I would like to start by saying “Welcome to Homeschooling!” This is your official greeting and pat on the back for making such an important choice in educating your child. Is it the road less traveled? Yes, but it is a road worth traveling! Now take a deep breath and realize that today around two million other children are currently being homeschooled in the US alone!

So what do you do now, after weighing the pros and cons and deciding that homeschooling is the right choice? It is important to realize that this first year will be about discovery. Do you have to pick a curriculum? People can debate this point – so yes and no. Do you have to develop a rigid routine? Depends on you and your comfort level. Do you have to comply with the laws in your state? Yes, but this isn’t difficult and there are many helpful resources out there. But do you need to have it all figured out? Definitely not.

This first year you will be learning about your child and the process of homeschooling. For example:

1. How do they learn best?
2. What are they interested in?
3. What time of day do they learn best?
4. Do they need structure?
5. What do you want your child to learn?
6. How can you improve your child’s learning experience?
7. What will you keep the same? What will you change?
8. Are they more productive with or without breaks?

Take this opportunity to discover what style of learning will work best. Find out if your child needs to start their studies in the morning or afternoon. All of this will become clear as you begin to homeschool and spend the time with your child and their studies. Pay attention to any cues or clues to what works best and find a good pace for your child.

Keep in mind that you have made a very big change and it will take time to adapt. It will not be comfortable at first but you will fall into a good routine. Take it easy on yourself too, as the administrator of your child’s education you need room to make mistakes. Making mistakes is how we all learn. Homeschooling is not a search for perfection but a choice in educating differently. It will feel different until you become accustomed to it.

Always remember why you chose to homeschool, whatever the reason may be, and keep this in mind to help you get through rough days. It beats the alternative – that is why you chose to do it! Smile, have fun with it! Keep things light, creative and enjoyable. Your child naturally wants to learn, don’t get in their way.

One of the best things you can do as a newcomer to homeschooling is to befriend other homeschooling families. They will be a lasting resource for support and encouragement. Homeschooling together as a community can be a very successful approach. So get on the internet – you will find homeschoolers everywhere!

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