The joys and challenges of homeschooling my kids
Homeschooling is a form of education that allows parents to teach their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional school. Homeschooling can offer many benefits for both parents and children, such as flexibility, individualization, creativity, and family bonding. However, homeschooling also comes with its own set of challenges, such as time management, socialization, curriculum, and legal issues. In this article, I will share my personal experience of homeschooling my two kids, aged 7 and 10, and how I cope with the joys and challenges of this alternative education.
## Why I chose homeschooling
I decided to homeschool my kids for several reasons. First of all, I wanted to give them more freedom and choice in their learning. I believe that children learn best when they are interested and motivated by the topics they study. I also wanted to avoid the pressure and stress that often come with standardized tests, grades, and homework. Secondly, I wanted to spend more quality time with my kids and nurture our relationship. I enjoy being involved in their learning process and witnessing their growth and development. Thirdly, I wanted to expose them to different experiences and opportunities that they might not get in a regular school. For example, we often go on field trips, visit museums and libraries, join clubs and groups, and travel to other places.
## How I plan and organize our homeschooling
One of the biggest challenges of homeschooling is planning and organizing our daily schedule and curriculum. There are many resources and options available for homeschoolers, but it can also be overwhelming and confusing to choose what works best for us. Here are some of the things I do to plan and organize our homeschooling:
- I follow a general outline of the subjects and skills that my kids need to learn according to their age and grade level. I use online guides and books as references, but I also customize them according to my kids' interests and abilities.
- I use a mix of different methods and materials to teach my kids. Some of the methods I use are Montessori, Waldorf, unschooling, project-based learning, and gamification. Some of the materials I use are textbooks, workbooks, online courses, apps, games, videos, podcasts, magazines, and blogs.
- I keep track of our progress and achievements using a portfolio system. I collect samples of my kids' work, such as essays, drawings, projects, quizzes, etc., and store them in folders or online platforms. I also write notes and reflections on what we have learned and what we need to improve.
- I set goals and expectations for each week and month. I discuss with my kids what they want to learn and what they need to do. I also review our goals and expectations regularly and make adjustments if needed.
## How I balance homeschooling with other aspects of life
Another challenge of homeschooling is balancing it with other aspects of life, such as work, household chores, hobbies, social life, etc. Homeschooling can be very time-consuming and demanding for both parents and children. Here are some of the things I do to balance homeschooling with other aspects of life:
- I delegate some tasks to other people or use online services. For example, I hire a tutor or a babysitter for some subjects or hours that I cannot teach or supervise my kids. I also use online delivery or subscription services for groceries, meals, books, etc.
- I create a routine and stick to it as much as possible. I have a fixed time for waking up, having breakfast, starting schoolwork, taking breaks, having lunch, finishing schoolwork, doing chores, having dinner, relaxing, etc. Having a routine helps us stay focused and organized.
- I make time for myself and my hobbies. I try to have at least an hour or two every day for myself to do something that makes me happy and relaxed. For example, I read books, watch movies, do yoga, meditate, etc.
- I make time for my spouse and friends. I try to have at least one date night with my spouse every week where we go out or watch a movie at home. I also try to meet up with my friends at least once a month for coffee or lunch.
## How I deal with socialization issues
One of the most common concerns about homeschooling is socialization. Many people wonder how homeschoolers make friends and interact with others. Here are some of the things I do to deal with socialization issues:
- I enroll my kids in extracurricular activities that they enjoy and that allow them to meet other kids with similar interests. For example, my kids take piano lessons, karate classes, and chess club. They also participate in sports teams and competitions.
- I join homeschooling groups and communities online and offline. I connect with other homeschooling parents and families who share similar values and goals. We often exchange ideas, tips, resources, and support. We also organize events and activities for our kids, such as playdates, parties, field trips, etc.
- I encourage my kids to be involved in our neighborhood and community. We volunteer for local causes and organizations that we care about. We also attend festivals, fairs, concerts, and other cultural events that happen in our area.
## How I cope with criticism and legal issues
The last challenge of homeschooling that I want to talk about is coping with criticism and legal issues. Homeschooling is still not widely accepted or understood by many people in our society. Some people may question our decision or judge our ability to educate our kids. Some people may also think that homeschooling is illegal or unethical. Here are some of the things I do to cope with criticism and legal issues:
- I educate myself and others about homeschooling. I read books, articles, blogs, and research papers about homeschooling. I also watch documentaries, podcasts, and TED talks about homeschooling. I learn about the history, philosophy, benefits, and challenges of homeschooling. I also share this information with others who are curious or skeptical about homeschooling.
- I respect other people's opinions and choices. I understand that homeschooling is not for everyone and that everyone has their own reasons and preferences for choosing their education system. I do not try to convince or convert anyone to homeschooling. I also do not criticize or judge anyone for choosing a different education system.
- I follow the laws and regulations of homeschooling in my state or country. I comply with the requirements and procedures of homeschooling in my area. I register my kids as homeschoolers with the relevant authorities. I submit the necessary documents and reports to prove that my kids are receiving adequate education.
## Conclusion
Homeschooling is a rewarding but challenging journey for me and my kids. We enjoy the freedom, flexibility, creativity, and family bonding that homeschooling offers. We also face the difficulties of planning, organizing, balancing, socializing, and coping that homeschooling entails. We are constantly learning and growing together as we explore the world around us.
