As with anything, homeschooling has both advantages and disadvantages. When deciding whether or not to pursue homeschooling for your child, it is very important to weigh the options available to you. As homeschooling is a very time-consuming project, it is important to make a list of reasons why you would like to go the homeschool route. Before you begin this transition, it is important to form a support group, a firm idea of goals, and a plan to put into action.
Support
When the idea of support comes to mind, many people do not consider the kind of support they are in need of. When you are deciding to home school your child, there are quite a few people you need to make sure are on your side. It is essential that the child is at least willing to be involved in homeschooling. In addition, you need to make sure that your partner is willing to be supportive both financially and emotionally. Homeschooling takes a toll on time to do other things, so it is vital that you plan your time wisely. In addition to familial support, it would be a wise decision to find an outside support group as well. This could include an internet group, social media friends, or a support group that meets in your area. These people could not only help in an emotional sense, but they could also give you plenty of ideas as well.
Goals
Having goals is essential to any endeavor, and homeschooling is no different. As a parent, it is important to set goals that you are sure your child can meet. Are they religious goals, academic goals, or both? Can you list at least five goals that you would like to accomplish within a year? Are there social opportunities for your child? All of these are questions that you should ask before you make the decision to homeschool your child.
Plan
Once you have covered support and goals, make a plan and put it into action. How long are you going to homeschool? Will it be permanent or temporary? When will you remove your child from school? Always remember that if a plan isn’t working out, it’s okay to be flexible. Make sure your child understands that you are trying something new together and that neither of you will be perfect at it right away.
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