It’s okay to be overwhelmed.
When you are trying something new it is normal to feel
overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. While the idea
of teaching your children at home may seem daunting, try
not to worry. No one expects you to have everything figured
out right away, not even your kids. Let them know that you
are all trying something new and it’s fine to allow time for
adjustments and frustrations along the way. Do some research
and make a list of things you would like to try so you have a
place to refer back to if you need ideas.
Create a flexible schedule.
Creating a schedule is a great way to keep your kids, and
yourself, on task. It can be easy to get distracted when you
are adjusting to the new idea of learning from home. Home is
typically a place where you relax, rest, and play but it will also
need to be a place to get work done during homeschool. Create
time and space for learning from home and use a schedule that
works for your family. If you are freshest in the morning, try
to schedule learning right after breakfast. If you are a family
of night owls, later in the day may be a better time to focus.
Allow time for outings, errands, play time, and free time in
your schedule. Unlike traditional school, you do not need to be
working on school work the majority of the day. A big benefit
of homeschool is the flexibility it can give your family.
Don’t overdo it.
When you are just starting your homeschool adventure it
may be tempting to do too much. Don’t spend a lot of money
on curriculums that you may not end up using. Don’t try to
cram too much into each day. Try to be flexible while you are
learning and see what works well for you, your budget, and
your kids while still meeting the requirements. Take it a little
at a time and you will become more comfortable and confident.