# 1 mistake homeschool moms make

As homeschool mom's we do make mistakes in our homeschooling lives.  One of the most important lessons I have learned in the past ten years of our homeschooling is that we should not compare to other families.  This may seem very easy to achieve, but it is not.  In fact, it is one of the hardest.  

We see on facebook, blogs, and other social media about how well we are all doing with homeschooling our children.  We see the fun experiments, exciting field trips, and several other things and we (I use the word 'we' often here, but I should be typing 'I') start to think.....'Wow, I wish I could do that' or 'They are so talented, where is my talent?'.  This was very tough to do but I don't do this comparison any more.  I have learned that it isn't necessary, it's not good for me or the kids, and there is nothing productive coming out of the comparison.  Now the ideas are great, if you can keep the comparing out.  

Another reason why I think I am finally beyond that part of my homeschool life is that I am now older and....well..... I really don't care what others are doing and I don't care what they think of my abilities to homeschool.  lol.  Sounds rude, but it's true.  When Jesus was here on earth, do you think he cared about what people were saying about him behind his back?  Do you think he worried about what they thought of his healings or word from the Lord?  The answer is no.  He was here on earth for a short time and had a job to do.  That is how I feel about homeschooling my children.  God has given me this ability and I am going to do my job with his guidance in the short time I have with my children.  That is the job he has given me to do and I cannot worry about who is thinking what.  Besides, worry and anxiety come from the devil.  The Lord made all things good, it says in Genesis chapter 1, therefore worry and anxiety come from satan.  I will not take part. 

So before you start to compare, think about how blessed you are that the Lord has given you this marvelous opportunity to homeschool your children.  Think about how special you are to be given that wonderful responsibility from the Lord God.  He has trusted YOU to educate your children....you are blessed!

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How homeschooling has effected my children

People tell you all about the good of homeschooling, and yes there are a few things we have to sacrifice to have a successful homeschool.  For example, mom time/break from the kids.  This doesn't happen very often.  But one of the things that I was thinking about this morning was how homeschooling has effected my children.  I have three boys and even though homeschooling has had a positive effect on all of them, I am going to share just one of them right now.  

My son "DD" has come so far.  He is one of those kids who must get an A or he considers himself a failure.  Now before you judge, I never expect an A.  I have always expected 'the best they can give'.  He has impressed me so much this past year.  His older brother is graduating this year and working part time so DD has had to 'step up' when it has come to chores and such around the house.  This teen will do anything I ask him to do.  He has good understanding about what it means to 'obey his parents in the Lord for this is right'.  Like any teen, I'm sure he will tell you he is under appreciated, but he is not.  He has also thrived in CHARACTER this year.  I see him helping others without attitude.  I see him jump in and help take care of an unruly little one in church.  I've seen him grab trash bags at our local gym as he is walking out the door to help clean up without being asked.  I contribute many things to homeschooling.  I think his Character has burst out through the homeschooling experience.  

He also has learned to work at his own pace through grade levels. He is now 15 and doing 11'th grade work.  He is an excellent reader and LOVES to read. I have even had to ground him from reading at night in his bed.  Yes, I know what a terrible mother, lol.  But hey, it is called a punishment for a reason.  

When he was in preschool, he attended a private Christian school at our local church we attended.  He started in the K2 program and worked his way through the K4.  Then, he started getting into trouble.  I went to the administrator and asked her to move him up to Kindergarten.  Because this was a private school they didn't have to follow any 'age' laws when it came to starting Kindergarten.  She denied my request.  I explained that he was bored and needed more of a challenge.  She was not convinced.  So I took matters into my own hands and thought, "Why can't I teach him?  I am capable.  I know where he needs to be challenged and where his strong abilities lie."  So I attended a homeschooling meeting at a local group.  I was amazed on how many people were doing this!  I spoke w/ my husband and he was in agreement for me to homeschool our two sons (our 3'rd son was just an infant).  Needless to say, the school administrator was NOT happy.  She shunned me for a bit, but it didn't matter.  I knew what I needed to do.  

During that first year of homeschooling, DD started Kindergarten and finished the whole curriculum by Christmas!  So I started 1'st grade and he finished it by May.  (We used aBeka at the time.)  The next school year he started 2'nd grade and finished by Jan.!  So I started 3'rd grade and he finished by May again.  At this point he was doing 2 years ahead of what other children his age was doing.  But we found his place where he was challenged but not overwhelmed and he has been thriving ever since.

I guess I am blogging this to let you know that YOU know your children better than anyone else and how homeschooling does effect children in a positive way.  We know them better than the school they attended (or currently attend), better than their peers, better than their current teachers (whether it be public school or Sunday School teachers), better than the government who tells us at what age we should be where in a certain grade.  YOU know your child.  Listen to your instincts......it will benefit your children.

So homeschooling our children has effected them and I would make that choice again and again and again and again..........