Don’t Survive HomeSchool, Thrive!

That's probably one of the biggest questions on your mind right now if you're just starting homeschool. Here are five ways to help you flourish while homeschooling year after year.

1. Don’t Compete!

To compete with others is to question what God has done. He doesn’t make any mistakes. He created you with and those in your family with purpose and on purpose. The gifts, the talents and all the things that make you unique, treasure it. No one is better than you or your children. Well, you can’t say that…Yes, I can! Here’s the double down.

We were made in God’s image and likeness. Therefore, even identical twins are made in His image but bare their own likenesses, gifts, talents and unique qualities. And though, they are twins. One cannot outdo the other on being who she is. So there is no need for competing.

Twins, same God, same image but different, likewise, you and I have the same God, same image and likeness, but just like those twins we bare our own uniqueness. No one can out beat you at being you! Now let your homeschool journey be just that… unique. There is no competition because no one has your exact attributes and speech. You are one of a kind.

2. Stop Doing It Everyone’s Way

Perhaps, you grew up in the public school system. You may think that’s the only way to homeschool can or should be done. Maybe you have some friends, who have already started homeschooling. However, I submit to you what may have worked in your childhood or in a friend’s family.

There are a multitude of methods of homeschooling. Feel free to investigate them. Yet, at the end of the day, don’t do what everyone else is doing. Find out what works for you and your family, not the local trends, systems or other peoples’ methods.

3. Make It Your Own

No two families homeschool the exact same way. How could they? Remember, our twin example earlier. Our twins, though born together, still have differences. Your children aren’t your neighbors or your sisters’ or cousins’ children. You aren’t your neighbor, your sister or cousin.

Therefore, your family ‘s mannerisms, teaching style and needs aren’t the same. So have fun and make it your own. Afterall, you as their parent know your children better than anyone else. Embrace fulfilling your family’s needs. Enjoy creating a safe, fun loving environment!

4. Don’t Compare

Don’t belittle, I started out with posters, notecards, flashcards and with a child who wasn’t even talking yet. Walking away from my job that offered security and safety, by faith I answered the call.

Some family had hurtful things to say, but God called. When he calls, answer, he is calling you because you are the one to get the job done! And when you feel the urge to compare yourself with others come back and reread this post. You have been chosen!

5, Be Free!

After realizing that there is no need to compete, try to mimic others, compare but make it your own and finally just be free! Laugh, cry, enjoy, be frustrated, and maybe be a little confused some days.

Have a plan that works for your house not anyone else’s. Be free to be you because that ‘s who has been called for this ministry assignment in your home, not your neighbor, sister or friend.