When you consider homeschooling, what is your “why”?

If you have absolutely no idea what in the world I’m referring to, let me break it down.

Your “why” is the reason, (or reasons) that you’re considering homeschooling.

Maybe you don’t feel like a traditional school setting is best for your child. Or maybe you long for the flexibility and spontaneity homeschooling offers. Perhaps it’s just a gut feeling that this educational path just might be a good fit for your family.

When you think about homeschooling, what feelings come up for you?

Are you excited?

Scared?

Unsure?

Let’s be honest, homeschooling is a lot to wrap your brain around!

I remember my early days of homeschooling. Days when I constantly wondered if it was realistic, asked endless questions, doubted my abilities, and barely slept. Days when one minute I felt capable and empowered and the next I questioned my sanity.

Did I seriously think that I could take on the task of educating my kids?

Was I crazy!?!

Who did I think I was to attempt something so huge?

So if you’re filled with doubt, please know that you’re not alone, ok?

I truly believe that one of the most important things you can do as you’re considering homeschooling is to get crystal clear about your “why”.

What is your “why” for homeschooling?

In case you’re feeling confused, allow me to explain.

The reason I want you to know your “why” is because it is going to be your reference point.

Your Anchor.

Your North Star.

It is going to be the reason, or reasons, why you choose to homeschool and why you continue to homeschool when the going gets tough.

It is SO important that you take the time to get clear about this.

What is your “why” for homeschooling?

Let’s toss around some different scenarios, OK?

• Your son is going to be starting Kindergarten soon. While you’ve observed local public and private schools, they don’t seem like a good fit for your family. Your son isn’t excited about starting school and really enjoys his time at home and with you out in the world.
  • Your “why” = you can’t shake the feeling that homeschooling may be the best fit for your family.

• Your daughter is exhausted when she comes home from school each day. As a result, she doesn’t have the energy to engage in conversation the way that she used to.
  • Your “why” = wanting quality time with your daughter BACK.

• Your son is having disciplinary problems at school. Consequently, you have been called in to see the school Psychologist twice this month to discuss his “hyperactive” behavior. You know that he is bored at school but you have no idea what to do.
  • Your “why” = providing your son with a stimulating environment, conducive to his learning style and needs.

• Your husband works nights and therefore, has little quality time to spend with your entire family. And as soon as your kiddos arrive home from school, he is getting ready to leave for work.
  • Your “why” = reclaiming your family time.

• Lately, your daughter has been coming home from school in tears. You know that she is the victim of bullying but she’s adamant that you not interfere.
  • Your “why” = protecting your daughter’s mental health. You are desperate to end her suffering and provide a safe environment for learning.

• School is getting the best of your children. Sadly, by the time evening rolls around, everyone is cranky and spent.
  • Your “why” = enjoying time with your children when they are at their best, not their worst.

There are often many reasons why we choose to homeschool. They are all valid and should be taken into consideration.

So does this mean your “why” can’t change?

No, of course not. Your “why” could end up changing multiple times over the course of your homeschooling journey. This is why reassessing along the way is important.

Here is what I want you to do right now.

I want you to take a deep breath, (don’t roll your eyes, I’m serious.)

Now I want you to think of your “why”.

Write it down. Just humor me, please.

YES, WRITE IT DOWN.

If you have more than one “why”, no problem. This just means you have a teensy-weensy bit more writing to do. No biggie.

WRITE THEM ALL DOWN.

Next, take this Post-it or scrap of paper or whatever the heck you just wrote on, and stick it somewhere you can see it. Your bathroom mirror, your planner, your refrigerator, your steering wheel. Then memorize what you have written. And at the risk of sounding dramatic, remember that this will be…

Your reference point.

Your Anchor.

Your North Star.  

I’m going to encourage you to sign up for my weekly email newsletter, where you’ll receive a FREE homeschooling guide that outlines the process of finding your “why”, as well as other critical steps to settle into homeschooling. You can easily sign up in the middle or at the end of this blog post.

Next, check out the different types and styles of homeschooling and how to cover all of your legal bases as well. These are places where I’ve broken down all of the potentially complicated homeschooling information into easily digestible bite-sized pieces.

Believe me, I KNOW how overwhelming it is to gather all of this information, compare and contrast, and make homeschool-related decisions.

I have been there.

I want this to be as SIMPLE as possible for you.

So come on, let’s do this.

I am here for you, every step of the way.