Episode 108. To Homeschool or Not to Homeschool: 3 Questions to Help You Decide
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Episode 108. To Homeschool or Not to Homeschool: 3 Questions to Help You Decide

Episode 108

We’ve come to the end of what seems to be one of the craziest years ever in education. Now what? Do we take time to reflect on what actually worked and what can just go away and never return? Are you asking yourself, your community, your children, and/or your school reflective questions? Are you just so done with this year in general that you just want to move on and hope for the best in the fall? Or do you feel unsettled and unsure which direction to move forward? Should you just homeschool? Should you at least consider it?

You are not alone! Millions of families have this nagging notion that something needs to change but aren’t sure about what exactly needs to change. Do they just go ahead and prepare for next year with all options? Or…?

Well, you’re here. And that’s a start to the untangling of these questions. This will be a quick episode to help you sort out some of those doubts and move forward in a way that supports your family, your family values, and life goals without all the buzz and input from the outside world.

I totally trust you to make the best decisions for your family in all seasons of life—even crazy time periods like this. I hope you know you can trust yourself, too. (insert huge hug here)

I think so many folks get caught up on the details of homeschool—what it looks like, can they do it, what curriculum to choose, etc. that they miss the first step which is finding your conviction through clarity. The details are important, but they are not the whole story.

Questions to Ask When Considering Homeschool:

What is the Purpose of Education? Why do you think kids “need” an education or to go to school? Every person’s answers will be different. Here are some possible answers to consider/ponder:

  • It’s just what families/children do
  • Childcare
  • Never considered anything else/a different way
  • To think
  • To learn
  • To get people to think the same way/get on the same page
  • To get people to think differently
  • To pass tests
  • To obey authority figures (teachers, parents, etc)
  • Wanting your children to experience what/how you learned
  • To gain life skills
  • To go to college
  • To get a job

What are the Goals of a “Good Education” & How Do You Measure That Type of Success? What indicators are you using to determine if your child is getting a “good” education or not? Also, what do you mean by “good?” (if using the term or substitute for quality, etc.)

  • All A’s on report card
  • Never getting in trouble at school
  • Life long learning
  • Enjoyment of learning
  • Getting into college
  • Child pursuing their dreams
  • Child pursuing your dreams for them
  • Graduate
  • Graduate with honors
  • Get a job
  • Love of learning
  • Pursuing interests and passions freely
  • Freedom
  • Opportunity

What are Your Family Values & How Does Education Align with Them? True happiness and motivation to move forward:

  • Make a list of your family’s values and beliefs
  • Does your family’s current education choice align with those values & beliefs?

And why these questions before the details like schedule, curriculum, how to homeschool, etc? Because your answers to THESE questions will give you the clarity and conviction to move forward with your decision. All details can be worked out, but if you don’t have the conviction and clarity behind them, it’s really hard to accept your decision (whatever that might be!)

The details work themselves out and the support you need to pursue homeschool (or not!) is out there and plentiful. Time, ability, what to teach and how—all of it works itself out with the abundant support (locally and online).

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SPONSORS

Blossom & Root: Today’s episode of Elevating Motherhood is sponsored by Blossom & Root a nature-based, Charlotte Mason inspired homeschool curriculum company that has been gently guiding and supporting families for years! This thoughtful, age appropriate curriculum begins at the preschool level with options through elementary grades–with more grade levels being released each year.

My family has used Blossom & Root from the very beginning—we love it! The curriculum and lessons are easy to follow, super fun, and can be as flexible or mapped out as you need. If you’re looking for an inspiring homeschool curriculum to help you lovingly teach and guide your children, I highly recommend Blossom & Root. Using this curriculum has brought so much connection and joy to our homeschool days—I love it! So do my kids. Blossom & Root has generously offered a discount for listeners of Elevating Motherhood: use the code LORIBETH10 at checkout for 10% OFF your order. More info can be found at: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool

Homeschool Explained: Today’s episode is sponsored by Homeschool Explained, an online course I created to help parents find their confidence on their homeschool journey. I used to teach in-person workshops here on Maui to help families gather all the information and resources they need, answer all their questions, alleviate concerns, and help them get organized as they started homeschooling. Homeschool Explained is the online version of those workshops. I totally get it, starting any new journey can be overwhelming…especially when it comes to re-thinking how your kids are going to get an education—and that you’re going to be the teacher. But don’t worry. There is so much support and freedom in homeschool. It’s do-able. It’s fun. And it takes way less time than most people think. I put almost 15 years of homeschool experience and insights into this easy to follow, easy to use online course that answers common questions, helps you work through worries, and saves you time. No more internet search overload. This is all the info you need to get started homeschooling today from a trusted, experienced source.

I show you what modern homeschool days actually look like—all while covering major topics like curriculum, homeschool styles, subjects to teach, cost, state laws, socialization and so much more. This course takes the guess work out of where and how to begin and leaves you with solid support and resources. I want you to start your homeschool journey with confidence! Find out more at www.homeschoolexplained.com

LINKS

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Connect with Lori Beth on Instagram: @loribethauldridge and @elevatingmotherhood
Visit Today’s Sponsors: Blossom & Root + Homeschool Explained
More About Your Host: Lori Beth’s Blog