Dear Homeschool Mom - Back to Homeschool Blog Hop 2017

Dear Homeschool Mom,

If I had it to do over again, yes, I would still homeschool.  I am in my 13th year of homeschooling my son.  I also now homeschool our Pre-K/K4 daughter and another 7th grader.  I have learned so much over the years and made SO MANY mistakes, but here I am.  We have survived.  My son is learning and advancing.  That math we struggled with for so many years is coming around.  I have an 8th grader that will be starting Algebra I.  YES, Algebra I.  I also had Algebra I for 8th grade when I went to public school but that was a year ahead of the regular schedule. I am so proud of him and we just LOVE CTC Math for helping us to get there.  We still have obstacles to overcome in the writing area, but I know we will get there.

My advice to anyone considering homeschooling or just starting to do it, JUST DO IT.  You will be fine.  Your love and nurture in the home environment will go far in your child's life.  Take things slow if you are unsure.   You will not RUIN your child.  If you get a little behind, just make up a little over the summer or just don't worry about it at all!!  You are NOT competing with anyone.  Your child will learn.  Just keep plugging on.  If a curriculum is not working, then STOP and either take a break or try something new.  We have done that SO MANY times!!!  Some days I wondered if we would ever get through that year and would he even learn a single thing?!!  I have a struggling learner and it has been a battle.  Yes, a battle!!  The Lord directs our steps and with lots of prayer I surely believe we are finally settling in to a good routine.  It has taken MANY years, but I now know we will be okay.  If we finish early or late, my child will be ready for the "real world."  He will excel in all he does because we have fostered a confidence in him that he CAN do it.  Sometimes it takes more time and a lot more work, but the end does come and the results are rewarding.

Dear homeschool mom, don't fret.  Take things one day at a time.  One hour at a time if you must.  Get help through fellow homeschoolers or a mentor at church who supports your decision to homeschool.  Join a homeschool group or co-op.  We have done a co-op off and on over the years.  Some times it was a good fit and others not so much.  We decided at the stage we are in now that opting out of co-op at this time was a God thing.  It was a tough decision but one I am now glad we made.  God is opening doors and we are able to do what we need to do without the restriction of schedules.

Homeschooling is hard, but you can do it.  There will be tears and frustrations, but you will make it.  Be sure to create a means of support if one is not available to you.  Reach out to someone you think will listen and understand.  Your husband would be the best person for this but if that does not work perhaps another friend or mentor from your church.  A fellow friend who homeschools is always a great form of support.  You can laugh and cry together over your crazy days.  Most of all, don't give up.  Press on, you CAN do it.  If all is failing and coming apart TAKE A BREAK.  DO NOT feel like a failure if you have to take a step back.  Sometimes that best solution is to pour your heart into your child and make sure you have their heart too.  Above all else you want to foster love and support for your child.

I will pray for all those struggling.  I will pray for you momma, if you feel destined for failure.  I will pray you will find comfort in the Lord and allow Him to direct your steps for your family and have wisdom for good decisions for your child(ren).  May you be blessed in all you do.

Find words of wisdom and comfort from my fellow Review Crew members in their Dear Homeschool Mom letters.  We've all been there at one time or another and we know you will be fine.