My mother homeschooling my siblings and I in the 1980's and 90's when homeschooling was not considered popular. Even with knowing the ins and outs of homeschooling, I have experienced every stage of development that you described here. Happily, I have somehow made it to the us-schooling years. My oldest child has graduated homeschool high school and is on to bigger things. I still have 5 in various stages of schooling and a baby waiting to begin his schooling years. I feel like I still have so much to learn and I appreciate reading and listening to the wisdom of those who are farther along than I. Thank you, Julie, for your encouragement.
I’m in between swapping curriculum and trusting myself. My oldest will be in middle school next year and I’m feeling good about knowing what works for him and what doesn’t. I’ve noticed I’ve gotten better about being ok with getting outside or playing inside all day and counting that as our learning day! Everything counts! With swapping curriculum I’ve come to the realization that some curriculum I love using isn’t working for my two boys. And then even one curriculum that works for my oldest, isn’t a great fit for my youngest.
It's always a surprise to discover that the curriculum you love for yourself isn't the one your child loves. I like to remind parents they can follow through with the program for themselves (especially if it is literature or history).
Thanks for the article, Julie! I suppose we are us-schooling right now. I still have some serious work to do to be more present with my learner regarding lessons. Im prioritizing fun-time together over lessons right now, as I feel it's time better spent. It's a hard season. Thanks for the encouragement!
Wow I can really see myself over the years in all of these stages. This is so helpful to homeschoolers to get a sense of the journey. I have one foot in the veteran category with one child in his second year of college and one child who is ten. I definitely think with my first child I went through all these stages. However, I feel like with my second child I jumped to "us schooling" pretty quickly. With my kids being ten years apart, it really has felt like going through homeschool start to finish two separate times since their academics never did match up but our family culture was so fun. I feel like homeschooling gave my sons a chance to bond even with a 10 year age gap.
I think that’s amazing that you could leap right into a schooling. And I totally believe that because once a veteran, you feel so much less anxious about how it all turns out.
I am in stage 5, trusting myself but I’m about to move into high school with my oldest so I’m on the cusp of stage 6! Really looking forward to your high school/teen posts!
My mother homeschooling my siblings and I in the 1980's and 90's when homeschooling was not considered popular. Even with knowing the ins and outs of homeschooling, I have experienced every stage of development that you described here. Happily, I have somehow made it to the us-schooling years. My oldest child has graduated homeschool high school and is on to bigger things. I still have 5 in various stages of schooling and a baby waiting to begin his schooling years. I feel like I still have so much to learn and I appreciate reading and listening to the wisdom of those who are farther along than I. Thank you, Julie, for your encouragement.
That's beautiful Jenny! Glad you are still here to add to our wisdom from the perspective of a student not just home educating parent.
I’m in between swapping curriculum and trusting myself. My oldest will be in middle school next year and I’m feeling good about knowing what works for him and what doesn’t. I’ve noticed I’ve gotten better about being ok with getting outside or playing inside all day and counting that as our learning day! Everything counts! With swapping curriculum I’ve come to the realization that some curriculum I love using isn’t working for my two boys. And then even one curriculum that works for my oldest, isn’t a great fit for my youngest.
I’m really enjoying these articles, thank you!
It's always a surprise to discover that the curriculum you love for yourself isn't the one your child loves. I like to remind parents they can follow through with the program for themselves (especially if it is literature or history).
Thanks for the article, Julie! I suppose we are us-schooling right now. I still have some serious work to do to be more present with my learner regarding lessons. Im prioritizing fun-time together over lessons right now, as I feel it's time better spent. It's a hard season. Thanks for the encouragement!
Good for you!
Wow I can really see myself over the years in all of these stages. This is so helpful to homeschoolers to get a sense of the journey. I have one foot in the veteran category with one child in his second year of college and one child who is ten. I definitely think with my first child I went through all these stages. However, I feel like with my second child I jumped to "us schooling" pretty quickly. With my kids being ten years apart, it really has felt like going through homeschool start to finish two separate times since their academics never did match up but our family culture was so fun. I feel like homeschooling gave my sons a chance to bond even with a 10 year age gap.
I think that’s amazing that you could leap right into a schooling. And I totally believe that because once a veteran, you feel so much less anxious about how it all turns out.
I am in stage 5, trusting myself but I’m about to move into high school with my oldest so I’m on the cusp of stage 6! Really looking forward to your high school/teen posts!
Working on those posts now!
Such great thoughts, Julie! I especially resonate with your points on Stage 3!
Yes I did! So glad you find that language useful. I know I did!