This is my reality show…. Welcome!
For 2 years now, my husband has been saying that I need to homeschool. Now I feel it is important to note that he likes to blurt things out before he really thinks about them. I mean, he is a loud little Italian man. I on the other hand will analyze from all angles and then by the time I make a move the idea is usually out of style.
My husband says that berfore we got married he told God that he wanted a wife that would stay home and take care of his family. I told him that if that was the case then we have both been deceived because I told God I wanted to be succesful and productive (yeah, you know where this is going). So anyway, I am going to homeschool and this is further proof that God does have a sense of humor! Can you tell that I just wasn’t that into the homeschooling idea?
Really, all I know is corporate America. You know, the he said, she said grapevines of loveliness? If you have no clue what I am talking about, you are blessed! Corporate America is a reality show nightmare. You will not see that show being broadcast anywhere but live. Thankfully, at the end of July this year my show will be canceled and I can start a new one at home.
Needless to say the tables have turned and I have been nudged by a higher power (read: God) into homeschooling and my husband is now freaking out. Home Depot, Lowe’s, Harbor Freight, Wal-Mart, pounds of M&M’s, McDonald’s, 4-wheeler’s and many other amenities will soon be just a distant memory with our decrease in income. (Can you see me smirking?). This is going to be fun!
Here is the top 10 things new homeschoolers (or me anyway) want to know from you. I am going to ask because I would like to know and because no one else will dare to ask you. I have searched the internet but cannot find real logical answers from real seasoned homeschooling parents. So here it is:
10. So, I have purchased the whole curriculum that some experienced homeschooler has recommended. It looks awesome on my new homeschooling cabinet tucked away all neat and pretty….. Now what?
9. I like to have things planned out, but I have never been home for lunch. I think the kids will want to eat during the day. What do I do? GIVE ME YOUR WEEKLY MENU’S; I WANT BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER! ASAP!
8. Construction paper is evil, are there any acid free, cost efficient alternatives? Is colored paper necessary for preschool and 1st grade?
7. Thank God for glue sticks! Does liquid glue have any educational value that my kids will miss out on if I banish it? All they want to do is make a mess then eat it. Liquid glue has no nutritional value, does it?
6. What do I do when my husband is red with jealousy? (“You spend all day with them”, “When I call, you need to answer” “Where is my tissue paper butterfly”) Remember: I am married to a loud little Italian man.
5. How do I wear out the princess before she can wear me out?
4. Will wearing uniforms help create structure or routine? We already have them and it seems logical. By the way, how do you get dry erase marker out of uniforms? Yeah, too late, I already washed it!
3. How do you get dad involved without it seeming like a chore? (Nevermind, I can sit him down and let him make his own tissue paper butterfly!).
2. What do you do when the super hero turns evil on the fairy princess? They don’t cover this in our bible curriculum.
1. I think I have lost my mind, have you seen it? Please tell me it isn’t June already!
Andrea is a laid back gal from the south who has been married to a loud little Italian man named Darin for 7 years. They have two kids: one thinks he is a professional wrestler and the other thinks she is a professional princess (yes she wants to be paid to be bossy and prissy.) She has recently given up the corporate world to step into a land of kisses and learning. You can visit her at her blog: The Honest Woman. Help!
I recently started homeschooling but my daughter is 13. However, I also dropped out of the ‘corporate rat race’ many years ago and never looked back. Don’t get me wrong. It was a huge adjustment…not sure if we have ever recovered financially. However, it was the best decision I have ever made. God speed on this wonderful new journey!!!
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Those 10 questions were hilarious. All I can say is just prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime. You have embarked on the most glorious years ahead. There will be days when you think, “What was I thinking?!?” But they will be few, in no time you will realize that they joy of watching your children learn and experience new things, and knowing that you had a part in them learning it, will be the greatest joy of all. All the details.. don’t worry those, they will take care of themselves.
We have homeschooled for over 10 years and my oldest graduates next year, so let me say, enjoy the times you have. They pass so quickly.
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We’ve just finished our 14th year of homeschooling, and we have graduated the first 2. There will be days you are looking for your mind, but it is all worth it. As for your list….
10. Just because it was great for one seasoned mom, doesn’t mean it will be great for your children. It might. But be flexible, and use the curriculum as a tool, not a slave driver. Only do what your family needs and deems important. You don’t have to cover every section or problem.
