Diane
Don't be too hard on your kids. it's all going to be fine. if you are stressed, they'll be stressed.
Dianne
You don't have to do it all, you don't have to be perfect, and your kids will learn anyway and be better for it. Be kind to yourself, do things that make it enjoyable for you and the kids, not just the "right" stuff. If you don't finish that math book at the end of the year, just put it up, take a break, and finish it off in the fall if you think you need to, but more often, there is so much repetition, esp. the early grades, that it is just not a big deal.
Vanessa
As I'm in the middle of "A Home-Designed Form-U-La" I'd say remember that you're not the government school. Pray for the Lord's leading that will prepare them for His calling - not the world's. Although this is a High School book, I wish I'd read it 8 yrs ago. Good thing I have 5 more to go through high school with.
Renee
You can always change your mind.
Carissa
The first three years are the hardest; adjustment, the character flaws the wasted money, the ideas you envisioned...three years of culture shock.... You will swear you are ruining your kids, that you are getting behind, that you are overwhelmed... That is all perfectly normal. It is your learning curve to the blessings of homeschooling. After three years you see the beauty and purpose and freedom of homeschooling! Now the only time I it fail and the mom gives up is when she refused to let go of the public school model. And insisted on state standards and did not protect the child's natural love of learning. I am more than confident... You protect your child's love of learning... Homeschooling we be a great experience for you and your child. That is what I tell mothers
Heather
Great words of encouragement! Our family will be starting our very first year this fall!!! I'm very much wanting to make learning fun and maintain the love for learning!!! Public school has shown me NOT what to do!!!!!
Shannon
Every child is different. The beauty of homeschooling is that you can tailor your methods, your curriculum, your schedule to best help that child achieve. It's okay to toss out a textbook that doesn't work for your child, and it's okay to experiment.
Daralee
Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Each mom has such special gifts and talents, which are a great starting point for what to pass on to your kids... do you love gardening? Are you good at sewing...cooking...singing? Share it with your kids... do you love reading, listening to jazz, puzzles? Do those things together. The time spent together doing what you enjoy will make priceless memories.
Andi
Take some time to just enjoy your family and ease into lessons. Spend lots of time at the library, the park, museums, concerts, on the trampoline looking at the clouds,... And listen to more experienced homeschool moms when they tell you not to worry so much. It took me several years to learn that lesson and now I enjoy my kids more and see that they are learning, too.
Aaron
Do it!
Gail
#1: Don't do "public school" at home, do "home school" at home.
#2: Lead with enthusiasm and excitement and eventually, encourage them to take the lead.
#3: Don't let the tough days overshadow the experience. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Evelyn
Do your homework first.
Linda
Jump in the water's fine!
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