3 Things Homeschooling Has Taught Me

Each year brings with it a new grade, new material, and a new age of parenting. I stand on three important things that homeschooling has taught me, these things can carry me through each year, no matter what the school year may bring.

In December of 2008, something exciting happened in our family. We experienced our very first box day. I still remember the details like it was yesterday.  I ripped open the box with my daughter and we were so excited! The books the supplies and the smell of newness peaked our interest in learning at home. Flash forward a month and we were both in tears. Daily. Homeschooling was not as easy as I thought it would be, and I realized very quickly that I had a lot to learn!

 

Over the last 8 and half years, I have learned so much about myself, our family, and homeschooling in general. I have also realized that I have SO much more to learn. Each year brings with it a new grade, new material, and a new age of parenting. Because of this, I stand on three important things that homeschooling has taught me, these things can carry me through each year, no matter what the school year may bring.

The Importance of Prayer

Prayer is a very important component of our homeschool. When I am unsure where to go curriculum-wise, I pray. When our days become a mess of tears, I pray. When bills are tight, there is no money for supplies, and I am not sure where to turn, I pray.

Homeschooling is full of challenges; these challenges are unlike those that many parents experience. We hold our children’s education and future in our hands. Homeschooling is a HUGE undertaking and one that can NOT be made lightly. When this task seems enormous, and I seem ill-equipped, I pray. God guides me, encourages me, and reminds me that at home, educating my children IS my calling. And, He will equip me for the task.

Comparison is an Ugly Trap

So many times we moms compare ourselves with others.  We look at what they have, what they are learning, how smart their kids are, and we begin to think of all the ways we are lacking. Comparison is an ugly trap and one that we do NOT need to have in our homeschools.

When I first began homeschooling, I felt that my kids were sadly missing out because I was NOT the crafty mom. So, I tried to become her, and let me just say-epic FAIL! I quickly learned that I have my own awesome qualities, and crafting was NOT one of them.

When I begin to compare my homeschool to others, I remind myself that I don’t have to be like the mom across the street. Also, my kids are just fine, and they don’t need to be like so and so’s kids from church. My children are uniquely created by God. They have their own ways of learning, and what works for someone else may not work for my family.

Patience IS a Virtue, and I Need More of It

If you ask my husband how my patience level is, he will probably laugh. The truth of the matter is that my patience is thin. Very thin. I am not sure if it is my Type A personality or just that I stink, but patience is not a virtue that I carry.

However, homeschooling requires patience. And lot’s of it.  This is one area where God is still working out the kinks in me. My unglued moments over the best few years have become less frequent, and I can see how God has molded me and helped me.  Homeschooling has taught me many things, but I also know that I have a long way to go.

What have you learned from homeschooling?

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