Can I homeschool successfully?

"Homeschooling?....I could NEVER do that!"

I'm sure you've heard it. Maybe you've even said it: "I could NEVER homeschool my children!" What do you say when someone says it to you? That sentence carries with it a lot of baggage, false notions about what homeschooling must be. Here are just a few:

Homeschool moms are "super women" with superhuman patience, energy, stamina, intelligence and love for their children OR----

Homeschool moms carry no other responsibilities, do nothing else but homeschool their children.

Homeschool families have no "real world problems" like the rest of us OR---

Homeschool families are so unique, unusual, or down-right weird, "we" could never be one of "them."

Homeschool parents have to know everything to be able to teach everything OR---

Homeschooled kids don't really learn anything or do anything.

Notice the opposite, extreme views. In real life, moms who homeschool are quite ordinary. Like all moms, they want what is best for their kids. They work in many areas to do the best they can for their families and they get very tired from working so hard, but they keep on. Homeschool families deal with busy-ness, loss, illness, financial troubles, and other problems ordinary families face. Homeschooled kids typically have a whole array of educational and life experiences, just like their traditionally schooled peers.

So, what's the magic? How and why do homeschool parents do it? Here it is: they don't believe they have a better option, and they are willing to do what it takes to get the job done and done well. If they don't know how to do something, they find out--- through curriculum companies, support groups, and from other homeschoolers. They join in with others on the same journey and they look for support in weak areas. This is how we all live our lives; homeschoolers just extend that philosophy into education--- for themselves and their children.

Maybe today you find yourself in a place on your journey you never expected to be--- considering homeschooling, or continuing to homeschool through middle and high school, or trying to juggle work and homeschooling. It can be done, simply if you are willing and able to make it a priority. It takes time in your day and space in your schedule to direct and learn with your students. There are others on the journey who are happy to help: homeschool support groups, homeschool websites, other homeschool moms, individuals and organizations who provide classes and activities that help meet your homeschooling needs. I, for one, believe in you and want to encourage you in your journey.

Homeschooling your children?...YES, you can!