Saturday, 24 February 2018

Every year it’s the same. The doubts come. Maybe my kids would be better off in public or private school. Maybe they would learn more, have better teachers, be more interested in such and such subject. Maybe I’m not doing the right thing by homeschooling them. Maybe I will miss something really important that I should be teaching them. Am I really qualified to do this “homeschool thing”? Am I doing what is best for my child?
I would venture to guess that I am not the only one who goes through these doubts. Here are five things that keep me grounded when those doubts arise in my mind that may be helpful for you, too.
1. Remember
why you started homeschooling in the first place. This will look different for everybody. For me, it is because my oldest son did not learn well in a classroom setting due to his sensory processing disorder. He needs 1:1 teaching and concepts explained in ways that click for him. Homeschooling provides a way to provide him the best education possible because it can be tailored to his specific needs. That is one of the reasons why we have continued to homeschool our children. Each child is unique and we can mold their schooling around their personal needs.
2. Remember that you are
qualified to homeschool because there is no one who is going to care for what is best for your child as much as you do. There is no one who will love them as much as you do. In addition, you are already teaching your child things every day, whether in a school setting or not.
3. Remember the laughs, light bulbs, and special memories that you have made so far. It is hard for us to go a day without something happening in our homeschool day. Sometimes it’s something funny that happens and other times it is seeing them finally understand a concept – seeing that light bulb turn on. We are making special memories as we go through this homeschooling journey together. I would miss out on those if we did not homeschool.
4. Remember that if you choose a good curriculum, it will cover everything they need to learn. This is one of the reasons why I love
BJU Press curriculum. I don’t have to worry anymore that I might miss teaching something along the way. Others have done all the research and compiled everything into a parent-friendly curriculum for me. I can rest knowing that my child is being presented with everything they need to know.
5. Remember that the most important thing in my child’s life is for him to know God. With homeschooling, I can make sure this takes front stage. I can teach my children in the ways of the Lord, teach them what it means to walk with God, and help them to grow in their love of Him. BJU Press curriculum comes alongside me with that, incorporating a
Biblical worldview throughout the curriculum.
When I remember these things, the doubts begin to subside, I can separate the truth from the lies, and I know that I am doing what is best for my children. Each year I begin to doubt less and less as I see the fruit of homeschooling. What a blessing and what a privilege I have been given!
Meet the Author
Heather Spencer - HomeWorks by Precept Consultant
www.homeworksbyprecept.com/Heather-Spencer