Pray
Prayer is always the best place to start.
Jeremiah 29:13 "And you shall seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."
Seek God's will for your family and He promises us that He will guide and direct us in His ways.
Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Let Jesus Christ be at the very heart of your homeschooling. He is very interested in the adults your children will become! He is your partner and source for your homeschool plans.
Agree
It is helpful when both husband and wife agree with the choice and commitment to home school. This is a life style change and you will both need to know it is what God has called you to do.
a. A Process: Don't worry - right now you're just looking into the possibility of homeschooling. As you read more and talk to more people the option of homeschooling will become more clear. Usually one spouse is more interested than the other. Agreeing about homeschooling is a process. The more facts you accumulate the and the more confident you become, the easier it is to see how homeschooling can be a benefit to your family. Give yourself some time to look at your options before making a concrete decision.
b. Life Style Change: No matter what your current life style is, homeschooling will definitely make a change in your family. But again, this is a process, some changes happening quickly while some take years. The longer you homeschool the more your family will "relax" into a homeschool life style all your own.
c. Trial Run: Many families decide to try homeschooling for one year as a trial run. Be sure to get involved with a local support group during this time, as it will enhance your experience and provide support. Getting to know other homeschool families during your first year gives you the opportunity to have many of your questions answered by experienced homeschool parents and you'll witness the benefits homeschooling in other families.
d. Jump Start: If your family is in a situation where you must homeschool immediately before you've had time to do all the research necessary - PLEASE CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED HOMESCHOOL PARENT. We have homeschool parents with Nevada Christian Home School who have homeschooled for 20+ years. We can answer all your questions and get you started ASAP.
e. Socialization: The question of "Will my kids have enough socialization?" is an inevitable topic. The first change in socialization will happen in your home. Parents and children will actually have time to get-to-know each other better. This opportunity can be a challenge, and yet ask any long term homeschool parent - it's worth the effort. Depending upon your current relationship with your child this may take all of your first year to develop a "truce". Consider this time an education all in itself - for both parent and child! Once a right relationship is established, true education can begin, and the freedom that follows is truly exciting!
When you start looking into all the activities available to homeschool families you realize there is so much out there you may not have enough time to do school! So be careful to choose your activities wisely, getting the most of your investment in time. Being too busy and away from the home too often can be detrimental to your family and home education. This is where the support group can be your ultimate socialization source. The support group differs greatly from just another activity because you get connected with other homeschool families. Both parent and child get the intimate support they need on an on-going basis all year. You develop real friendships some lasting all the way to graduation.
IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT NEVADA CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL. WE ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP!