Overcoming Your Greatest Fear About Homeschooling

Overcoming your greatest fear about homeschooling

Be encouraged by homeschool parents and students who have traveled the path ahead of you.

While preparing my workshops for the upcoming homeschool conventions, it occurred to me to ask home educating parents, “What is your greatest fear about homeschooling.” Their answers inspired this series.

Moments after I posted this question within a social media community, I received an outpouring of heartfelt responses. These recurring concerns surfaced as homeschool moms shared the fears that plagued them:

  • I’m afraid that the critics are right—I am inadequate to teach my children
  • I’m afraid my children will not be prepared for life.
  • I’m afraid they will be social misfits, won’t be accepted into college, won’t be able to find a spouse…
  • I’m afraid they will resent my decision to homeschool them.
  • I’m afraid they will walk away from the Lord.

Reading their comments, I was particularly touched by one mom who asked,

“It’s obvious that we all have the same fears, but what are we going to do about it?”

Her question moved me to prayer and action. I contacted a handful of homeschool moms and homeschool graduates whom I deeply respect and asked them how they would encourage the moms struggling with these fears.

If you, too, are struggling, this series may help you overcome your fears.

For instance, consider Jennifer’s life-giving words:

As we began our home education journey 10 years ago with our only son who had just finished his 4th and final grade in public school — a wise and experienced homeschool mother of 5 boys shared, “Studies show that any child can catch up academically in 2 years time, but it can take a life time to reclaim his heart.”  

That truth resonated with us at a very deep level, and we trusted God for that vision. Our now 20-year-old college sophomore would be the first person to tell you that staying in public school would have been his end. 

He has never needed to “catch up” academically or in any other way. He began the prep program at a local Christian college as a high school junior, worked from the age of 12, was cast in leading roles in local theater, served in worship at church and in his high school homeschool co-op, and generally blessed his family and friends with his love, friendship, talent, and passions.  To God be the glory!

Every homeschool family I know experiences at least a few harrowing twists and turns along the journey. Jennifer’s family was no exception, but she emerged with the prize of her son’s heart.

What is your greatest fear?

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