I have to be honest and tell you, I really try to avoid answering this question. But it has landed in my inbox so many times in the past few months, that I realize that I need to address it. I am very much an over-thinker though, and in the world of blogging that makes answering hard questions difficult. I am always worried about offending or hurting someone, or giving the wrong impression, or being criticized for our choices, and I end up saying nothing at all to avoid saying the wrong thing. I’m going to stop though, stop worrying, that is. I’m going to begin writing regularly on homeschooling. Hold me to it, okay? Maybe not every week, but hopefully at least every other. I have a list of topics that I plan to address, all I have to do is find the quiet moments to do so (ha!) I’m going to do my best!
Originally, when our first two children were small, I said that as much as I would like to homeschool, there was no way that I could. I am highly distractable (was diagnosed ADHD after extensive testing in college that began after I made an appointment to address anxiety issues) and felt that I wouldn’t be able to focus enough on the homeschooling unless I was able to first have my environment perfectly ordered. Guess how often my environment is perfectly ordered? Never!
But, my firstborn, after spending a year and some months in Montessori school followed by his kindergarten year in public school, was just too stressed by the school environment. He chewed holes in his clothing: each day when I picked him up, his collar and sleeves would be gnawed and wet. I was called to the principal’s office on multiple occasions because he didn’t fit the mold. By the end of that year, we were both exhausted with it all. I started homeschooling him his first grade year. He’ll begin high school at home this fall. So I guess I’ve been doing what I said that I could never do for nearly eight years! And while I am far from being a perfect homeschooling mom (I avoid blogs of those who seem to fit that description, because they tend to fill me with self doubt and I become discouraged), I have seven happy children and they seem to be learning, a lot, despite my inadequacies. Homeschooling is hard, and the past couple of years have been very difficult for me as I’ve transitioned to being a mom of both babies and teens. But, if I can do this (and evidently I am), so can you.
Over the years as our family has grown, the scope of learning differences in our home has grown too. My firstborn isn’t the only one who doesn’t fit the mold. And the more I learn, the more I realize that that is normal! While I don’t plan to write in detail about my children and their learning habits and differences, because that just wouldn’t be fair to them, I think that I can share enough that you might be able to take home some tips and at the very least some encouragement.
All any one of us can do is our best and there are days when your best isn’t going to be that great. But, if you are convicted of the fact that you are meant to home educate your children, you have to relax a little and trust the process, accepting that there isn’t a perfect one-size fits all formula for how this works, and how it should look in your home.
I’m really looking forward to writing about how that looks in our family, and discussing it with you all in the coming months. Obviously, I’m not an expert, but if we just look at this as a conversation amongst friends who want to encourage each other, I think this will be really good!
p.s. I know that not everyone is called to homeschool. Trust me when I tell you that I am not the judgmental type regarding how you choose to educate your children (or really anything for that matter). Feel free to ignore my homeschooling posts if you wish, though some of the principals that I plan to discuss will most likely apply to any family.
barbara arenburg says
Thanks for this encouragement Ginny. We’ve a mix of learning disabled, health issues, and mum being spread too thin in our household of home learning, but all the same, I wouldn’t change it for a thing. I think the children are in the best environment to work with these issues, as much as I still wake at night and freak out about whether I’m doing it right, or enough, or like so and so….
I think you may just be one of the answers to help hold me to know we all are, indeed, able to keep going at it. I look forward to your posts!
Sara says
Very well said! I look forward to your gifts of insight.
CathyC says
I am so glad you will be starting to write about this. I do not homeschool, but I think about it ALL the time. I always wonder if my children would be better off if I did homeschool. I don’t know you, but I certainly admire you. Looking forward to the posts!
Celeste says
I’d love to homeschool my kids but right now that isn’t possible but maybe in the future it will be. Right now I am trying to learn as much about it as possible. I wonder if there is a way to ask the children who are homeschooled what they think about it. I’d love to hear from young kids, teens and adults who have been homeschooled and what they liked and didn’t like about it. That way I can hopefully get some insight into what it’s like to not only homeschool but also to be homeschooled.
