Introduction to Homeschooling (continued)

Once they decide to homeschool, most families find that they have embarked upon a truly exciting and ultimately rewarding adventure. Like many other homeschooling parents, you yourself might have the sensation that life has slowed down, and that all of you in your family have more time to spend with one another. Not uncommonly, children who have attended school need to have some time to "deschool"; they undergo a transitional period in which they gradually discover their own rhythms and interests. At first, you might feel that your day needs structure. Drawing upon your own memories of school, you might try to hold school at home. However, as your family relaxes into the natural rhythm of life, you probably will learn to trust your children, and yourself, as you begin to recognize your children's natural aptitudes and curiosity. You might come to realize that children don't have to be rewarded to learn, for learning is, itself, rewarding. As you listen to your children and encourage them to pursue their interests, you might come to see that the boundaries between learning and not-learning are artificial.

Those of us who have contributed to this website have drawn upon our years of experience in homeschooling our own children, and in supporting others who homeschool. We hope that you will be able to glean from our experiences the information and suggestions that meet your own family's personal needs and goals, however unique that they might be. As you embark upon the homeschooling journey, we welcome you and extend to you our sincerest hope that this website will help guide you from chaos to confidence.