August 2017, Issue 13 “Is it Possible to LOVE Homeschooling?” Many of us come to homeschooling with idealized visions of what each day will look like. The children will rise out of bed with smiles on their faces, eat a delicious breakfast (that you miraculously had the energy to prepare), will clean up the kitchen to perfection, and will happily sit down eager to learn the lessons you’ve spent such a small amount of time preparing for them. They’ll absorb everything, eagerly awaiting the next lessons you have and blissful feelings will overcome all who are present. This will happen daily, too!
Is it really possible to love homeschooling? If so, how can you be one of the ones who loves it? Set Realistic Expectations One of the best things you can do for yourself and your family is to set realistic expectations. Know the advantages and disadvantages to homeschooling and prepare yourself for both. Embrace the advantages and accept the disadvantages. What are these advantages and disadvantages, though? For many families, one of the biggest advantages to homeschooling is that is strengthens family bonds. Since homeschooling families naturally spend a lot of time together, it makes sense that their bonds become tighter as a result. Homeschooled children also don’t have to “wait” to enter the real world; they live in it every day. There is also the flexibility to learn about what they want when they want. These advantages create a personalized learning method that is advantageous to all involved. On the flip side, there are some disadvantages. One of the biggest disadvantages is the loss of income. Most homeschooling families live on a one-income budget. Other difficulties include a lack of confidence in either your or your children’s abilities, dealing with criticism from other family members, and adjusting career goals/paths to accommodate the structure of homeschooling. Of course, there’s also the fact that a home that is lived in all day every day doesn’t always stay clean. Remember, though, that these disadvantages are signs that learning is taking place—especially the house that isn’t always “company ready!” Accepting both the advantages and the disadvantages of homeschooling will help you love what you do. Seize the Moments!
Once you accept and understand that there are both advantages and disadvantages to homeschooling, you’ll be in a better frame of mind to utilize every opportunity you can to turn life happenings into learning opportunities. These are the types of things that make up families who truly love homeschooling! |
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