Dear New Homeschool Mom,
So, you decided to homeschool your kids. First of all, welcome! You have just taken on a huge responsibility but also one of the biggest blessings you will ever receive. Second, I know you have been researching all the things – curriculum, co-ops, what to do on the hard days, etc. Right now, I want you to breathe. Stop planning for just a moment, and relax. Look at your sweet kids, and take in the fact that they are getting the gift of their precious mama as not only their parent but now also their teacher.
Mama, you are about to have so much fun!
Now that you’re calmer, I want to make sure that you’ve handled the legal things so you can peacefully educate your kids for the year. Did you get your letter of intent turned in on time? Every state is different, and every district is different. Just make sure you have everything on your notification letter that your state requires, and turn it in with confidence. Once that’s done, you’re ready to go!
Let’s talk about one of my favorite parts of home education. Do you have a special needs child? A kid that just learns differently? You, sweet mama get to use the curriculum, games, and tools that will help your child flourish. But remember, you don’t ever have to use something that’s not working. You have the flexibility and freedom to change what you use based on your child’s changing needs. If something is no longer a good fit for you and your child, ditch it. Sure, there are tough days but once your resources start to make you or your kid cry or unwilling to learn, it’s time to let it go. No matter how much an influencer on Instagram told you it’s what you absolutely need or how many good reviews it has on YouTube. You’ll know when it’s time to drop it, and you have the freedom to change it.
Is your day, or week, just going completely off the rails?
Your traditionally schooled friends have gone back to school, so the parks and museums are so much less crowded! In the Cincinnati area, we are so blessed to have educational places for kids, and some of them offer student discounts that include homeschoolers! Drop the textbooks for a day, and take your children out for a field trip and reset. Learning takes place in so many different ways, and it doesn’t have to happen at a desk.
I also wanted to let you know, too, that you don’t have to teach everything yourself. You can absolutely get a tutor or get a curriculum that comes with videos of recorded lessons. That could be a better fit for a subject or two, or all the subjects if you have to work or want even more flexibility!
I am so excited for you and your family. When a cold is going through the house, when your schedules are completely full, when the dishes are piled up and there is a laundry mountain in the closet., remember why you started. It’s worth all the time and effort, and we live in an area with such wonderful support. Cincinnati homeschool moms are here for you! Enjoy your year, precious mama!
Signed, A Homeschool Mom Walking With You