It is wonderful how we have so many options for our kids and families now. We don’t have to fit the one plan fits all model anymore and can tailor our lives to fit the people living them.
Renee Anne says
While I don’t plan to homeschool my children, I know that if I had to, I have the background to do it (my bachelor’s degree is in elementary education and I was almost finished with another bachelor’s in special education). I understand the appeal of it but I don’t know much about it. I maybe know a handful of people that were homeschooled and none of them really talked about it that often.
P Flooers says
You might be surprised to learn that homeschooling success isn’t strongly correlated with parental education, money spent per child, style of homeschooling, or state oversight. I know it seems counter intuitive, but there it is. http://www.nheri.org/research/research-facts-on-homeschooling.html
Linda says
Thanks for taking the plunge and answering “the question”! I also prefer to avoid that line of questioning. I think you gave a very good response and I look forward to the homeschooling posts!
chantelle says
*jumpy claps*…can’t wait to read your posts. Feels most days like my homeschooling is a hot mess – and I only have four. Really looking forward to your thoughts on it all. And thank you thank you thank you in advance.
Jamie Jo says
I loved this Ginny! I am one of those “called” to homeschool. I really believe it is a calling, because it is what makes me stick with it. I have a love/hate relationship with homeschooling but it’s “the calling” that gets me through those really hard times where I question why God would think I could do this.
I am looking forward to your posts.
Shelley says
One of the reasons I keep coming back to your blog is because it feels so authentic. I love that you have pictures where the counter in the background is covered with dishes, or where your children’s hair is slightly dishevele.. I always come away feeling encouraged and like here’s someone who really does know what’s important in life. It’s so unlike the “perfect” blogs with their immaculate homes and product placements. I can’t wait to hear more about how your homeschool runs because in my mind you actually do have it all together.
Rachel Marie says
I’m really excited to read your homeschooling posts 🙂 I love love love this –
“But, if you are convicted of the fact that you are meant to home educate your children, you have to relax a little and trust the process, accepting that there isn’t a perfect one-size fits all formula for how this works, and how it should look in your home.”
It is so comforting to have that sense of peace- that I am called to do this and God’s grace is sufficient- more than sufficient- to fill in where I’m lacking, or feel like not enough. HE is always enough. And that key- how it should look in MY home is so important. It is so easy to fall into the comparison trap. Either comparing myself to how anyone else homeschools OR what our kids would be doing if we sent them to school is so dangerous. This is a lifestyle and it will look different for every family!
Katie at My Sweet Homeschool says
Ginny, I loved when you wrote that your children seem to be “learning a lot despite your inadequacies”! I hear ya! On my doubter days I remind myself that if God led me to it that he will lead me through it and when I have a really doubting/crazy/not so awesome day I remind myself that it’s elementary level grades, not the Space program and one bad day does not make or break anything they are doing or trying to learn! Looking forward to reading your posts as we are a homeschooling family of seven whose curriculum is a mix of Waldorf and Catholic Heritage Curricula.
Zena says
I would love to hear about your homeschooling. My son goes to a conventional school but I kind of “homeschool” or “unschool” him on the weekends and holidays. He went to a Steiner playgroup so that’s probably why. Also my parents had little schooling. If I had siblings close together and we lived a little further out from a school homeschooling would def be in the cards.
Amy DelaTerre says
Ginny, you are an inspiration! Can’t wait to read more! I happened upon your blog a couple of years ago now, maybe longer, I can’t remember– and first started reading because I was loving your knitting and sewing for your daughters (I have two boys and would LOVE a little girl to make cute dresses and sweaters for!) But I’ve become hooked on your blog because of so much more than cute handmades! I love and am inspired by your posts. I am homeschooling my second grader and will start to “officially, kind of” homeschool my younger son, who is about to turn five, next fall for kindergarten. Many days I feel like it’s crazy of me to try to do this, I’m not doing enough, or well enough, etc. etc. But if you can homeschool your large pack of kids, surely I can homeschool my two! Thanks for sharing what you do. You are putting good energy out into the world, and it is much-needed and very appreciated!
