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?
I love this, Sallie. I think some of my fears come from the vocal subset of homeschool grads who had terrible homeschooling experiences, and a voice in the back of my head says, “What if you accidentally do that to your kids?” I know it’s ridiculous, but the voice is there all the same. So I suppose Karen’s question, “Will I ruin them?” correlates most closely with my own worries. You might enjoy this post by Julie Bogart, one of my favorite veteran homeschooling moms, which is related to what you’re saying. I ran across your post and her just minutes apart and honestly they were the refreshment I needed this afternoon! So thanks!
Julie’s post is here:
http://blog.bravewriter.com/2014/03/29/the-little-secrets-we-wont-say-out-loud/
Stephanie,
Welcome! Nice to meet you! I think there is a small and very vocal group of homeschool grads who are getting a lot of attention. I don’t doubt that many/most of them had terrible experiences. But I honestly think it has more to do with bad parenting than homeschooling itself. I also run across many happy and healthy homeschoolers who were homeschooled themselves and love doing it with their children so I know it can turn out well!
I think the fact that we are concerned about ruining our kids bodes well for us. It means we recognize we are fallible and we don’t have all the answers. The homeschooling parents who scare me are the dogmatic ones who have all the answers and know how everyone should be doing everything. Those are the kids I fear for when it comes to homeschooling.
Sallie, thanks for the mention, and it’s delightful to discover your site! I agree with this wholeheartedly:
“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.”
Yes!
And agree with this, too:
“The homeschooling parents who scare me are the dogmatic ones who have all the answers and know how everyone should be doing everything.”
Now, off to explore more of your site!
Thanks again!
P.S. Stephanie, I agree that Julie is great!
Hi Karen,
Thank you for stopping by! Your post was really appreciated. 🙂
This came for me at a really needed time!
We’ve been struggling with executive function and possibly dysgraphia here, and I’ve wondered if my son will not be able to realize his dream of becoming a physicist someday.
Thanks for the reminder that God directs us. 🙂
Hi Michele!
I’m so glad it encouraged you. I hadn’t planned on sharing it in the newsletter, but it popped into my head and there you go. It must have been meant for you. 🙂
Sallie