Every once in a while, as homeschool parents, we simply need encouragement. This job we have chosen is tough. It is one that we pour our hearts, souls, and energy into, and yet, we won’t truly know the results of our efforts for years. Homeschool encouragement often feels hard to come by, in a world where everyone has an opinion, AND a platform on which to share it (!!!), but here’s the truth:
I believe in you, homeschool parent.
And, that’s sincere. I really do believe in you.
No, I don’t know you. I’m pretty sure you have your share of flaws. I’m am certain you have a unique set of great traits, but I couldn’t tell you exactly what they are.
I believe in you, not because of your individuality, but because of what holds true for all parents who take on the responsibility for their child(ren)’s education.
Here is what I DO know about you, and exactly why I can say with certainty that you can do this, and you can do it well!
1. I believe in how well you know your child.
As a parent, you have watched your children grow through every stage. You know their quirks, their preferences, and their struggles. While school teachers have to get to know their new students each year, you skip right over that learning curve straight into instinctively giving your child what they most need and love, in the way that they most need and love it.
You know them, and they know you. The uncertainties that come with not knowing what to expect – from the teacher or the student – don’t exist. The security to speak up when something isn’t working, or when something is amazing, anchors your education.
>> You may also like to read One Way to Lose the Scheduling Stress
2. I believe in your ability to do research.
I believe that you can find out what you need and want to teach, how you can teach it, and why you are teaching it. I believe that you can problem-solve.
I believe that when you don’t know something, don’t understand something, don’t feel confident with something… you can look for answers, and find them.
>> You may also like to read State Educational Standards
3. I believe in how much you love your child – your intentions and your incentive.
I believe to my core, in how much you love your child. I believe that you are the most invested in the best interests of your child. I believe that you are highly motivated to do right by them, to guide them, and to nurture them.
I believe that you have the best incentives to teach your child – not money, awards, accolades, or assessments. I believe your incentive to teach, nurture and guide your child comes from a much more motivating place. I believe in how much you love your child.
>> You might also like to read The Investment that Homeschoolers Make
4. I believe in your ability to assess.
I believe that you can step back and look at your child. I believe that you can assess where your child was, where they are, and where you would like them to go. When needed, I believe that you can ask others to assess your child, or find a test to assess your child. I believe that you can not only decide on a trajectory, but that you can correct its course if need be. I believe in your ability to assess what is most important to your child.
>> You might also like to read 5 Ways to Feel Confident Homeschooling
5. I believe in the time that you have for your children.
I believe that you have more time to give your children than anyone else, and I believe that the quality of that time is beyond compare to the time they receive from others. Even when you feel spread thin, sweet homeschool mom, I believe that you will always make the time when your child needs you most (see #3), and I believe that you are in control of how you spend your time, and are capable of using that time intentionally.
>> You might also like to read How We Homeschool with Multiple Children THEN and NOW.
To sum up: I believe in you. What kind of homeschool encouragement do you most need to hear? Tell me more reasons to believe in you! I’m always eager to hear your comments below…
Wishing you all the simple things,
Zara
