Homeschooling Your Child Yes You Can

Have you ever considered homeschooling your child but brushed the idea aside, thinking you would never, ever be able to fill the role of a teacher to your child?

These days, more and more are embracing the idea of homeschooling or home educating their children. For one reason or another, many choose this option.

Several differences exist between various types of homeschooling styles. Some are rigid, some are not. There is even unschooling. The choices and styles of homeschooling are endless, and not the subject of this particular article. This article deals with believing in yourself and your abilities to successfully educate your child at home, should you choose to do so.

No one, absolutely no one, knows your children the way you do. No one understands their weaknesses and fears, like you do. No one knows their successes and strengths the way you do. No one sees the unique gifts your child has to offer, the way you do. No one celebrates their victories and milestones like you do.

Classrooms are crowded. Distractions are found throughout the school. Every child's needs are not being met, they can't be. Several students fall through the cracks unnoticed. Many are pushed through the school system from grade to grade, promoted to the next level even without being able to comprehend the subjects in the grade they are in.

Bullying abounds in school playgrounds and classrooms. Kids can be cruel. Countless children get taunted and tormented daily, at the hands of their peers.

Public, Separate and Private education works in some instances. It isn't a good "fit" for every child.

Many well-meaning friends, family members and acquaintances will want you to believe that you are not equipped to meet your child's educational, physical, spiritual and social requirements. Who better than you would be able to do this?

These days there are several resources to assist you in your child's home education. It does not have to cost a lot to homeschool your child.

Public libraries are one of the best resources available to you. Books, magazines, classes, computers, and many programs are yours for the taking. There are many books about homeschooling your child on a budget and books that are full of free resources and lists of websites that offer free lessons, videos, etc. for you and your child.

Most communities now have homeschool groups and homeschool co-ops. They offer field trips that you can register your child to take part in, as well as information on homeschool lessons and classes in skating lessons, art lessons, drama lessons, gymnastics, ballet and an endless amount of other interest groups that are set up specifically for children that are homeschooled.

Often parents "trade off" subjects they are willing to teach your child while you teach theirs other subjects, such as one giving science lessons while another offers music lessons.

Meet with parents that are already homeschooling their children. I'm sure they would be more than happy to share their experiences with you, offer you advice on where to find programs and resources, and be very helpful to you.

If possible, speak to more than one homeschooling family. This will give you an opportunity to appreciate the different styles that are utilized.

Jot down notes and ideas you have on the subject. Organize the notes in a binder or file folder to go through when you start planning your lessons. Clip newspaper articles and magazine pictures and stories to add to your file.

Check with your local school board and see what they have to offer the homeschooling parent. Many school boards are now offering homeschooling options, such as having your child attend school part time and be homeschooled part time.

Believe in yourself and your abilities. Don't listen to those that discourage you. Many well-meaning friends and relatives don't understand the value in homeschooling. Many will say that your child won't receive the social skills needed, if they are not enrolled in a "regular" school. Actually, the opposite is quite true. Many homeschooled children develop stronger social skills than those in "regular" schools. The opportunities to "socialize" and "learn to socialize" are endless. Enroll your child in a number of activities that include other children their own age. Spend time teaching valuable life skills. These skills don't have to be rushed or glossed over. You decide how much time to spend on teaching these skills.

Don't doubt yourself. Acknowledge that there will be challenges along the way and difficult situations. Children that are enrolled in regular schools also face many, many challenges and difficulties which, all too often, don't get addressed.

If you try something and it doesn't work, try a different approach. If, after trying, you decide that homeschooling is not for you, you can always enroll your child back in a public, separate or private school.

Think of the positives. Think of all the time that you will save. You won't have to drive your child to and from school. There won't be assemblies that half the time, seem too long for the students' attention spans. In many kindergarten and elementary school classes, much time is spent on getting the children ready for recess, dressed and then undressed that often the little ones miss out on going out for recess at all.

This isn't about dissing school systems. It's about you making the choice that is right for you. Should you decide homeschooling is the route to take, you will be able to do it. Yes you can - homeschool your child.