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It's so easy to assume what Home Education is going to look like in your home and how successful you will be as a Home Ed parent, but I guarantee your first thoughts of Home ed will not be the same one year on.
Here are my top 10 beliefs every Home Ed parent has.
"I've made a timetable and scheduled everything down to the last second and that's what we're sticking to". Good luck with that! It might work for about a month if you're lucky, but those scheduled weekly trips to the library and afternoon play dates with old school friends (if your child has previously been to school) soon die-off. Library visits become as and when, and old school friendships become a distant memory.
"My children will be so much happier at home". As much as it kills me to say, my kids weren't always happier at home. They did become bored and went through phases of missing the routine they got at school. Even if you have a routine at home, for some reason it isn't as effective at home. However, home education does make for happy children and you must remember that mainstreamers also go through phases of liking and hating school. So don't worry too much about the phases of boredom
"I will be a great Home Ed Mum". With all the best intention in the world, you WILL make mistakes and WILL be in a constant state of self-doubt. For the majority will be great but there will be times you question if they should return to school. Four years in (almost 5) and I'm still wondering if I'm getting it right. The only thing I keep telling myself, and the kids, is that there's no rush to get all of your learning and education finished by the age of 16. Learning is for life, things change, new outsourced programs are launched and new ways to access college are being created.
"We will grow as a family". Well, to an extent, yes, but mostly you'll spend your days going through the motions the same as you would if they were at school. You may be teaching or learning things together but your kids will still want their own space. Home ed can bring you closer together because you'll see them grow and mature all day every day and they will have your love and support constantly right there when they need it. But we all need space, so don't believe that you'll never go through tough times with your child/ren just because you're together all the time.
"I know what my child will be doing at the end of high school so I can tailor their learning towards that career choice". Again, to some extent, you can but the majority of kids will change their minds by year 10 so don't count on them putting those online desktop publishing courses and expensive acting classes to good use.
"They don't need academics, they can be creative instead" That's fine but what if your child prefers to be academic? Make sure you have the provisions for academics if your child wants to learn more about quantum physics and reverse engineering.
"I don't need advice, I know my child best and I know what I need to do for them". Parents DO know their child/ren better than anyone else, this is certainly true, but sometimes we can all get a little caught up in the moment and (sorry to say) controlling. Rose-tinted glasses make a regular occurrence so try to remain open-minded and ask for help and others' opinions from time to time. You will be surprised at what other people have to offer.
"My family and friends will have to be more accommodating and understanding". They should, and some might but not all will be on board with it. Home Education is your choice and other people may not understand it or in some cases accept your choices. Be prepared to be judged by friends (even lose friendships over it) and for the family to stick their ore in where it's not wanted. Always remember that you need to do what is right for your child/ren and other people's opinions do not matter.
"We will make lots of friends and connections with other Home Ed families". Be aware that your children may not want to make friends with other Home Ed kids if they have previously been to school. It's very daunting and difficult for previously mainstreamed kids to make the switch and socially struggling kids will find it even harder. Don't push for them to make friends or go to Home Ed meet-ups, it will have a very negative effect. Trust me on this, I made that exact mistake!
"The kids will have opportunities to try new things instead of being stuck in a classroom with the curriculum". As long as you have good public transport or a car and a money tree you'll be ok. Unless, of course, you have a secure source of unlimited funds. Kids get bored very quickly and want something different to do all the time.Everything costs money, more than you can imagine or predict. Life happens, plans change, appliances break down, there may be vet bills to pay or your car exhaust decides to retire. You may even lose your main source of income leaving little to no money to spend on days out, clubs, subscriptions and classes. Be prepared for things to change or have to completely stop when you least expect it.
So there you have it, my top ten beliefs we had as Home Ed parents. I believed all of those things and I'd bet a fiver (my funds are limited) you will, do or did too. Don't let these things put you off Home Education, just be aware of them. Home Ed is great and lots of fun but it can be very tiring and frustrating at times. Just step back from it each week and take a breather. You will need to find your happy place at times and your tea will mostly be cold when you get round to drinking it but it's worth it.