MamaAshGrove says
Ginny, I also get emails regularly with questions about home school and “how we do it.” I have tried several times to begin a post, but have felt as you do- hesitant because I don’t want to accidentally offend anyone, nor do I want any negativity myself! I also have a hard time putting it into a coherent post, since we have ebbs and flows and it is such an ordinary part of our life, not separate, really.
I look forward to reading your posts, and being a part of this discussion!
Tracey says
Great post Ginny, your words were well put. I can’t wait to read the follow up posts. My homeschooling life will be coming to an end next year when my last one graduates which makes me so sad. While homeschooling has had it’s stress, most of our experience has been wonderful and I don’t regret a minute of it.
christine says
Dear Ginny,
thanks for you’re lovely post! It’s so similar to my feelings and our homeschooling adventure. Although we live in Holland ;o) Love to you!
meredith says
I’m really looking forward to reading your homeschooling posts, Ginny, and hearing what you have to say on the matter. I homeschooled my daughter for preschool, and then we tried a half-day kindergartend program at a progressive private school this year. My daughter doesn’t quite fit the mold either (does any kid, really?): she’s gifted (reading grade levels above her peers) and sensitive, and the classroom environment has been stressful for her. So, we’re going to be homeschooling again next year for first grade, and I’m simultaneously anxious and joyful about it. I would love to read your thoughts about homeschooling and how you have made it work for your family.
Kristin says
No need to feel timid. Your honesty in your triumphs and trials is what makes your blog among my favorites. I was home schooled for 8 years and now am a mother of two little ones. We have a few more years before we have to make decisions about schooling but I am sure your insight will be greatly influential when the time comes. Thanks for being raw.
Annie says
I have a similar situation. Seven children, just about the same ages as yours although my youngest are twins, 16 months. This year has been HARD! I have a really hard time “doing school” with my kids when my house isn’t orderly and, like you said, it never is! Having twins has made this especially difficult for me this year on top of tons of illness this winter. I’m learning that we need to approach school in a different way. More relaxed, I guess. This is hard for me. Thank you for your homeschooling posts. I’m really looking forward to them.
stephinie says
Well put. I have to say, I am so connecting with you on that overthinking part. I worry so much about what gets lost between the words in my heart/mind when I share them on a screen. It feels really tricky a lot of the time… and so I too stay quiet. I look forward to reading these 😉 xo~
Bev says
So excited for the future homeschooling posts! 🙂
Caitlin says
Ginny- I look forward to more homeschooling posts! We are currently in the “will we or won’t we phase” as my daughter is now 3. She’s a young 3 and misses the cutoff for our state, so she wouldn’t start 3 year old preschool (which EVERYONE here does?!?) until next year. We’re exploring our options, and they are limited! I’m just afraid that I don’t have it in me!
Also, I have to say that I respect you so much for trying to maintain some privacy for your children. I understand that everyone is different and often come from a place of wanting to help others, but sometimes I question when people share soooo much information about their children.
Kris says
This is so great! I have loved catching glimpses of your homeschool journey over the years and would also love to learn about it more directly. Really looking forward to those posts : ) Also, if you’re ever interested, I have a series on my blog where I’ve invited home learners to share about how they homeschool – and it comes from the same heart as this – to just share ideas, encouragement, and build community. I’d love to have you participate – if you ever want to, just email me. I don’t want to share the link here in your space!
Erika says
I don’t have kids, but I am looking forward to these posts! I think because I admire your honesty and realness. And, of course, I’ve wondered “how does she do it??”? !!
I was fortunate to attend a small, private Christian school, and I LOVED it. But if I had children, I think now I would consider homeschooling them.
