better by reading it! I’m currently reading as much as I can about everything with home schooling!!! 🙂
Emily @EncouragedOverCoffee says
Thank you, thank you, thank you. It is so good to know that I’m not alone, in homeschooling and all its tribulation. So, thanks.
Leslie says
Thank you for this wise, humble, insightful, helpful post. This is our 5th year homeschooling, and I could easily answer, “Me, too!”, to each and every category. Blessings on your journey and thank you for putting, all in one place, a great response to newbies.
Lesli Hicks says
I am a homeschooling mom of 6 boys. 9th grade down to 3 years old. I cried add I read this. It is so true and so spot on. Sometimes when people ask me about homeschooling I hesitate to be truthful. I wish I could say, ” It’s great! And you will love everything about it!” I know I should say, “It’s the hardest thing you will ever do. You will cry and you will laugh. You will love it and hate it, all at the same time. But you will never regret it.” Thanks for your transparency and for reminding us that we are normal. Blessings on your pregnancy.
Alisha Dyess says
Thank you so much for writing/ posting this! You’ve encouraged me today. I’ll probably read it again when I need encouragement.
Judy says
Oh yeah. I needed this today. Is five years long enough to be ‘long-time homeschoolers’? Cause the facilitator came today and I heard what she said and went, ‘yeah, okay. But we’re doing fine.’ 🙂 Number seven was me yesterday. And it seems it got me a good friend in the process.
Dorcas says
Hi Amy, I just began homeschooling this year (2016) and we are just finishing our first week. I’m actually using a christian curriculum but I must admit that everyday is always a surprise. I have received a lot of questions and raised eyebrows but I believe God has called me to do this. It’s a huge responsibility but I take comfort in knowing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am all the way from Kenya and just stumbled upon your blog this morning as I searched for encouragement… Thank you and God bless you
Amy says
Welcome, Dorcas! Happy to have you here!
Tracy says
Thank you so much for that post. It amazes me how God leads me to exactly what I need at that moment. God bless you for your obedience. I am ready to face another day tomorrow.
Tabitha says
What a beautiful post for new homeschoolers. I’m far from new. My oldest is in college. But, I’m starting my youngest homeschooling this year and needed that same encouragement all over again. Thanks!
Amy says
Now that my littles are joining us in school, I have found that I need encouragement more than ever! So glad you found this post!
Becky says
This is spot on!
And cringing when the new homeschooler asks about curriculum- I’m with ya! I try to be very careful with what and how much I say. I remember the overwhelming feeling of those first couple years and ALL the curriculum choices! I tell new homeschooling moms to think about what they want/need their homeschool to look like before they choose curriculum. Even though it’s old, I still refer people to this book: So You’re Thinking About Homeschooling: Second Edition: Fifteen Families Show How You Can Do It (Focus on the Family) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1590525116/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5ENZEb4ADR92M
Amy says
I still recommend a lot of older books as well! They’re still great resources!
Louisa G Settlemire says
Lol, I am sorry to all the homeschool moms, whom I did ask the “what curriculum do you use” question.
I had no idea ?Thank you Becky, Amy, and everyone for the honesty found here. It is great to have this platform to share our thoughts.