I have lost count of the number of parents who have asked me this question…or one just like it:
“I’m worried I’ll do it wrong.”
“How do I know it will work?”
“I’m afraid I might mess them up.”
“What if I forget something?”
“How do I know I can do this?”
“I just wish I could be sure I won’t break the kids.”
If this describes you, allow me to to hold your hand for just a moment. Let me reassure you that you’re not alone. Listen as I tell you that it’s normal for parents to wonder if they can really do this thing.
I have met many new and prospective homeschool parents over the years. I have counseled probably hundreds of parents thinking of quitting before they even got started. One of the #1 concerns I hear is about messing things up. Worrying about wrecking the kids. Fear that things may go very badly wrong and it’ll be all their fault.
You may find it hard to believe that almost every homeschool parent has had this thought in one form or another. Either privately or right out loud. Some don’t admit it. But many do. Some wonder only little bit. But others freak out entirely. I admit to worrying about certain things when I first started, too.
Parents must understand that this fear comes from their lack of experience. It is fueled by a lack of confidence because they have never done it before, so they haven’t had the opportunity to see positive results yet — results that just might mean things are actually working.
Homeschooling for the first time is a lot like doing anything new. Except it’s a little more complicated because it affects other people, too — little people — people who depend on their parents to make the right choices. Choices that might affect them for the rest of their lives.
Fears like this can be tough to combat. But the only way to see if it works is to give it a try. Forge ahead. Trust in the process. Trust in those who have done it before. Trust in those cheering for you. Because even though you think you can’t, they know you can. Trust in yourself that you know your children best and you know what’s good for them. Trust in the research that proves that other people’s kids haven’t been messed up, so yours probably won’t get messed up either.
I know it’s confusing. I know you’re afraid. But try to remember the last time you tried something new. And how after a while you looked back on it and realized you wasted way too much time worrying about it.
COMMENT below if you have specific fears and concerns. I’ll respond to them. And I’ll wish you well. Because we’ve all done it. And everybody knows you can, too!
[Image: Flickr]
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