My Inexpert Advice

When your children reach a certain age, it's not uncommon to be looked upon as an "expert" in homeschooling. I remember when my oldest was six and I clung to the expertise of homeschoolers with ten-year-olds. Obviously, they knew something I didn't know, because I struggled with homeschooling for a whole year and they had been doing this for four or more years!

With over sixteen years of experience and one homeschooled-to-college, I can assure you I am no "expert." I am a veteran of homeschooling, but I still view myself as learning how to do this. It would be nice to think that there is one simple way to home educate, but the truth is there are as many ways as there are homeschooled children. Not homeschooling parents, mind you. There are as many ways as there are homeschooled children.

Even if you are a fan of canned curriculum, you cannot possibly teach every child exactly the same. You grow in your experience homeschooling, the same as your children. At least, I hope you do. I've always had romantic notions that most homeschoolers love learning, which is why they want to teach their own. I love learning. I strive to improve myself and still puzzle over better ways to help my youngest enjoy learning. I shifted styles as my children grew and presented their unique personalities to me. I have tried to take things one year at a time instead of worrying about how it will all work out in the end. I learned to bend when things weren't working. I observed and listened, because listening is what I consider the most important part of successful homeschooling.

One of my favorite analogies is the tree in the wind. A tree that is unmoving is more prone to break or uproot when faced with a strong wind. A tree that is flexible and bends with the wind is more likely to survive, even if its shape is changed by the wind. I would rather be the flexible tree.