Educating Your Children Your Way

It's "Back to School" time. The time of year parents of institutionally schooled children love or dread and when few things really change for homeschoolers. Whichever way you choose to educate your children it is often a time of reflection for parents. We wonder if we're doing the right thing for our children, if they are getting what they need, and if they are learning what they should. I believe that parents are uniquely qualified to answer this for their children. Watch your children, see if their needs are being met. Listen to them and learn from them. Be open to hearing what they are saying to you. Most importantly do not be afraid to make changes if you see changes are needed.

These changes can come in many forms. Your child may need a different teacher. You may have one child who needs to be homeschooled while the rest are fine in an institutional setting. You may find a unique private school setting that is better suited to meet your family's needs. You may find homeschooling is really what you need even if you've started out the year in a public or private school. You may homeschool and have a child (or children) who wants to attend public school. You may homeschool and find the curriculum you are using isn't cutting it. Whatever it is, be open to making changes.

Let your children's needs guide your decision making. This time we have to raise them is so very short and so very precious. In the scheme of things we really have so little time to prepare them for the world. It is imperative that we use that time wisely.

Nothing matters more than giving your children the very best foundation on which to build their lives. No one is better suited to know what foundation your children need than you.