Do You Have What It Takes to Homeschool?

If you're considering homeschooling, you have probably found yourself completely overwhelmed. You think, "I could never do that. " There seems to be so much to know before you even start and you already doubt if you are smart enough or have it in you to make this work.

Let me start plain and simple, "You do."

What Do You Need to Successfully Homeschool?

I have written hundreds of homeschool articles about things you might WANT to know about if you homeschool. The truth is you don't NEED to know ANYTHING to homeschool you kids.

I have homeschooled for over 20 years, and three of my six kids have graduated and went on to lead productive lives. I have learned that you only NEED one thing in order to successfully homeschool your children: You must really, really want to.

What Is the Hardest Part?

You gave birth to those kids or you choose to have them in your life. That was hard. It felt scary, and you didn't have a clue what you are doing. You are already amazing for making that one choice. You cared for your kids day and night, even when it got tough. You figured it out. Why? You really, really wanted to.

You constantly make conscious choices on their behalf, deciding what would be best for them and guiding them in the right direction. You help them learn to become what they are meant to be. You watch them struggle, and you do everything you can to help them overcome. You don’t take these choices lightly.

How Do You Know for Sure?

One day, for whatever reason, the thought entered your mind that homeschooling might be a better choice for your kids. You didn't ignore that thought. No, you thought and thought and thought about it.

You have your kids in your life because it's what your heart led you to do. Some days life is messy and complicated. Sometimes you feel like a success, and some days you feel like a failure. In the end, you just followed your heart and not your head.

Sometimes, you just know.

How Will You Accomplish It All?

Although it may seem complicated to homeschool and it may appear that there is countless information that you need to know, I like to say, if you can file taxes, get your driver's license, or buy a home, you can homeschool your kids.

When you first decided to go through any of those processes, it seemed daunting. You had lots of questions. What did you do? You learned the process one step at a time. That's the way it is with homeschooling. You learn as you need to.

When you have a question, you find the answer. If your child has a question, you find out together.

Will It Be Hard?

If you feel like you will get into the process and have no idea what you are doing, then you're right. I still have days when I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. So, I ask a friend, research, or just wing it; everyone does.

Some days, you just take a break. Just like you do now when things get tough. There are countless curriculum choices that are self-explanatory, and these are great for beginners. These allow you to know that your kids are learning and everything is covered while you do the really tough part of keeping it all going.

You got this, though. Hey, everyone got out of bed today and ate, even if they didn’t change clothes. That’s how homeschool is; you cover the important parts until you get the hang of it…or longer.

Will It Come Naturally?

You have already done the hard part. You are purposefully raising your kids. You are making tough decisions that will affect your kids' lives without knowing the outcomes. You do it every day, and that is so hard.

You are willing to step out and do what you think is right for your family even when it's not the norm. Homeschooling doesn’t just come naturally, and you don't need to be smart to homeschool, you need to be willing; willing to learn, willing to be brave, and willing to admit that you don't know, but you'll find out.

Is Homeschooling for Everyone?

I don’t think that homeschool is for everyone. There are lots of kids who are doing great in the public school system. Their parents are doing what is best for them but if you feel that this is not the right choice for your family and you are considering homeschooling, let me answer the first biggest question you have.

Do you have what it takes to homeschool your children?

Yes, you do!