This is a guest post written by my friend Crystal as part of our My Indy Homeschool series. If you would like to share your homeschooling insights or observations, check out this post to find out how to be featured here!
I started homeschooling my five-year-old kindergartner this year, and as I expected, I’ve learned as much as he has. What has surprised me is what I’ve learned; I had an idea of what homeschooling was going to look like, and our reality is waaaay different. Not bad, but definitely not what I expected.
What surprising things have I learned about myself, my son, and homeschooling in general?
I am not as patient as I thought
This one was a real blow to my ego. I anticipated the occasional rough day; I didn’t anticipate that we would both end up in tears on the first day. I didn’t think I would lose my temper as often as I do. And I didn’t think I would be the one who needed regular time-outs. I love homeschooling, but it’s revealed some character flaws that are painful to admit, but that will hopefully make me a better person.
My kid is smarter than I thought
My son started talking at a very early age, learned his alphabet and numbers early, and began sounding out words at age four, so I definitely knew he was a smarty-pants. I thought he would end up an advanced reader. However, when we started sitting down and doing school together, I realized that his real talent is math. He grasps mathematical concepts easily, and has often solved problems in his head before I’ve explained how to do them. If we hadn’t chosen homeschooling, I don’t know if I would have been aware of this talent, and I am thankful I get to experience it.
It Takes Awhile to Get It Right
I envisioned a two-week adjustment period before we really found our groove. I can hear all the experienced homeschoolers laughing at me right now. I had dreams, friends. Big dreams.
In reality, it was about two months before we found a schedule and routine that worked for us. In that time, I was often convinced that I was doing it wrong, and that my son was learning nothing. Now that I’m on the other side of that adjustment period, I’m so glad we’ve stuck with it. Our days flow much more smoothly, partly because I’ve learned…
Some Days You Just Have to Walk Away
Not walk away from homeschooling, of course. But there are some days when things just aren’t going to get done. Kids are human, they have bad days, days where they can’t concentrate, and sometimes the wiggles get the best of them. And let’s face it, we’re human, too. Sometimes our patience is worn thin and sitting down and doing a lesson together just won’t be productive.
These days aren’t a waste, though! Find something educational that suits your students’ mood. Watch a documentary, let them play an educational game, or take them outside for some fresh air. And if you need to, curl up on the couch and have a lazy day. You can take advantage of the flexibility of homeschooling and insert some R&R in the schedule if it’s needed.
What is the most unexpected thing you’ve learned as a homeschooler?
Crystal is a freelance writer, blogger, wife, and homeschooling mom who lives in Indianapolis. When she’s not teaching reading and taking her kids on adventures, she blogs about life and parenthood at Mom For Less. She also manages a faith-based website, Steadfast Women. You can follow Crystal on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
