Perseverance during Homeschooling: A Journey of Joy and Fulfillment

TL;DR

The author struggled with teaching young children but found homeschooling to be more enjoyable with older students.
The author's perspective on homeschooling changed during her oldest daughter's third grade year.
Homeschooling became more fulfilling due to increased intellectual maturity and critical thinking abilities of her children.
The author shifted from a public-school-and-standardized-test standard to a standard based on family's priorities and values.

As a homeschooling parent, I can attest to the fact that it takes perseverance, patience, and a teachable heart to truly fall in love with this educational approach. It’s not always easy, especially when you’re teaching young children who may not be as receptive to learning as you would like. But as my own journey has shown me, it is worth it in the end. In this article, I want to share my personal experience with homeschooling and how it has led me to a place of joy and fulfillment in both parenting and teaching. Of course, I’ve had so many challenges, but at the same time, there were other things that drove me to homeschool. There are many unique benefits to this educational approach that I have come to appreciate over time. I hope that my story will inspire you to persevere and find joy in your own homeschooling journey.

Author’s Experience

I struggled with teaching young children at first, but as my kids grew older, I fell in love with homeschooling. The early years were a challenge, but my perspective changed during my oldest daughter’s third grade year. I attribute my falling in love with homeschooling to my children’s increased emotional and behavioral maturity, our well-established and flexible system, and their ability to read independently. Through my struggles and triumphs, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I’ve applied to our homeschooling journey. I’ve become more familiar with homeschooling and am able to tailor academic materials and teaching styles to each child’s specific needs. I now have more realistic expectations and a better focus on what matters in the long run. I’ve shifted away from a public-school and standardized-test standard to a standard based on our family’s priorities and values. Homeschooling has not only become a commitment out of duty but also a joy and fulfillment, and I attribute my love for homeschooling to God’s grace.

Author’s Interests

My passion for enlightening my children’s minds with timeless lessons from philosophy and critical analysis of literature classics was being overshadowed by the need to teach basic skills. It was frustrating to see my children struggle with basic reading, writing, and counting while I yearned to delve deeper into the world of ideas. However, I soon realized that these basic skills were the foundation upon which my children’s intellectual growth would be built. I had to be patient and persistent, and slowly but surely, my children began to read and write with ease, opening up opportunities for us to explore the world of literature and philosophy together. Enriching my children’s minds has become a central focus of our homeschooling journey. And here are some of the ways in which I strive to achieve this goal:
  1. I incorporate classic literature into our curriculum, exposing my children to the ideas and themes that have shaped human history.
  2. I encourage critical thinking and analysis, asking my children to question assumptions and think deeply about complex issues.
  3. I model a love of learning by sharing my own passions and interests with my children and challenging them to pursue their own.
  4. I foster a sense of curiosity and wonder, encouraging my children to explore the world around them and ask questions about everything they see and experience.

What Types of Homeschool Co-ops Can Provide Support and Resources for Persevering Through Homeschooling?

Homeschool co-ops come in various forms and offer invaluable support for homeschooling families. Different types of homeschool co-ops exist, each catering to unique needs. Academic co-ops provide resources and classes, helping students excel in their studies. Social co-ops focus on arranging social activities and fostering connections. Support co-ops focus on providing emotional support and guidance for families navigating homeschooling challenges. No matter the type, homeschool co-ops serve as a lifeline, providing a supportive community that helps families persevere through the journey of homeschooling.

How Can Pursuing Your Passions Help with Perseverance during Homeschooling?

Pursuing passions through homeschooling can greatly enhance perseverance. When students engage in activities they genuinely love, it fuels their determination to push through challenges. Whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, or mastering a new language, pursuing passions provides the motivation needed to overcome homeschooling hurdles, leading to continued growth and success.

Author’s Children

Watching my children grow and learn through homeschooling has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It hasn’t been without its challenges, though. When we first started homeschooling, I struggled with teaching my children basic life skills, organizing their schedules, and disciplining them when needed. However, with time and perseverance, my children have learned everything they need to know, including how to work independently and reduce the need for constant supervision. Nowadays, my children are able to read, write, count, and interact appropriately with the world around them. They’ve become more self-sufficient, which has given me more time to focus on my own interests and desires. Sure, there are still some teaching challenges that I face. But seeing my children learn and grow in their own unique ways makes it all worth it.