Slade, Mary B.  "Footsteps of Jesus"  1871. 

Public domain in the United States.

Feeling Incompetent??

With a new school year on the immediate horizon, fear may start to raise its ugly head.  It's natural to feel a bit emotional about your new journey and even to worry if you can actually homeschool your kids.  When anxiety threatens to overtake you, remember the verse in Philippians 4:13:  "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." 

What are some potential triggers of your anxiety?

*  Fear the kids won't listen and won't do the work.

*  Fear of failure.

*  Fear of what others will think when you pull your kids out of school or don't send them.

*  Fear that your kids will miss out on important information as a result of your homeschool program.

*  Fear that your teaching skills will prove to be inadequate.

*  Fear that your kids will hate having their mom as their teacher.

Fear Mongers:  Go Away!

At first you will have to establish your authority as the teacher.  Remember that you have much experience as a teacher.  Who taught your child to talk or to walk or to ride a bike?  Learning experiences happen as we go through our day.  It is natural for kids to wonder if you are competent especially if they have experienced public or private school.  In the past you did not wear the label of "teacher".  Let them see your enthusiasm for learning and your knowledge and wisdom as you lead them in learning experiences.

Failure is always possible, but that also happens in public and private schools too.  If you are diligent to teach and train your child, learning will take place.  Think about it:  to learn is to gain new information which leads to new understanding.  We humans are geared by God to learn new things all the time.  If your child is not showing sufficient progress, stop and review.  It is probable that a key concept was not learned and you need to go back.  Some children learn at a slower pace.  Don't compare your children to others.  Work with them where they are.

If you have made the decision to homeschool, expect questions.  People are interested in homeschooling and want to know how it works and if it successful.  My son's college advisor was interested in our homeschooling experience.  Why?  He wanted to homeschool his kids!  We were asked many times if there was a school holiday when our kids accompanied me on errands during the day.  I didn't have to explain, but I found that talking about our homeschool experience was a great icebreaker allowing us to make new friends.  You won't please everyone, but that's okay.  In time, the skeptics will see the wisdom of your family's decision.

Following a curriculum will help you stay focused and on track.  Curriculums are designed to meet grade level learning goals.  Some publishers, like Alpha Omega, provide placement tests to determine which level your child fits in.  It has been my experience that most children who are homeschooled are ahead of their public school counterparts.  If you plan to do only unit study methods, you may find supplemental lessons in math and English grammar and writing are needed.  Annual assessment testing can also reveal any weaknesses your child may have in specific subjects.

In the elementary and middle school grades, your teaching skills will most likely be more than adequate to teach your curriculum.  Many worry about teaching math and science and English in the later grades with good reason.  If you are unable to teach the upper level subjects, you may want to trade tutoring skills with another homeschool family or hire a personal tutor.  Some curriculums, such as Apologia, are designed for homeschool families who may have little formal training.  Another alternative is to enroll your student in satellite classes. 

Many kids enjoy homeschooling and enjoy having mom and dad as their teachers.  Homeschooling affords families with lots of quality time to interact and socialize.  God has purposed that parents are responsible to train their children.  When we homeschool, we are obeying our Lord to teach and train our children.  Not only do we have the opportunity to train our children in academic studies, but we provide training in life-changing Biblical studies and practical skills.  When you hear about little children heading out to pre-K classes, crying and clinging to Mommy, you can appreciate your homeschooled children's security and contentment in learning at home.  Remember to be patient and kind.

Jesus is our example as we teach by example as a doer of the Word, our standard to live by and our authority.  When fear strikes a chord in your heart, remember that our Lord is able to empower and equip you to carry out His will for your child.  There is no need to fear if you are diligent.  You will do just fine!

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