Where do I start?

Parents share what they have learned about homeschooling, involving children in the decision-making process, finding support, and changing course if it doesn’t work out.

Alternas recently asked four parents who chose an alternative pathway for their children’s education to share advice with parents who are just starting out.

Parents can be teachers

One fear parents express when considering homeschooling is that they don’t know enough about learning and instruction to be their child(ren)’s teacher. They ask, how do I choose curriculum? What if I miss something? Will my kids be able to go to college if I homeschool? I recommend resources like Modulo and Invata to help create a customized learning experience. There are many high-quality online programs available for self-directed learning. We’ll share more in a future post.

To address the fear head-on, I asked Ada Salie, founder of Life Rediscovered, a learning center for homeschoolers in Westborough, Massachusetts, what advice she gives parents:

There is no teacher or educator, as well-intentioned as they may be, that will know or love your children as much as you do. This by default makes you the best teacher for them. Don't worry so much about curriculum- follow their interests and curiosities and learn through daily life. Also, think back to the subject matter that you remember from your education... I can bet that you remember mostly what interested you and what you were excited about. In the end, if your child can read, write, and do basic arithmetic, they will be just fine. Information will always be at our fingertips- so focus on teaching them how to be resourceful, how to handle their money, and how to be a kind and intentional person.

Involve your child in the decision making process

For Michelle, a mother who chose homeschooling for her son, the decision came after experiencing her son struggle in traditional school and talking about options together as a family.

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