Stef says
I’m so looking forward to reading these. Part of me would love to homeschool, but I feel like it would be such a wildly different choice and I would worry about the social aspect as I only have two and we’re not part of a big social group. Maybe your posts will change my mind though… I’m open to that 🙂
Leanne@cottagetails says
I never ever dreamed I would of been a stay at home mum let alone a homeschooling mum. But life had different plans, both our kids didn’t fit the average mold for schools. I’ve now finished the journey (16 years) and looking back it was one of the best things I have done. Both kids have turned out wonderful and we are a very close family from it. But more importantly both kids know who they are and are contributing to society in positive ways and following their passions. One of the best things I taught them was money skills – I gave them a budget when young 6 & 9 years old and they had to keep a cash book and budget their clothes money, spending, saving and gifting. They are two smart cookies with money. There is no right or wrong way to homeschool and from year to year it can change – even day to day. You are doing a fine job! Love Leanne NZ
Diana says
That’s so nice to hear about teaching your kids about money and budgeting. I did the same with my children.
The bank clerk used to smile when her 33 cents were laid out on the counter with a deposit slip. See, she only had $1 for the week. My father had always taught me that 1/3 goes to living expenses, 1/3 goes for savings into the bank, and the last 1/3 was for holiday savings, clothes, etc.
In Canadian Girl Guiding there is a badge the girls can work towards aptly named “Girls Count”, and it is for teaching them about money and investments. Love it.
heather says
I really needed to read this today. My oldest is in public school kindergarten, but I have always felt called to home school. I conceded to my daughter’s wishes because she is so outgoing, social and really wanted to go to school. She fits the “mold” but I’m so discouraged by the environment, the things she is being exposed to and the bad behavior of her classmates that is not being corrected. Just this week she came home and was upset about all the zombie talk by the little boys at her table, apparently they all play the same zombie video game, yes, 5 and 6 year olds playing zombie video games. I advised her teacher and she said she would talk to the boys and that it had been an ongoing problem. However, the aid talked to my daughter and told her she “needed to get over it and that she didn’t need to be running home and telling me about it” can you imagine??? My daughter was so upset and I’m outraged. I contacted the principle, it’s been 2 days and I still haven’t heard back from her. I was intending on letting her finish the year and start home schooling next year, but now I wonder if I should just take her out now….
priest's wife @byzcathwife says
In my opinion- if you decide to take her out of kindergarten, have an activity or two already set up (even as simple as library preschool story time) to look forward to and take her out on a logical day- like perhaps right before Easter break. And then just don’t go back- this is the new normal and it also is not her fault1 (kids can be funny that way)- she will feel a bit lost without all those kids around- see if you can get a playmate for her (unless there are cousin close by. Ask around for the local homeschool email list- join a park day. She will be fine1
Lauren says
I am very excited about your future homeschooling posts! I have a toddler and am planning on homeschooling them, but am exceptionally nervous about it because I was never homeschooled, and have never known anyone that was so I really have a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea of me being my childs teacher. I love to see pictures of your home and your children at work/play- I really hope emulate the strength, silliness & magic of your household in my own 🙂 Thank you so much for creating your wonderful blog.
Melanie says
Ginny, I know that these posts will be so encouraging for me. I’m having major doubts (as baby #5 is arriving in May) if I can continue to homeschool next year (both financially and emotionally). I have entered my older three (soon to be 11, 9, and 7) into a local Waldorf-inspired charter school. I know that it would be the best fit for them and us, but still feel hesitant to give up on homeschooling entirely. The process is a lottery basis, so we’ll see where we land, but I know for my oldest (despite ADD and learning issues) that he’s ready to spread his wings more. So, with all that said I can’t wait to peek into what you do and gather some inspiration! xo
Mary says
So glad you’re writing about this! You’ll do great 🙂
Scott K. says
My wife sent me this link because I (the Dad) am the one who homeschools our children. She reads your blog regularly, and thought that I would get something out of this post. Homeschooling is hard, and I sometimes struggle with thinking that I’m not doing enough. Thank you for affirming that if we have a conviction to do this, then I just need to trust the process. I’m not much of a blog reader (despite the fact that I have a blog), but this post was encouraging. Thank you.
