Mothering in Homeschool
BY: LAUREN DEPEW
Never in a million years did I think homeschooling would be part of our story. We probably never would have jumped in if it had not been for unplanned life circumstances. Nonetheless, last summer- with two weeks until school started- we decided it was the best option. Our kids had been through a lot of unexpected transitions, and we simply were trying to protect them from more. It was a temporary solution… or so we thought. After a year of homeschooling our first-grade twins and a preschooler with a toddler running around, I can honestly say we did not expect it to be such a gift.
When I think about what homeschooling has given our family, I immediately think of time. It has given us time to slow down. It gives our kids time to play, be outside, and explore their own interests. It gives us flexibility with our time – to travel and go on adventures during the week. It even gives siblings time together, who would normally be separated at school. If you’re a parent, you know that time goes by fast. I have never regretted the time homeschooling has given us back to read books on the couch, catch bugs, have picnics, and all the other little moments that we were missing when they were not home.
Our mornings are unhurried. Our rhythms are slow and peaceful. Our learning isn’t rushed. Our kids are outside and barefoot the majority of the day. It is not perfect whatsoever, but it is the most beautiful gift to spend our days together. If I had known what we were missing, I’d never have done it any other way.
The top two reasons people tell me they could “never” homeschool is that they don’t believe they are patient or organized enough. If you’ve ever doubted your ability to homeschool because you’re not organized or patient enough, I just want to encourage you to rethink those things. If you desire to homeschool your kids, don’t let those doubts creep in. It looks different for every family and every child. It does not have to imitate a public school setting. You will grow in patience. And I promise, it requires a lot more organization to keep up with projects, homework, tests, field trips, dress-up days, half days, and packed lunches.
You won’t always feel like you know what you are doing. Sometimes you’ll doubt yourself. Sometimes you will be worn out, become impatient, and have to apologize. Sometimes your kids will not be enthusiastic about sight words or math, and sometimes they’ll complain about the activity you spent all night preparing for. But the beautiful thing about homeschooling is that you’re on a journey together that is more than just learning to read and do subtraction. You’re growing together in patience and grace and love. Your children were placed in your home with divine intention – no one can teach them better than you. So if you’re on the fence, just know that you are enough. You can. There is an overwhelming number of resources to help you homeschool, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Here are some of my favorite resources to get you started —
“The Unhurried Homeschooler” by Durenda Wilson
It is a very short book, but I love the vision it casts. It was actually the only book I read before homeschooling.
Instagram accounts:
Treehouse Schoolhouse (@treehouse_schoolhouse)
Brighter Day Press (@brighterdaypress)
Juice Box Homeschool (@juiceboxhomeschool)
The Peaceful Press (@thepeacefulpress)
The Busy Toddler (@busytoddler)
The Durenda Wilson Podcast
(especially Episode 392, Encouragement for the Reluctant Homeschool Mom)
The Good and the Beautiful Curriculum
Plum Paper Homeschooling Planner
