Do You Want To Homeschool With Confidence?

At some point in the homeschooling journey, just about every homeschool parent has wished for a dose of self-confidence. Maybe that wish comes when someone challenges you or your child in public with questions about times tables or writing a research paper. Perhaps it’s when your child is not happy with their situation, causing you to second guess the decision to homeschool. Or maybe even a time when you come to realize that your child isn’t learning what “the other kids” do or what they are expected to know.

There’s no magic bullet to receiving homeschooling confidence. But there are ways to build your self-confidence through real-life situations.

You can gain self-confidence by taking risks. Despite the fear of failing, being embarrassed, or completely messing up, doing something outside of your comfort zone stretches you. As you are stretched, new strengths emerge. As new strengths emerge, you become aware of the God-given talents laid hidden within you. Translated into homeschool life: broaden your horizons and agree to teach a class within your gifting. Never taught more than your own brood? Agree to co-teach or assist with a veteran teacher to get your feet up underneath you. But don’t stop there. After gleaning from experience, go on and host your own class!

Instead of focusing on what you cannot do or cannot teach, focus on your reason for homeschooling. The difference here lies not in where you desire your children’s learning to end but how you think about the ups and downs of the process and how that relates to real life. What can they learn here and now that they will take into their adult life?

What about having confidence with the curriculum or the method in which you are instructing your children? The short answer is that there is no correct answer! You can rest confident that your household is learning the best way they can and doing your best to facilitate that learning. Remember, confidence is also knowing when you need help and asking for a hand.

Homeschooling with confidence doesn’t come from a book or a special diet. It’s resting in the assurance that God has built into you the unique ability to homeschool your children. That doesn’t always mean that you are sure you are doing things right or never second-guessing yourself. Homeschooling with confidence comes from the quiet place of knowing you are doing what God has called you to do!

Check out the fabulous homeschooling resources at Rainbow Resource Center!