Spalva says
Ginny, I am so happy to read that you will discuss this with us. It is, indeed, very brave of you to share your thoughts on homeschooling.
I’ve commented before that my eldest is much like your eldest. But she hasn’t been diagnosed. She currently attends a ridiculously expensive international school because it’s our only option where we live (abroad). Getting her tested means spending nearly a thousand dollars that we simply do not have (no insurance coverage for testing; no consumer credit; and a husband who doesn’t believe in it anyway and is already stretched to the limit paying for a school he would never normally approve of). I really, really think she has a problem and it’s breaking my heart to have to forgo evaluation. I suspect inattentive ADD, but I also wonder about some degree of Aspergers or I dunno, so many other things.
I’ve homeschooled her two separate years and I wish I could still, but she always wants to go back and “try again.”
Ginny, I wish I could sit at your table and chat and drink coffee. I love your quirkiness — and I have to say that mainly has to do with how much you remind of my eldest who would also so say, ‘it’s hard to be this crazy!”
Jamie says
Yippeee! I am all ears. I would love a glimpse into your homeschool. I struggle with some of the same things you voiced in this post, and I think we will have much in common! Thank you for being willing to share 🙂
Cristina says
I am really looking forward to these posts. You always inspire without overwhelming me and I’m sure your homeschooling advice will do the same!
priest's wife @byzcathwife says
I AM ‘judgmental’ (but not condemning) when it comes to education and kids (I homeschool the 7 and 5 year olds and use a independent study public high school/ ‘normal’ college for the 15 and 14 year olds)- the only thing that I judge is ‘are the parents the primary educators of their kids?’ This does NOT mean everyone should homeschool- this means that parents know what is going on with their kids, they have made intentional choices for their kids and family and they have a home life that is conducive to learning. Let me tell you- teachers love students whose parents take them to the library, limit junky tv, help with homework, and encourage good manners….
Tamara says
I can really relate to this post- but especially the first paragraph! I want to be able to share more with others online but Im always worried about saying the wrong thing or about what I say being taken differently than I meant. Thats so hard even in person- so much harder online! Maybe I just need to stop worrying about it?
alexa says
Love reading your posts, especially on daily life and homeschooling. Thank you for opening up and sharing. Your wisdom, experience and humour is so appreciated by this mama!
jan wetherell says
Way to go, Ginny!
meghann says
I’m so glad you’re planning to write more about this, Ginny. I love seeing the glimpses of your family’s life that you share on your blog, and I have learned a lot about homeschooling from you. I sometimes feel like it’s all out of control here with just my two (who are on the floor, paralyzed with laughter over something, surrounded by wooden blocks, trains, and dinosaurs at the moment) and I’m more than a little anxious about next year, when they both will be school-aged (requiring reports to our local school district, in our state…the paperwork makes my head spin!) – and I’m looking forward to seeing how you do things with so many more children. I think it might make what we have going on here seem much more manageable. (And I always love seeing the materials you use…you’ve steered me in the direction of things that work for my children more than once…) xo
Bee says
Yay! I look forward to reading your homeschooling posts (then again, I just forward to your posts in general, so this is no exception :)).
Joy says
I’m looking forward to reading your homeschooling posts as well. Although we’ve been fortunate to have a K-8 charter school that we love, the options for high school in our area aren’t as diverse (no alternative education schools), and we’ll start homeschooling in the fall. It’s quite intimidating to begin homeschooling with the high school years! Fortunately, I have a willing and motivated teen which I think will help enormously.
Kate says
My eldest used to chew on his shirt front too! We’ve always homeschooled, but whenever my eldest was in stressful situations or just focused very intensely on something, he’d chew on the front of his shirt.