9. Keep it simple. Our lunch is usually a sandwich, raw veggie and fruit.
8. You can buy pkgs. of colored computer paper at WalMart or Staples, and yes, it’s fun, especially for lapbooks.
7. Maybe that’s what’s wrong with my girls! We used stick.
6 & 3 Convince him to do a science experiment on Sat. afternoons or small building projects, read a bedtime story(or cooking pasta),etc. Let him teach the way he teaches best, not your way.
5. LOL. Give them lots of breaks and play time. Young children learn more through playing and reading, puzzles, games…. than in curriculum.
4. Do random tshirts and shorts count? Have you tried oxyclean?
2. LOL! It’s in there (the Bible)Pray, and teach their hearts, not just their behaviors. Always make them end with an apology and a hug.
1. Just think of homeschooling as an extention of being a mom. You don’t have to be a teacher. Just be who God created you to be and have fun with your kids. They will learn more than you can imagine without stacks of curriculum and strict schedules!
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i’ve been homeschooling for 19 years so far (12 more to go!). two of the most important things i have learned/am still learning— 1) character is more important than academics, 2) let your curriculum be your guide, not your master (don’t become enslaved to “we have to finish this page/section/unit/book mentality”)
enjoy these days with your children. one day those little ones will be grown up, and you’ll realize the time really does go by quickly
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10. Accept the fact that you probably won’t finish half of it. Smile and move on.
9. I believe in teaching life skill and my boys make their own breakfast and lunch.
8. Not necessary at all. Crafts are messy anyway.
7. I think it has starch? So maybe it is like an energy pill? Maybe you should eat some glue.
6. Invite him to take a sick day and spend it with the children while you go to Barnes and Noble for, umm research.
5. Jumping Jacks
4. Uniforms? Are those like jammies?
3. Buy him a pile of homeschool dad books.
2. Become the wicked witch of the east and turn them into closet dwelling imps. (That is a joke. Don’t really put your children in the closet.)
1. I don’t even know where my mind is. Maybe there’s a mind finder software that can help us all.
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I had visions of corporate America…saw myself in the Board Room..I was YANKED out of that dream before it began…sooooooo….
I was standing in the same quicksand you are about 5 years ago…mine were in school and the call came…”Take them out..” I too am married to a Loud, HALF Italian man…(the other half is scottish…so it tempers it a bit…LOL!!) It has been an amazing experience…but I’ll tell ya’…I was SCARED…stand up on a roller coaster scared!
You will have days of BLISS and days where YOU will want to cancel the reality show….BE PREPARED for that! Go hide in the closet if you have to…regroup and know that tomorrow comes….
Here are my rec’s…
If you give em a BIGGER breakfast, they don’t snack as much…and lunch..ANYTHING you give em is better than the ol’ cafeteria down the block….simple works around here!
I ONLY buy computer paper..HATE CONSTRUCTION paper…what is it made of anyway???
NO way, no how would GLUE in the liquid form find its way into this house….and mine are 13,11 and 8 and still can’t be trusted….GLUE STICKS are your friend…but they do dry out…who knew??
Dry erase…???? If you find out, let me know….stains are a BIG part of who we are around here!
Now uniforms…you may be on to something??
Oh, and don’t get all crazy when they roll on the floor…some learn better that way I hear…my 8 year old must LOVE the way the carpet feels:)
Understand that somethings will have to “let go….” For each of us it’s different….I make my dinners in the morning…before we start school…it’s just me..we are so busy in the afternoon that it gives me a sense of organization….It WILL come to you….
Listen, if you survived the CORPORATE world…my beloved works in the Corporate A T & T…you my friend have no reason to fear those preschoolers….:)
You will take lots of deep breaths and you will get to see your children in ways you never did…the good, the bad and the ugly….
prayer, hugs and deep breaths..and prepare the Italian Man….you will need decompression time…at least a half hour to TELL him all about the day!! (let him make his butterfly while you do ALL the talking!)
You have support….use it….
and GOOD LUCK!! It’s like stepping out of the boat….You are not alone….and your family and the world will thank you for this choice…:)
oh and where exactly are you in this BIG ol’ south of ours…..I’m in Atlanta…
nice to meetcha!
Peace,
lori
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What an exciting new journey you are headed on! I used to be an accountant and thought that the daycare would do just fine raising my children thankyouverymuch. I DID NOT want to be JUST A MOM! That was until I got pregnant! When I first thought of staying home, I thought, “What in the world am I going to do all day? I will be bored out of my mind!” I was right, I am bored. If that’s what you call changing bums, playing chauffeur, making meals, baking, playing outside, going on some kind of explore with the boys, answering ‘why?’ and ‘how come?’ questions all day, doing science experiments, read-alouds, and oh ya, doing mountains of laundry…okay, you get my point.
