Help! I'm Too Scared to Homeschool!by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger 18 Aug 2007 05:12 PM This is the time of year, right before school starts (because then parents are committed one way or the other) when I always get at least two or three phone calls from 'prospective homeschoolers.' People who are interested in homeschooling, think that maybe it might be a great thing. . .but are scared to death of the thought of being solely responsible for their child's education. In case there are some of you prospective homeschoolers out there, I thought that you might like to read my practical (and some philosophical) answers to your questions. And as many of you already know, I always welcome more! Yes, It's Normal to Be Scared Frankly, I'd be a little worried about someone who took the responsibility casually. Your child's educational career, successes and failures rest on your shoulders for the years that you choose to home school. That doesn't mean you can't do it, or need to be extra special to do it--but that it's normal to look ahead to the unknown and be a little unsure. What About Alone Time? The second most common question I get is from moms that were looking forward to sending their children to school so that they could finally have a break. I certainly appreciate needing a break--believe me. My husband takes the kids out regularly so that I can have time to 'catch up.' But the flip side of having a break is that your kids are away from you. That's not necessarily bad but what you're trading is not battling the less than ideal influences that you don't want around your kids. Also, home schooling families often enjoy a certain closeness with each other. That not only applies to parents and children but siblings as well. After all, you build relationships with people by spending time with them. Can I Really Do This? Yes--you really can. Your child learned how to speak, how to tie his shoe, how to brush his teeth and how to get dressed all under your tutelage. That is 'real' learning. It counts. I'm sure that just barely scratches the surface of things that you've taught your child. All without help. The truth is, home education is an old institution. It is public school that is a new idea. But I'll also say that one on one education is very effective in my experience. A plan that is individually tailored to a child's abilities and interests yields results. No one else has more of a vested interest in seeing your child succeed, than you do. Related Articles: Great Ways To Start Off the New Year! Those Blasted Grass Roots Movements Learn more about Valorie Delp  Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line. Relevanthomeschooling tags User Comments Valerie123 (6) 19 Aug 2007 12:11 PMValorie- Thanks for this one! I'm sure it'll help a lot of "on the fencers" make their decision. I can't wait to explore your blog! Valerie  Valorie Delp (49340) 19 Aug 2007 01:08 PMWow Valerie! Welcome! I love to write about homeschooling but I must admit that my real passion is food! Go check out the food blog--yummy! Glad you're here! carol pitts (168) 20 Aug 2007 07:50 AMI am not on the fence, but I am scared to fail.we started the school year already, and the kids want me to tell them the answers to everything.how do I get them to do there own work. Valorie Delp (49340) 20 Aug 2007 07:01 PMI will answer this tomorrow! I just saw your comment but anything I write now won't make sense--I'm too tired LOL! Nola Redd (7081) 21 Aug 2007 08:52 PMI have been nervous about homeschooling since I started looking at it. A lot of research has helped ease my mind and made me more comfortable with it. Of course, it has helped that I had a good year to mull it over before my daughter started kindergarden. So I would suggest you continue you are on the right path, tiacann, in gathering information; it will help you feel more comfortable with the idea. Good luck! Discuss this article
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