There’s a specific (and frankly, terrifying!) doubt that has nudged its way into my thoughts over the years… “Will I regret homeschooling?“
I know, it’s a daunting thought.
Because let’s face it, deciding to homeschool is a pretty big deal! Our own insecurities, reservations, and fears can take us down IN NO TIME and leave us doubting our abilities.
And if we stop and think about it, we recognize that this fear of potential regret extends beyond homeschooling and into other areas.
You know how sometimes in life we find ourselves at a point where we need to make a critical decision?
And sometimes the decision is SO big and SO important that we feel frozen or stuck? We’re terrified of making the wrong choice so we seek advice from “experts” and the people we trust most. We research our little hearts out, read everything we can get our hands-on, and make pros and cons lists.
We put in LOTS of time.
And all of this effort is good! It means that we care deeply and that we’re being as intentional and responsible for our decision as possible.
We’re being such grown-ups! True adults!
But at the same time, all of this effort doesn’t guarantee that we’re 100% confident with our final decision. In fact, we often still feel a little nauseous and queasy.
I know. No fair!
Maybe this big decision involves making a career change. Or having surgery. Buying a house. Moving across the country.
We finally make our decision but still, we wonder if it’s the RIGHT decision. We find ourselves wondering,
“Will I regret it?”
But the thing is, regardless of how much research we’ve done, there are still times when we’re filled with self-doubt and apprehension. Times when we wonder if our final decision may require more time, energy, resources, and sacrifice than we want to contribute.
Is (fill in the blank) worth it?
Ultimately every decision we make requires a leap of faith.
I find this to be very much the case with homeschooling.
In fact, you may currently be asking yourself, “Will I regret homeschooling?”
I feel your pain!
Back when I first considered homeschooling, I was terrified of making the wrong choice and so I sought out advice from “experts” and the people I trusted most. I researched my little heart out, read everything I could get my hands on, and you’d better believe I made some epic pros and cons lists!
And while I ended up feeling pretty well-informed and prepared I still found myself experiencing moments of tremendous self-doubt.
Was I going to end up regretting it after all?
Yesterday happened to be one of those days where I felt so grateful to be homeschooling.
We slept in, (because we didn’t have to be at school at a certain time) we got out and enjoyed the beautiful weather, (because there was nobody telling us we couldn’t) we ran an errand in the middle of the day, (because we have the ability to avoid peak shopping times) I had a couple of deep and meaningful conversations with my children, (because we were together) and my son had a full afternoon of hanging out with one of his best buds, (who also homeschools and shares some of our flexibility).
It was a lovely day.
But guess what?
Not every single homeschooling day is like this.
Not even close!
There are plenty of days when crankiness and short-tempers abound. Days when juggling the busyness of life, feeling overwhelmed, and battling exhaustion threaten to take me down. Days when I honestly find myself wondering…
Will I regret homeschooling?
Over the years I’ve had plenty of days when I’ve wondered if homeschooling has been (and will continue to be) the best fit for our family. Because there have certainly been lots of not-so-lovely homeschooling days.
But then I remind myself of all of the reasons we chose to homeschool in the first place. These reasons are still relevant, nearly a decade later. And I think about all of the people I know who have chosen a more traditional brick and mortar school for their children. Many of these people have also worried over educational options, doubted their ability to make the right decision, and wondered if they’d end up regretting their final decision.
Because just like all of those other big life decisions, we’re not given any guarantees with homeschooling.
The best we can do is make a decision, dive in, tweak and reassess along the way, and do our best to enjoy the ride.
Since my family has now been homeschooling for ten years, it’s clear that we continue to choose this educational approach and lifestyle again and again. And now that I have two teenagers and a decade of hindsight to reflect upon, I can sincerely share that I do not regret homeschooling in the slightest.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that I can guarantee the same will be true for you. But the good news is that you’re allowed to change your mind, homeschooling doesn’t have to be forever, and you’ll never know unless you try.
Remember, every decision you make ultimately requires a leap of faith!
And if you’d like more support regarding different fears, be sure to check out the following posts:
I’m Too Exhausted to Homeschool!
I’m Not Patient Enough to Homeschool!
I’m Not Brave Enough to Homeschool!
I’m Not Smart Enough to Homeschool!
I’m Not Creative Enough to Homeschool!
If you’re currently on the fence about homeschooling or stuck in the middle of a tough season, please let me know! Leave a comment below or reach out via email.
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