What if... I want to homeschool my kids but I'm afraid and don't know where to start?
Part 2 of 4
Create Your Homeschool Life
As you figure out the homeschool law, many first time homeschoolers feel the need to “really get going so the kids don’t get behind.”
Trust us—there is no behind in homeschool! If the only thing you did in the past week was figure out your state’s homeschool requirements, you’re doing fine.
As you move ahead, don’t get in a rush to do things. Remember: slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
The best, most positive step you can take for your family is slowly and simply establishing a routine. We human beings are creatures of habit; we like to know what’s happening and when.
Decrease the stress load by figuring out the daily pace for this new homeschooling lifestyle (and homeschooling is a lifestyle) for your family.
What do we mean by routine? All the standard things:
When are you getting up? There’s no need to meet a bus or be at school by a certain time now. So, will you allow your night owl to stay up later at night and sleep a little later in the morning?
What about meals? Your kitchen is now the school cafeteria (we have an episode on food coming up in October!). Will you serve up a big breakfast? What about lunches? Dinners? Snacks?
What activities do you need to plan for? Are you part of 4-H or Scouts? Do your kids play for a 10u sports team? What about a church youth group or Bible study? Community theatre? Factor all those activities into the homeschool equation.
Establishing a routine also encompasses other household chores. Will laundry be a weekend thing or do you prefer to keep your weekends chore-free? Some families opt for a four day a week homeschooling schedule so there’s one day completely free to do errands, hit the library, or simply chill out with friends.
And what about you, the homeschool parent? We can almost guarantee you will want/need some downtown at some point in the day to regroup. Setting up a routine can mean establishing a “quiet time” where kids can nap, read, or play quietly (basically anything that doesn’t require you to do something for them). Many homeschool parents say daily quiet time can be a real lifesaver.
What do you think would work well for your family? And relax, none of this has to be written in stone on the first day…or first week…or first month of homeschool! Take your time!
Also, as you make your first steps in your homeschooling journey, remember there’s no one right way to homeschool—there’s just the way that works for your family.
Happy homeschooling!