Audio By Carbonatix

When I first started homeschooling, I was afraid of a few things. I was afraid my kids would get on my nerves. I was afraid they wouldn’t get enough socialization. I was afraid that my educational weaknesses would become my kids’ educational weaknesses. Now, after 30+ years of homeschooling, I can say that all of those fears came true.

Homeschooling Fears

1. My kids did get on my nerves.

There were times I’d escape into my bedroom for three minutes of peace and quiet, only to have them follow me, pounding on the door. Our school days weren’t perfect. Sometimes they fought, both with me and each other. There were concepts they couldn’t get even though I tried and tried to explain. There were times they woke up on the wrong side of the bed and just had a bad attitude. (Or I did!)

Yet, looking back now, those memories pale compared to the ones we made having fun and learning together. Now that several of my kids are grown, we reminisce about our field trips, the books we read, and the projects we worked on. We have years of material to draw from. We are close because of the time we spent together–good times, bad times, fun times.

2. There were seasons where my kids didn’t get enough socialization. 

For a few years when, when we only had one car, the kids only had the chance to play with neighborhood kids or the other kids at church. There were times when my preteen daughter sat alone at middle school youth group because she didn’t feel included. There were days my sons begged me not to make them play community sports because they didn’t know any of the other kids.

But things didn’t stay that way. We got involved in homeschool co-ops. They played sports for years (and loved it!). In high school, our home became “the place” where the homeschool basketball teams hung out and youth group parties were held. My kids developed deep friendships with others from homeschool sports and church that they can count on. When my oldest daughter went to college, she helped to start not one but two on-campus Bible Studies. They did have awkward moments growing up, but doesn’t every kid? And, as an added bonus, they developed strong friendships with each other, as well.

3. My educational weaknesses did become their weaknesses.

I admit it, I’m the worst math and science teacher on the planet. When my kids did standardized testing they were far above grade average in everything… except those two subjects.  My kids are not math wizards. They have done “just enough” math in college to get by. Out of all my kids, Nathan, my second oldest son, excelled the most in math, and actually ended up tutoring the younger kids. This mom would rather study ancient history or discuss the themes of great novels. I’d rather take a trip to explore historical sites than work on geometry problems.

The good news is, my strengths have become their strengths–to the extreme. My kids have excelled in college. My daughter was called out by the dean of her college for her writing skills. My sons are working on novels. They’ve traveled all around the country and we’ve explored Europe as a family. God has multiplied my strengths within them, and He’s using that for His glory. Yes, we might need to pull out a calculator in the grocery store, but we can tell a great story about it!

Don’t feel bad if you have fears as a homeschooling mom; we all do. The great news is that you can turn to God to ease your worries. You can also ask Him to help turn your weaknesses into strengths. It’s helped me to realize that no child’s education will be perfect. The best part of homeschooling is that we did it together and we’ve had a unique experience that we’ll always look back on with joy.

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart.

Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners. Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer. Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!