You Are Not Doing This Right. You Are Messing Your Child’s Education Up!

You Are Not Doing This Right. You Are Messing Your Child’s Education Up!

You wake up and look around. “Yep, this is my life.” You sit on the side of the bed, head in your hands, and think, “I am messing this up. I don’t even know what I’m doing. I can’t tell if my child is learning anything. I am exhausted, and the day hasn’t even begun!” Sound familiar? Most, if not all, parents who decide to homeschool their children have felt this way at some point—even those with professional teaching experience.

Teaching your own child can feel like a monumental task. Why is that? Weren’t parents the first teachers before schools even existed? Yes! Historically, children were taught by their parents, extended family members, or through what we now consider apprenticeships. As parents, we are equipped to teach our children. In fact, we may be their best educators because we know them better than anyone else. We understand how they think, how they process information, what excites them, and what challenges them. We know whether they work best in the morning or evening, alone or in groups, hands-on or visually. This deep knowledge enables us to tailor their learning to meet their needs and empower them to thrive as confident decision-makers.

Addressing the Doubt

Let’s return to the doubt. It is entirely natural to have doubts when stepping into something outside the norm. These doubts, combined with unsolicited opinions from others, can become overwhelming. Sharing your homeschool journey with people who don’t support or strongly oppose homeschooling can plant seeds of doubt. To protect your confidence, share your journey only with those who encourage and support your decision.

It can be challenging to handle unsolicited advice or criticism, but it’s important to set boundaries. If someone’s comments undermine your confidence, you might say, “Decisions about my children’s education are not up for discussion.” Say it once and avoid engaging further. If necessary, limit contact with individuals who persist in giving unwelcome opinions until they understand and respect your boundaries.

Build Your Confidence

Remind yourself daily that you are capable of excelling in this role. Start your day with affirmations or a positive message, such as:

"I am a multifaceted individual, capable of adapting to challenges and opportunities. With a versatile skill set, I approach each task with care and determination. My dedication to my child’s education allows excellence to emerge, one step, one moment, one success at a time. I am the best teacher for my child."

To further boost your confidence, write a list of five things you do well and two things you excel at. Each day, celebrate one item on your list. Whether it’s clapping for yourself, enjoying a cupcake, or dancing to your favorite song, celebrate your accomplishments. Acknowledging your victories—big or small—reinforces your confidence and diminishes doubt.

Stay Organized and Focused

In addition to building confidence, staying organized can help alleviate feelings of uncertainty. Keep a homeschool journal handy. In it, write your goals for the month, week, and day. Make sure they follow the S.M.A.R.T. framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. At the end of each day, review your progress. Check off completed tasks, highlight ongoing efforts, and mark any areas that need adjustment. Seeing your progress in writing provides tangible evidence of your success.

Assess Your Child’s Progress

Assessments are another valuable tool to confirm the impact of your teaching. These don’t have to mirror traditional school tests. Instead, create questions or activities for each subject to gauge your child’s understanding and retention. Regular assessments will reassure you that your child is learning and give you insights into areas that may need more focus.

Homeschooling is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. It’s normal to feel doubt, but those feelings don’t define your ability to succeed. By setting boundaries with others, celebrating your achievements, staying organized, and assessing your child’s progress, you can shift your focus from what you fear you’re doing wrong to what you’re doing right. Remember, no one knows your child better than you, and no one is better equipped to tailor their education to meet their unique needs. Trust in yourself and your journey—you are capable of giving your child the best education possible.