What is a parent to do to ease this anxiety?
First, make sure you have your priorities/goals of why you are choosing homeschooling. My goal is to have children who grow up to be self-sustaining, empathetic, happy, intelligent individuals whom love to learn. I knew that homeschooling was the avenue we needed to reach that goal.
Communicate with your children. It is our job to encourage, discipline, and direct our children's lives. Be honest and do not make false promises and over sell it.
Communicate with your children. It is our job to encourage, discipline, and direct our children's lives. Be honest and do not make false promises and over sell it.
Show them the research you have completed on homeschooling. Let them know about homeschool groups they can join. I remember our first field trip, I asked my kids to introduce themselves to one person. They informed me they would, but they would never have any other friends unless they went to their previous private school. Guess what, they ended up making friends.
Friends was the only concern my kids had about homeschooling. They really didn't care about the school part, but what about my friends. If possible continue the afterschool activities, so they are still in contact with their current friends.
To prepare for your family discussion, make a list of why you want to homeschool your children. Use this to help explain why you feel homeschooling is a good choice. Be positive, honest and listen to your children and you will be off to a great start!
Next Post: Start Homeschooling: Grades and Tests
Next Post: Start Homeschooling: Grades and Tests