New to Homeschooling? Three More Tips from Experienced Moms

1. At some point, you will probably have to teach your child a concept that you don’t remember learning in your school days. Your child’s math curriculum might want them to solve problems using a different method than the one you learned, and you might forget a few terms from your chemistry class. But instead of letting this discourage you, embrace the opportunity to learn (or relearn) material before you teach it. And with a little creativity, you can have fun as you learn beside your child. Along with Emily’s personal advice below, you can check out this blog for more tips on teaching material you’re unfamiliar with.

   Math and history are not subjects I’ve ever really enjoyed. Before I give my oldest son his math assignment, I usually go through it first myself to make sure that I understand what to do so that I can teach the problems to him. And since my history knowledge is not the greatest, history is mostly me reading aloud books from the library and playing some online videos. (This is a simple way to teach, plus the kids enjoy the trips to the library, and I learn new things too!) Teaching things you don’t feel you understand well or know much about can be intimidating, but one nice thing about homeschooling is sometimes you end up learning alongside your child. — Emily B.

2. Look to strengthen relationships with other Christian moms so you can encourage, pray for, and share advice with one another.

   As Michelle mentions, you will have difficult days. The good news is that you don’t have to face them alone—and you shouldn’t. After all, God created us as relational people who thrive in communities, as is evidenced by his institution of marriage (“It is not good that the man should be alone” [Genesis 2:18]) and his instructions to the church (“Stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together . . .” [Hebrews 10:24–25]). It might take some intentionality, but there are various ways that you can invite others into your life, so find the ones that work best for your family. Look to strengthen relationships with other Christian moms so you can encourage, pray for, and share advice with one another.

   Find a like-minded community where both you and your children can build strong, godly friendships. Ideally, the first place this would be is at a local church. A co-op that meets regularly can also be a blessing and usually will have moms who have been homeschooling for many years and can offer wise advice. Each family and budget is different, of course, but it can be helpful even if you are just able to join a local Facebook group that has opportunities to gather. My children and I have found it a much richer experience to “do life” alongside others rather than going at it alone! It helps provide accountability and encouragement on the journey when there are difficult days. — Michelle M.

3. You may feel pressure (internal or external) to homeschool in a way that’s as close as possible to the structure of a “conventional” school. Now, if you want to set up an official-looking classroom and stick to a strict schedule because that’s what works best for you and your child, go for it! But don’t feel a need to constrain your child to one way of learning just because that’s “what everyone else does.” As Rachel encourages, you have the unique freedom of customizing your child’s school experience to best suit their individual personality, needs, and interests—so take advantage of it.

   I could recommend so many things after homeschooling for 14 years, but the thing that stands out is this: Don’t treat homeschool like a traditional school. One of the most beautiful things about homeschooling is that your kids can be free to learn the way God created them to learn (because everyone learns differently). There’s freedom from classrooms, desks, and time constraints. There’s freedom to do hands-on learning, go on field trips, and learn through family discussions. Homeschooling is parent-led, so embrace the freedom and ask God for wisdom to know what your homeschool environment should look like. — Rachel H.

One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is that you can teach your child Scripture anytime, every day.

One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is that you can teach your child Scripture anytime, every day—you can even incorporate it as an academic subject. You can teach them about the God who created them, cares for them (as he has cared for his people throughout history), and sent his Son to die for them. You can equip them to share and defend their faith, and you can help them see the world from a biblical perspective.

Answers in Genesis wants to come alongside you as you disciple your child, which is why we created Answers Bible Curriculum for Homeschool. If you’re looking for a rich Bible curriculum for your elementary student, I encourage you to check it out.

God bless you as you seek to raise your child for him.