You know what, though? The thought of going back to be JUST AN ACCOUNTANT is suffocating! I love my life at home (except maybe on the days when all of the children and I are in tears).
BTW, when in doubt about schooling…play a game!
Enjoy!
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10. Hopefully the curriculum provider also has support that when you get confused or stuck or overwhelmed you have someone you can call. I know Sonlight does. And if you’re using a literature rich program, just start with reading some books together and ease into it. …at least, that’s what I’ve heard [smile].
9. I’m still trying to figure out daily lunches. I like corn tortillas (Costco) with chicken (Costco), beans (Costco), and cheese (Costco) and perhaps some Salsa (Costco)… I like Costco too.
8. Colored paper is not needed. Having stuff for kids to play/be creative with is important, but it could be toilet paper tubes and cereal boxes (that’s what I played with as a kid, and my mom has always said I was creative…)
7. You can banish liquid glue, unless your kids, like me as a child, like to let it dry on their hands and peal off that cool second layer of skin… but it has no nutritional value or vitamins your kids will miss.
6. If you’re using a literature rich program, let dad read some of the books to your kids at night. My dad did that and it was great!
5. Kids don’t really wear out, so the goal, near as I can tell, is to get them engaged in things they love to do, that way you’re not running ragged trying to keep them on task.
4. I’ve heard good things about uniforms, but I grew up doing school in my PJs and I turned out okay… I think [smile].
3. Reading good books works great. Did I mention Sonlight? [laughing]
2. Remind all super heroes that their job is to protect and bless the girls in the world. A good lesson to learn because I grew up being told that I should let girls go a head of me in line, but never given a reason. As men (super hero or no) our job is to bless and protect the women in our lives.
1. It is June, almost July. You may have lost your mind, but it’s more fun here [smile].
Hope that helps!
~Luke
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OK, this post will be long, please give me grace…
I have been home schooling 17 years. THE BEST information I was given when I started was. READ, READ, READ to your kids. If you develop a love for books in your children, the sky is the limit in their education. Don’t feel like you have to start your preschooler into a curriculum. The best thing you can do is read to them and let them be children…they’ve got years ahead of school.
Don’t worry that you won’t do enough to educate them. God will give you exactly what you need to do what is necessary for them. He’s got your kids, their education and you. Trust Him to give you all the ideas you will need to home school.
Don’t compare your home school to another. God gives us each our own agenda. It’s OK to gather information from others, but then take it to Him and ask Him what a day is to look like in your home school.
If you see a curriculum not working, it’s OK to change and find something that does. Ask Him for guidance. DEPEND on HIM. It’s the only way…
HE is the only one who knows what each child will become when they grow up.
No one will teach those kids better than you, cause no one cares more for them than you.
When we started home schooling I asked my husband to be involved. I asked him if he would teach Math…. He agreed and has taught all 5 kids Math.
I write for this blog too. I wrote a couple of articles:
“An Empty Backpack” and “Days of Grace” that spoke to some of this. You can find them in the archives of my blog if you want to read them or you can find them here, somewhere…
I’d be happy to encourage you in any way or just be a sounding board. Please let me know how I can help you as you start on one of the greatest adventures of your life. It will be worth it….
Julie
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LOL! This was a fun post. Well, I know how you are feeling but my advice is to not get caught up in the latest curriculum hypes.
Find what works for your family. You don’t have to use what everyone else is using and it doesn’t have to be prepackaged unless it’s easier for you that way.
You don’t have to model the public schools. Do you own “thang”.
Teach the preschoolers first if you have one. It helps then to settle a little better when you start on the older children. Also give them some activities to do. My toddler loooves to paint and will do it all day if I allowed her.
Take breaks when you feel the need arising. Don’t stress or push yourself too much. Take off for the park or just get out of the house sometimes.
Get hubby involved by allowing him to pick a subject he would enjoy teaching or reading with the children at bedtime or even doing some science experiments or nature walks with them.
Also, don’t forget to take time for yourself and give hubby his due also.
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I have been homeschooling since my 9 year old was 3. I still feel like a novice sometimes. I posted my answers to all of those great questions on my blog. Be encouraged that you are not alone and you are able to do this.
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This article is wonderful! I laughed so hard because I was that woman. Stay at home? Puh-leeze…. Welcome to the other side. It’s awesome.
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Great questions, and I am enjoying reading the answers! I just finished up my first year of homeschooling, but I have been a stay-at-home mom for (gasp) almost 10 years!