My sister-in-law recently started homeschooling her younger three children after having the older ones go through Catholic school. I asked my brother how she liked it and he said, “She doesn’t, but she knows it’s the right thing to do for the kids.” I replied, “Welcome to the club!” I’ve been homeschooling for 20+ years and I still don’t feel like a veteran with all the answers. All I can say is that every school year is so different and every child has unique learning needs. And also, that my children have amazed me with their talents and accomplishments. I feel so ordinary and wonder how all this goodness came about. I have my doubting moments, but I am more confident after getting three kids through college, well- adjusted and still liking their family. Prayer and grace.
Katja says
I’m very interested in homeschooling – unfortunately it is against the law here in Germany.
So it is always bittersweet to read blogs about homeschooling, but very informative as well.
I’m looking forward to your posts about that topic, and I would be amazed if anyone would be rude enough to criticize you for homeschooling your kids.
Sara says
I think the best part about homeschooling is that you can do it in the way the works for your family! I have friends with highly rigorous schedules and lots of activities, and friends that are more spontaneous. They do what works for their family. I avoid busyness and we spend a lot of time reading and exploring. We learn as we live together. That’s not to say we don’t have a curriculum, but…slow days work best for us, so that’s what we do. I’m looking forward to reading about what you do!
Kate says
I’ve thought of homeschooling a great deal (my oldest is in second grade now) but have found that my children enjoy a school setting and love the school they attend (and I do too). That being the case, I’m very excited to read more about how you homeschool because my kids LOVE learning and we do many things at home (especially during the summer) and I get many of my best ideas from homeschoolers!
Kendra @ A Sonoma Garden says
I’m really looking forward to reading what you write on homeschooling. I don’t home school my children because we’ve found a great little montessori school where they thrive. But I’ve always been fascinated by it. And really tempted to try it. My oldest starts up at a public middle school next year and I’m worried how that transition is going to go. If not well, maybe I will homeschool him!
Kim says
Thank you for being brave enough to let us have more insight into this part of your world. I too had a child who came home from public school with wet sleeves because of stress in kindergarten. We’re into year 2 of homeschooling and I’m looking forward to anything you have to say about your days and ways! Thank you Ginny!!
Lisa G. says
Hi Ginny,
I can relate to your post. I have six children and they have all been homeschooled. My oldest started in public school but came home after third grade. I always stressed about what they were learning or if I was doing enough. I read others blogs and felt we weren’t doing enough. I constantly tried new curriculum trying to find the magic one that would make a difference for me. What I found is that not only were my children learning, but they were learning more than I even realized.
I have two that have graduated college, two that were just admitted to Auburn University, one in community college and one ready to graduate high school. I have been so impressed with how well they have done and how prepared for life they are. Thank you for this post. I needed to hear that it is not only me that struggles with this.
Nicole Spring says
I love homeschooling posts! I am right there with you – avoiding the perfect homeschooling blogs because as much as I don’t want to, I DO compare myself to others and I always see my inadequacies and inabilities the strongest 🙁 I know we homeschool differently but i am looking forward to your encouragement. I so badly need it! We are homeschooling purely out of necessity. I want to like it…I am learning to like it 🙂 We found our perfect school back in Oregon but Kevin’s job forced us to leave and now we are nowhere near a school that has the education we want, so we homeschool. We are the black sheep in our current location and absolutely isolated but I am learning to see this as a time to make our family a closer unit and turn inwards.
Goodness, I wanted to say even more but I think that was quite a bit! Love to you!!!
Elizabeth says
I totally agree; as in there are many ways to educate children; homeschooling is one of them and a good one too. I can understand your avoidance of writing on it; I am not a mother of children but I gather that there are some real ‘Mommy wars’ about the topic. It’s totally acceptable to write about this topic without going into details for your and your family’s privacy; I always liked that about you, how you can write honestly without breaking privacy for your children. I gather that things really evolve with each child and that homeschooling is not a simple as in not a strait-forward process. God bless and keep you.