He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46: 10
The story of how I got into homeschooling is a testimony in itself, and someday I will tell you about it—from the book that I am currently writing in my head. I will let you know when it’s available.
Anyway, this entry is really about the aftermath that happened the moment I decided to homeschool and followed through. I remember my hands shaking as I walked away from my child’s school, holding his school record in my hands. I was petrified at what I had just done. I was going to be the first person in my family to ever homeschool.
Things just got real.
I had taken my child out of school—school record and all. If you are familiar with that panic, then you are in good company.
If your first instinct was to get online, ask as many people as you could about homeschooling, subscribe to everything, buy all the shiny toys, and leave half a paycheck at the Lakeshore store (but can you blame me? Have you been there?), then you are also in good company.
If I could have a do-over, this is what I would do—and I invite you to do the same.
First, breathe… everything is going to be alright. The God who gave you that air is more in control than you are. He is love, and when things (like homeschooling) are done with love, they will always turn out alright. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
“Lord, how can I sit still at a time like this?” That was what I thought at the time. But the Lord was right. I should have paused. I would like to invite you to do the same.
Pause.
You don’t have to figure it all out right now. I have been doing this for a while now, and I still feel like a newbie. But here is what helped me, and it also shaped what my homeschooling looked like.
Now sit still for a moment and think about this question:
What does a typical day look like in your household?
What things have to happen to keep the home running? Cleaning, washing dishes, doing laundry, feeding pets, balancing checkbooks, etc.
Does your child know how to do any of these things? Can they fold laundry or brush their teeth correctly? If not, start there (do not give them your checkbook!).
Those things we do every day are considered life skills, and within those life skills, other types of learning can develop.
For example, feeding the dog can also make us question a pet’s anatomy: What do they need to survive? We call this biology.
Are you someone who likes to shop? Does your child know how to select groceries? Learning how to eat well is what we call health studies—not to mention the many math lessons that can accompany a grocery store trip.
Everything around you can serve as a lesson. You already have all that you need to start with.
What is the thing you enjoy doing? Is it fishing? Baking? Building something? What is the thing that makes you sing? Teach it to them. Help them learn to love learning again. They will need to see it in you first. Show them what you know, and be humble enough to admit when you don’t. If there are two things that will always keep us humble, it is parenting and teaching.
Even when you don’t know, God will always place people along the way to help you. I know this for a fact.
I prayed for a community to help me homeschool, and I found one in a wonderful CC community. I found friends I never thought I would get to know, and I myself became a resource and contributor to my homeschooling community.
Think about it—you already found one right here with me. If my program can benefit your child in any way, know that it was created with the utmost care. Does your child need a space to pause and reflect as well? They might enjoy our Be Still and Create Workshop, and you’re also welcome to schedule a short Creative Consultation to talk about your child and your homeschool goals.
Sometimes the most meaningful learning happens when we slow down, become still, and create together.
You are going to be okay, and God is with you every step of the way.