The most important lesson I learned this past year is to stay close to God! His guidance kept us on track this year and helped me through “those days” when all seemed to go wrong.
I also learned to let some things go–my house is not as clean as I like, my one child doesn’t sit still when she learns (she really does need to move to concentrate–SO not me!!), my get-togethers with friends are few and more precious, etc.
You might get the idea from reading the paragraph above that homeschooling is a refining process–for you. IT IS! Being together with your children all day every day can be wonderful, but it also highlights the areas where you need to grow (I’m putting that nicely!). But, be encouraged! We have grown a lot this past year–and we’ve grown a lot CLOSER. My children rarely fight anymore–they are best friends. SO GREAT!!
Overall, don’t expect perfection–from yourself or from your children. Do your best, find a style of teaching that works for you and for your children, and ENJOY the experience.
A very seasoned homeschool mom gave me some GREAT advice when I began. She said, “Treat life as an experiment.” She went on to explain that if you are using a book or curriculum that isn’t working for you, give it a deadline. Say, “We will try this for two weeks, and if it still doesn’t work than we will try something different.” That way, you are accomplishing your goal and not leaving something unfinished. It sets a better example, and it alleviates you of the guilt of not finished something you paid for! That advice has served me well over the past year.
I wish you well in your years ahead. Homeschooling is a wonderful GIFT–to you and to your children! God bless!
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I enjoyed your post! You have wonderful insight….
10. I was going to sell it
… but that can mean loss…we don’t like loss now do we. 
Use it as best you can.. if its no right for you… don’t buy again…. I say first year stick to basics and interest of the kids…
9. LOL that’s funny… but true isn’t it…. you can find lots of great help online… and buy a crock pot!!
8. no mam… no one needs to use construction paper! White computer paper with a box of crayons or markers is perfect!
7.
love glue sticks too… and they don’t leak all over… stick to the sticks… no pun intended…
6. Dads can get lost in the shuffle of the daily…. making the extra effort of being excited when he gets home… some type of family meals ready when he gets home too… its the little things that add up…
5. Dance! Play… and then read… read…. read….
4. well if you call wearing pajamas in the school room (dining room) a uniform… I say keep em!
3. Make sure to include him in conversation about the day…maybe at dinner… you will find your way and so will he…
2. ahhh super hero needs a lesson on good citizenship !! He si to serve and protect….
1. You haven’t lost your mind! Look at it as maybe coming to your senses… or something.. sheepish grin… ya that’s it…
Remember why you decided to do this thing we call home school… keep it close to your heart… and enjoy your little ones…. the memories are irreplaceable and time will fly by!!! I guarantee it…
Lisa
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I had to smile as I read your blog. We jumped in to homeschooling with no idea what we were getting into four years ago.
We started out with a boxed curriculum as well. It worked well for the first year as we all learned about homeschooling. Just remember not to let the curriculum rule you…pick and choose what works and don’t feel guilty if you don’t do every little activity.
Read, Read, Read books on homeschooling. See what your library has. I was blessed to find several Christian homeschooling books in our local library. I would recommend Ruth Beechick’s 3-R books…they are quick to read and full of wonderful advice. Beyond Survival: A Guide to Abundant-Life Homeschooling by Diana Waring also changed the way I approach homeschooling
Find a good local homeschool support group. It may take awhile to find the right one…so don’t give up if the first group you try doesn’t work. I have learned so much from other moms.
In terms of getting Dad involved…My husband gallantly tried to teach science and math at the beginning, but it didn’t really work. I think let your husband find ways to support you…bringing in dinner, not complaining if the laundry isn’t done, letting you buy whatever book you need…works out best. He does still teach my kids so many things, but we let the lessons happen naturally.
I’ll sure be thinking about you and praying for you!
Laurie
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What a great article! You can do it! I wanted to be a coporate something when I was in school. Then I read about homeschooling in Seventeen magazine when I was in HS or College and thought…oh, I wish I had been homeschooled! Then I met my husband and we had kids, and I didn’t want anyone else to teach such precious gifts from God.
I tell everyone I’ve been homeschooling my kids since birth. And no, that does not mean that my 5 & 7 year old are going into high school classwork next year. It just means I’ve always been enough to teach them what they need to learn. So, with 7 and 1/2 years experience… My answers to your questions:
10. If you and the kids like the curriculum use it. If you don’t, then sell it and don’t freak about it. In the 80′s, as I’ve been told, curriculum was not available to homeschoolers and they survived on books from the library, etc. and lots of creativity. Now you can find all the creativity you don’t have on a website. You’ll be oh, so much wiser each year. I use curriculum for Math, but most things, I just use books and a guide that tells me where I’m supposed to be. I’ve been using Home Learning Year by Year by Rebecca Rupp, but I’m really interested in The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach by Robin Sampson (which was reviewed here at The Heart of the Matter).
