I want to homeschool…but I’m afraid.
Afraid my children won’t listen to me.
Afraid I can’t teach them.
Afraid it will ruin our relationship.
Afraid I’ll choose the wrong curriculum.
Afraid my kids will miss out.
Afraid they won’t know what they need to know.
Does this sound familiar? My friend, I’ve been there. I’ve had every one of those doubts playing through my head like a symphony. Some fade away with time, while others grow louder and stronger. So what do you do when these fears threaten to leave you paralyzed, unable to move forward on your homeschooling journey?
Personally, I’ve had to identify where this fear is coming from. Is it a societal expectation that I’ve transferred to myself? Is it from family or friends who mean well, but don’t have the full picture of your children and family? Is it self doubt? Knowing the cause of your fear helps you to overcome it. Fear that comes from societal factors requires you to admit that you may be making a choice that is counter-cultural, but that’s ok, because this is a choice for the benefit of your family, specifically your children. Not everything that society expects of families, parents, and children is actually beneficial for them. It takes courage to recognize where society may have good, but flawed intentions, and instead carve your own path. If this fear I’m experiencing is a result of expectations and pressures, then I can label it a “false fear” and push through it. However, if the fear comes from a legitimate place of moral concern, then I need to dig deeper and evaluate why that is. The majority of the time, my fears and doubts come from self-imposed pressure to be or do something different, and if that’s the case, then it’s not a legitimate reason to hold me back.
Imagine with me…what if your children do listen to you? What if you not only can, but do teach your children? (They learn from you every day after all, whether or not you take on the role of primary educator too.) What if your relationship thrives? What if you discover a curriculum written with your child in mind? What if instead of missing out, your children flourish and prosper under your care?
What if?
What if it begins with you? What happens if you find the courage to break away from “normal” and create your own path? What will happen if you create an environment custom tailored to your family, in which everyone belongs and thrives? Friend, I believe in you. Choosing your kid’s needs over society’s is not a choice you will regret.
Dare to be revolutionary with me.
Dare to allow your child to have a childhood again.
Dare to awaken wonder.
Dare to imagine, foster curiosity, and marvel at the everyday while you explore your city.
Dare to adventure together.
Dare to homeschool.