by Janet Spitler

Homeschooling. The word can strike an array of emotions in parents’ hearts. It evokes curiosity from some, excitement from others, and fear from most. Parents are often apprehensive about homeschooling because they have many questions about the subject. What do we need to homeschool successfully? Do we have the discipline to do the job well? How can we find the proper resources?

Experts would say a teaching degree is a must for homeschooling while some experienced homeschoolers would say self-discipline, patience, and creativity. Although a teaching certificate might make the awesome task of homeschooling less daunting and good character may eliminate a lot of frustration, the truth is that few of us start with these qualities. So what traits equip parents to take on this intimidating (and rewarding) work? As a homeschooling parent who has helped other homeschool families, I believe three important traits homeschooling parents should have are commitment, teachability, and flexibility.

Consider the Cost of Commitment
Homeschooling takes a serious commitment and is not to be entered into lightly or emotionally. Parents considering homeschooling in an effort to protect their children from a public or private school environment soon discover that the homeschooling world has its own set of unique situations that will challenge a parent’s ability to protect children.

Homeschooling seeks to prepare, not to isolate. If parents make the homeschooling choice because they do not want their children to fail, the goal will be short-lived. Those choosing this method of education in order to develop a love for learning, a sense of accomplishment through their faith and out of a desire to be part of the journey, with their children are truly onto something!

It’s important to understand that homeschooling is a lot like a marriage. At a wedding, a couple takes a vow to stay together for better or worse, for richer or poorer, and through sickness or health—and the truth is, they have no understanding of what they are agreeing to. Likewise, when you commit to homeschooling you have no idea how far-reaching your decision will be. Nonetheless, you must be committed in your conviction.

As an experienced homeschool parent, I am convinced that the benefits of teaching your own children far outweigh the uncertainty. As you begin to work through the reality of what this choice can accomplish, and what it cannot, you will find that teaching your children at home can be one of the most enriching and satisfying adventures of your life.

Be a “Teachable” Student Yourself
Because most parents do not know how their children learn and don’t know their own teaching style, researching educational options during the first year is the most challenging. Give yourself permission to make mistakes. Use your philosophy of education—which you created when deciding why you wanted to homeschool your children—to narrow down your choices. If you know other homeschooling families who have the same philosophy, ask them about their favorite programs. Many factors, including the number of children in a family and how well educated a parent is, can affect curriculum choices.

A teachable spirit will get you ready to re-learn things you’ve forgotten from your own education and to learn some things you never knew. Don’t worry that your children will not be able to learn information you do not know yourself. Having a positive attitude about learning matters most of all. And while you are brushing up on subjects, take the time to learn how to teach. As a place to start, reflect on your favorite teachers and how they taught you. Modeling is an efficient way to teach and to learn.

Embrace Organization and Flexibility
In order to be successful in homeschooling, good planning is essential. However adjustments will need to be made. Give yourself permission to make mistakes—just choose to learn from them. Planning is important to the success of your endeavor, but plan to be flexible as well.

You are taking on a full-time job, so do not think that you can simply add teaching to your life as it is. Homeschooling will change everything! If you are accustomed to living in an immaculate home, teaching at home will change that. If you are accustomed to living in disarray, you will need to become more organized. Your toddler’s naptime will no longer mean relaxation, but will become vital teaching, cleaning, or organizing time.

Reap the Rewards
The ability to commit to the task, to continue learning new things, and to make adjustments when necessary will strengthen and enhance the planning, teaching, and growing that are essential parts of homeschooling. As each year passes, the relationships you build with your children will bring joy, blessings, and memories that time and distance can never take away.

Janet Spitler and her husband, Greg, live in Edmond and have been home educators for 13 years. They are board members of Oklahoma Christian Home Educator’s Consociation, Inc. (OCHEC). Janet has taught the home school orientation class for many years. For more information on Home Education, contact OCHEC at ochec.com or 405-810-0386.