Homeschooling in Real Life

As homeschooling parents, it is easy for us to want to paint a perfect picture of our homeschooling experiences or highlight only the good aspects of homeschooling. In reality, however, homeschooling can pose serious challenges to families embarking on this endeavor.

Here are some common barriers faced by today’s homeschooling families:

• Being solely responsible for your child’s education
  • Taking sole responsibility for a child’s education may not seem like a challenge when everything is going as planned. However, things do not always go as planned, and your ability to adapt is essential. There is room for flexibility when homeschooling. Do not allow yourself to become stressed if you have to make adjustments to your homeschooler’s schedule. Remember that you are in control and that homeschooling schedules can be adjusted to accommodate those times when unexpected events occur. Reach out to other homeschool families in times of need; we have all been there. Collaborate with your homeschooler when making adjustments as his or her input is precious.
• Becoming accustomed to homeschool laws
  • Each state regulates homeschool education differently. Some states are heavily regulated, and other states have more relaxed regulatory laws. It is recommended that parents keep meticulous records related to their child’s academic progress and remain informed regarding their state’s homeschool laws. To find out more about your state’s requirements, visit HSLDA.
• Lifestyle adjustments
  • Parents will have to dedicate a certain amount of time to homeschooling. The amount of time needed will depend on the number of homeschooled children as well as their individual needs. To accommodate the children, parents routinely make lifestyle adjustments. It is especially important for parents to evaluate work-related obligations and adjust as necessary to avoid scheduling conflicts. Changes in health or marital status may also significantly impact homeschooling families. Conquering life challenges will take some trial and error, but you will ultimately find the right fit for your situation. Have a backup plan in place, and don’t give up!

• Financial challenges
  • Homeschooled children do not qualify for educational assistance from the government. So, how do homeschooling parents generate extra income? These parents make extra income by being creative. Some parents work from home while others choose to start their own businesses. Flexibility is vital to homeschoolers as well as their parents. Learn to become comfortable with exploring opportunities beyond your comfort zone. Network with other parents and inquire about ways that they generate extra income. Research various job markets to gather information about potential opportunities. Speak with small business owners in your community, and they may be able to assist.
• Feeling Isolated
  • Remember that you are not alone! Don’t be afraid to reach out to another parent when things seem overwhelming or if you are experiencing feelings of loneliness. As a parent, you are doing a wonderful deed, and your child appreciates everything you do (whether they show it or not). You can also reach out to me by clicking here! Be sure to enroll your homeschooler in co-op groups and take time to address your own social needs. Some areas have a larger population of homeschooling families than others. If your location is in a rural area, take advantage of ways to virtually interact with other homeschooling families. Examples include attending webinars and joining Facebook groups.

What are some challenges that you have faced during your homeschooling journey?

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