Getting started in homeschooling 10 things to consider

So you want to start homeschooling your child?  Here are 10 things to consider before taking the plunge.

1. TIME ——Remember you will still have the same 24 hours as the rest of the world, except you will find that the day quickly becomes consumed with home and homeschool activities. From craft projects to science experiments, not to mention laundry and dinner, the time will just fly. Consider your personality and then choose what’s best for you–following a strict schedule or going with the flow.
2. FINANCES—Homeschooling does not have to be expensive. Become a fixture at your library, borrow books and museum passes, take advantage of free online resources, and use a little creativity to keep costs down. This cheaper approach tends to work best with parents who consider themselves to be “unschoolers” or eclectic homeschoolers; For parents wishing to follow a more guided curriculum-based course of study, you can purchase programs used or borrow from other parents with older homeschooled children.
3. LEGAL ASPECT—-Learn your state’s homeschool laws.  You will find this listed on every single homeschool website and blog that deals with entertaining the possibility of homeschooling.  You must find out what is expected of you legally before jumping into the warm, sometimes hot waters of homeschooling.  https://www.hslda.org/laws/
4. ALONE TIME—–being with your children 24 hours a day 7 days a week may sound good at first, but everyone needs a break once in a while.  Be sure to plan and schedule out some Mommy time.
5. SPOUSES VIEWS—what may seem good for the goose is not always good for the gander.  Both parents need to be on board for a proper homeschooling environment to work.  If not it will only lead to the break down of family life.
6. LEVEL OF EDUCATION—Intimidated by the teaching?- If you can read and write, you should be able to teach your children. You don’t necessarily need to be a college professor to be able to teach your child/ children. Don’t let people put you off!
7. SOCIALIZATION—in public school setting, your child is thrust among a group of children, but in the homeschool world, if you do not have any siblings for your child to interact with, then you need to seek out some resources for socialization.  Check your local homeschool groups for get togethers and fun.  Check your local library for resources too.
   1. LETTING GO—You need to be very patient with your children even when it seems that they are not learning anything at all.  You need to let go of expectations that they have to be at a certain level.  Let go of always being on time, because you will one day get behind.  Know that it is okay and you will catch up again.
   2. INFORMED—Know what it is you are doing and why.  Be ready for the attacks from well meaning friends and family members who do not share the same enthusiasm as you do when choosing to homeschool.
   3. LOSS OF INCOME—even though you can homeschool for free, consider the amount of money that is lost when only one parent is working.  Know that you may have to cut back on other areas in life to help live off of one income. 

Are you looking for for help to get you started?  Are you looking for homeschooling support…click here  https://www.myhomeschoolroadmap.com/