My 5 Biggest Regrets after 15 Years of Homeschooling

1. Simple really is better. The philosophy that “more is better” is not optimal. Break down ideas into their absolute fundamental parts. 2. Over-trusting the experts. Trust yourself, look at your child, and create a homeschool specifically for your own child. You are the expert on your child. 3. Got too involved, helped too much with the learning. As the kids got older, I was still too engaged. Transition kids slowly to the idea of independent learning. Become comfortable in the messiness of learning independence. 4. Not keeping consistent journals. 5. Worrying too much about the kids “turning out okay.” Learn to let go, and trust. This will give you peace. Hope this blesses somebody!

I used to work as a tutor, and what you are talking about around 4 mins in is called "learned helplessness". Its basically where students second guess themselves and don't trust their own thought process and thinking. It is very easily remedied by asking questions about their process rather than showing/teaching them how to do it, and encouraging them to explain how they came to a specific answer (primarily with math and sciences, and even with correct answers). I don't think I had a single student that I had tutored that didn't struggle with this mindset, so I love that you are addressing it. Having this type of confidence and independence is such an important skill for kids to develop.

This is spot on! We've homeschooled for 12 years, still have many years to go, and I second everything you've said here!

This wad SO honest, thank you! If we ALL as parents, educators, guidance counselors, etc. were this honest with ourselves and with each other the world would be a far greater place. However, today the world is a little better because of your courage to share with us lessons learned and regrets. Thank you!

I think the most difficult judgement a homeschool parent has to learn is to make judgements that are not parental but come from an educational point of view. Sometimes, there is, for example, good reason to worry. If their skills are not up to snuff. The main response then is to do something about it. Worry, yes, does not solve anything but don't discount it. It is an early warning sign of a need.

Love this thank you for sharing! I needed to hear this as we are new to homeschooling.

Thank you for your wisdom, honesty and time 😌 I will be homeschooling our 2 year old and I cannot wait!

UK has gone into another full lockdown and our kids are back to remote learning. This video is amazing, I’m going to take your lessons and apply this to our home learning time at home. God bless you and your family xx

I appreciate your transparency.

Thank you! I really really appreciate this input from you long term homeschooling mama 😊

I have so many of the same regrets! Particularly allowing my older kids to take the reins more. As they graduated, it was a bit of a rough transition for them to suddenly not have me hovering anymore!

These are great tips. I use an online school and I don't go for over 2hrs. My son is 5 now and it works for us. People in my family thought I was being too hard letting him do stuff himself but now he builds all kinds of wonderful things by himself and he tells me when things are wrong. I feel confident by the time we reach the older years he can and will choose his own path and accomplish whatever he wants to.

What a wonderful video! Thank you! We just started homeschooling less than a month ago and I am already regretting not starting a journal. I am now going to! Thank you so much!

Thank you so much!!! This was such helpful information. I'm preparing to homeschool my 3 children after this school year. This will be a huge change for our family!!

Your videos are so incredibly helpful! I am trying to raise four kind, smart, and well rounded children. The current curriculum choices and videos are overwhelming to say the least. I am great full to have stubbled upon your channel.

Thank you! I was stressed out today and this is just what I wanted to hear. God bless.

Love this. I am on year 22 and have developed most of those same regrets.

Thank you very much for creating this sweet video on sharing your experiences on homeschooling. Truly helpful!

Thank you for sharing! I am on my second year of homeschooling and all these points hit home for me thank you!!

Thank you. Just thank you. Such great reminders especially about the worry. I found your video while doing my own worrying.