There are some worries that seem to be common to almost every homeschool mom. We worry to varying degrees, but I think there are concerns that cross our minds whether it is once a semester or once a week. (Or, during those days, once an hour!)
In addition, we have our own individual worries based on our unique family situations. There are things that concern me that have never crossed your mind and vice versa.
My Homeschool Mom Worries
What am I tempted to worry about?
- The fact that Caroline is an only child.
- The fact that while she’s miles ahead in some subjects, she struggles in others (asynchronous learning).
- That without an environment of competition, she’ll never learn to push herself to achieve.
- That she’s too content to be home with us and that she’ll never leave when she grows up!
- That she’s so creative and dreamy that she’ll never be able to find a way to make a living in the real world.
Now some of those might sound like weird things to worry about, but in my home and with my child those are the things that concern me. I imagine you have your own set of concerns that have never crossed my mind as well.
Don’t Worry, Homeschool Mom!
Karen Edmisten has put together her thoughts regarding Nine Worries About Unschoolish Ways I Shouldn’t Have Worried About. I always appreciate posts like this written by moms who are further down the path than I am. It reminds me that even though Caroline’s education look so completely different from my own or that of her peers who attend a traditional school, that she is doing fine thankyouverymuch.
Relaxed homeschooling is wonderful. I believe so strongly in it, especially in the early years. I’m so thankful to have this opportunity to share it with my daughter. Is it bliss every day? Of course not. Nothing is bliss every day. But it’s so much fun to see her flourish, learn, and grow according to her own needs, passions, and abilities.
So I choose to remind myself regularly that God put this child in our home at this time after many years of prayer. I don’t need to worry. He’s been looking out for her from the very beginning and He will continue to do so in the days ahead. I can take my concerns to Him and trust that He will work through her imperfect parents to get her right where she needs to be.
Do you have any specific homeschool or parenting worries that seem to crop up regularly? What do you find encouraging from Karen’s list?