Common Homeschooling Fears and How to Overcome Them!

Every homeschool parent has their reason(s) behind why they chose to homeschool their children.

Our reasons may vary, but the underlying reason we all agree on is that we just want the best for our children, those little souls that God has placed in our care. We LOVE them and want them to have the best education to prepare them for the life ahead of them.

However, just because we have noble reasons behind our choice to homeschool, that doesn’t mean we are immune to the fears associated with making such a momentous decision.

If we don’t face these fears head-on and then kick them to the curb where they belong, they can all too quickly overcome us and poison our homeschool experience.

Here are 4 common fears that homeschool parents face and how you can overcome them!

Fears Homeschoolers Have

Having Authorities Called

This is a real fear because it has happened too often in the last few decades. As much as homeschooling is becoming more accepted, there is still a lot of prejudice out there.

If this is one of your fears, here are some things you can do:

• Make sure you know and are abiding by the homeschool laws and requirements in your state.
• Establish a home culture with basic routines (keeping main living areas clean/tidy, bedtimes, wake-up times, meal times, school times…)
• KEEP RECORDS!!!
• Record keeping can be done in many ways and has a lot of benefits. Being able to prove what you have been learning to state officials is just one.
• Join a homeschool association like the HSLDA which provides legal support and counsel in such situations.

Not Being Qualified to Homeschool

This fear is one that is often pushed at us by others who are skeptical about the validity of homeschooling. The truth is you don’t need a teaching degree to be qualified to teach your own kids. As long as you know more than your children then, by definition, you are qualified to teach them.

Here are a few ideas for those who really struggle with this fear:

• Create a Homeschool Co-op where the parents take turns teaching. This way you can stick with your strengths or at least have longer between teaching days to brush up on subjects that you may be weak on.
• Learn with your children. Never be afraid to admit you don’t know something. Instead, make it a game of I don’t know… let’s go find out. With the internet, we can access information on almost anything.
• Have your children teach you. If your child has an aptitude for something that you do not, encourage them to study it and come back to teach you and their siblings (we learn a lot when we teach something.)
• Take advantage of local learning opportunities (homeschool groups, private classes, museums, colleges, libraries, etc.)
• Find a curriculum that is a good fit for you and your children. There are a ton of great curriculums out there, it is just a matter of finding the right one for your family.

Having Unsocialized Children

This is another fear that is often pushed at us by others who are skeptical about the validity of homeschooling. When you have a healthy home culture your children will naturally learn how to communicate, be respectful, resolve conflicts, empathize, etc. Then as they go forth out of your home their skills will become honed and further developed.

If this is one of your fears, here are some things you can do:

• Encourage your children to make friends with other kids in your neighborhood and church.
• Get together regularly with other homeschool families with kids similar in age.
• Participate in local homeschool events.

Colleges Won’t Accept Them

Honestly, if college is your aim then it’s not that hard to achieve. Colleges love homeschooled kids.  I know plenty of homeschoolers who went on to college obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees in many different fields.

If this is one of your fears, here are some things you can do:

• Learn the admittance requirements for the college or university your child wants to attend.
• Have your child study for and take the ACT or SAT. Good scores can go a long way to obtaining admittance to the college/university of your choice.
• Have your child obtain a GED.
• Look into whether the college/university your child wants to attend offers special dual enrollment or distance learning options open to homeschoolers.
• Have your child attend a local community college first, then transfer to their preferred college/university later.

If you are facing other fears in regard to homeschooling, I advise you to step back. See what is causing the fear. Ask for help or advice. Odds are that you are not alone in your homeschool fears. Get on your knees and ask God for guidance, wisdom, courage, and peace. Counsel with your spouse. Most importantly don’t give up!

Remember: You chose to homeschool for a reason. That reason is still there, despite the fears and hardships you face.

What are some of the biggest fears you have faced in homeschooling your children and how have you overcome them?