9. Check out menus4moms.com for menus. You can also google something like “crockpot ham” and get all sorts of recipes. Ask your kids what they like, make a list, and keep stuff on hand. Simple is definately good. We try to eat small meals/snacks about every 3 hours (it’s actually proven to be good for your brain!). They don’t need a four course meatl… some fruit, veggies, and cheese will keep them going fo a long time. Also, let them keep a bottle of water(refillable, don’t be wasting on those plastic ones they say people don’t recycle) at their desk. Water will help curb hunger and get you all healthier through the day. And don’t forget to feed and water yourself!
8. The other ladies have given you construction paper alternatives, but seriously…you should buy it at least once and just see their happy little faces.
7. And hasn’t liquid glue gotten a bad rap? It comes out of clothes and peals off anything that’s not paper or cardboard. My kids like to experient with it…adding paint, string hung in it…and glitter doesn’t stick to a glue stick like it does to liquid glue. I would advise locking it up if you don’t like a lot of experiments… Okay, I don’t really like the experiments, but Wow do they have fun! and it gives me time to read the Heart of the Matter!
6. Let him take a day off to give you a day off (leave the house, do not stay and watch/help!)…and see if he’s so jealous. My husband enjoys a day with the kids, but he couldn’t imagine doing it EVERYday. If he’s REALLY jealous, you could go on a week long womens or homeschooling retreat! The kids would be all his.
5. I have a friend who lets her kids chase each other around the outside of the house when they have too much energy. It counts for PE and wears them out, too!
4. They could even “experiment” with the uniforms to make their own new “homeschool uniforms”! Yeah? I just make sure mine get dressed (except on Pajamas Days).
3. I read a great idea about giving him a copy of your schedule for each week…so he can ask the kids about projects or activities at dinner time. I just FYI my guy verbally right now…sometimes he remembers why we’re not home for Co-op or Library or volunteering at Food Pantry, or whatever else. The kids will love to show him the things they do…even a math worksheet. You can also involve him by consulting him in the things you buy or do as a homeschool. My hubby is the “Principal”, so he must be consulted on many things. He told me I didn’t have time to have my own blog (whaaa, but he’s probably right…I spend enough time responding to articles here, reading on the web and books from the library, and lending my knowledge to new homeschooling Moms in my area that I meet–and now on-line! Oh, yeah, and homeschooling.).
2. When my kids fight, I separate them. Yes, you want to teach them about this from the Bible, too. There is also a great book/dvd/cd/coloring book calling Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends by Sarah, Stephen, and Grace Mally. The DVD changed my 7 year old daughter’s attitude for at least a week. Eventually we’ll read the book together and color the coloring books. They are together all the time, so my husband and I like to take them out on “dates”. He will take our daughter out for dinner or ice cream and maybe some shopping. I will take our son out. Other times we’ll have boys/girls night out (me & the girl, him & the boy). It’s a great way to connect one on one with the kids and let them have some space and appreciate each other when they are together. The goal was to do that at least twice a month (one date night and one girls/boys night out), but many times we’re so busy, we’re lucky if we do it once a month. It’s truly worth planning. I will attest that when we do this once or twice a month, we are all better for it.
1. Didn’t we all lose our minds just a little in becoming parents? …if we’re not a little bit crazy, I think we’d all be pretty boring. Embrace the crazy feeling, there are likely many more to come.
You can do it! No one knows or wants to know your children better than you. God gave them to you and he doesn’t make mistakes. Laugh and have fun and enjoy your children. We had one year where I yelled and we all cried far too much…I just don’t let things get to that point anymore…life is too short and none of that was productive, except to find out that it wasn’t productive and I needed to change. We should and can make learning desireable and fun, not a chore to be hurried up and finished. If something is a chore, try a different approach or curriculum; makes all the difference in the world.
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I remembered a couple of other good spots for menus and recipes:
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com (not just for hillbillys, but for frugal homeschooling moms…includes homeschool stuff on her site, too.)
http://www.rachelrayshow.com
about.com
Kraft food and family (sign up and get their mag delivered to your mailbox for free, with coupons and good simple recipes…I think it’s http://www.kraftfoodandfamily.com
http://www.naturalmomsrecipes.com
Don’t forget to get the kids in on the cooking!
Happy eating.
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