1.  Do NOT go out and buy every recommended resource. You don’t have to use what this person or that person’s using. Every family is different; don’t compare yourself to other families. There’s so many choices in curriculum out there! Get your Course of Study for your grade(s) and find out what you want to accomplish; then curriculum hunt.

2. Do NOT buy boxed curriculum, right away at least. Curriculum sets aren’t for everyone. Your family is unique and each child’s learning style is different.

3. Do NOT worry. The world wasn’t built in a day. You can’t teach everything at once. Take your time and remember “they will learn”.

4. Do NOT expect everyone to be supportive. From friends to family, not everyone is going to agree with your decision to homeschool. Pray about it, but be prepared to defend your decision.

5. Do NOT forget to look into a local homeschool group. You need support and your local group has many great resources, including mom’s with plenty of experience. They always have the best ideas of local venues, shops & places to go. Don’t be shy! Get out & socialize with other homeschooling families. They’re a new homeschooler’s biggest asset.

6. Do NOT forget to include field trips into your studies. These don’t have to be full fledged vacations, although those can be great learning experiences too. A trip to the grocery store or even the local library can be considered a field trip.

7.  Do NOT try to mold the child to the curriculum. Find out their learning style and tweak your curriculum to fit their needs. That’s one of the great things about homeschooling, it’s completely tailored to fit the needs of your child. One on one attention, support and encouragement. It’s about your child, not the curriculum.

8.  Do NOT think you’re the only one that gets overwhelmed. Everyone does. Keeping up the home is stressful enough, but adding homeschooling to your list of duties adds stress. But you are not alone! Talk to your new homeschool friends, they’re going to be most understanding. Everyone’s been there.

9.  Do NOTthink that you have to do it all. They’re learning even when you’re not “doing” school work. Delegate housework and even some schoolwork/tutoring to older children. Just because you’re the teacher, doesn’t mean that you have to teach formally 24/7.

10.  Do NOT forget to have fun and enjoy your children. Smell the flowers, play in the dirt. There’s more to life than math and reading. Think outside the box.

Nikowa is a 2nd year homeschooling mom to two boys. (Ages 9 and 6) With her “learning never ends” philosophy, they have an eclectic year-round approach to learning. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys photography, organizing, cooking, reading, and knitting. She is a #1 LOST fan and watches UGA football too! (Go Dawgs!) You can visit Nikowa at  Knowledge House Academy.