​
     I’ve been thinking about how important it is that we exercise or rights and freedoms, especially regarding our children. I have been homeschooling so long that I forget that homeschooling is still a new concept to many people. I have been thinking about how it is important for families to remember that public school is just one of many options, and personally I think it should not be the default choice. I have lived in states in America that are truly hands-off homeschoolers as they do not require any notification if you do not choose to use the public school system. This is the reason I have always chosen an umbrella school when living in states that demand to know if we will be using their school system.  As I was reflecting about the 4th of July, I started thinking about Freedom. The importance of less government oversight over our daily lives, particularly when it comes to educating and raising our children, stems from the principles of personal freedom, individual responsibility, and the recognition of parental rights. While it is crucial to ensure the well-being and safety of children, excessive government intervention can impede the ability of parents to make decisions and shape the lives of their own children.
      One of the fundamental aspects of a free society is the belief in individual liberty. This includes the freedom to make choices and decisions regarding our own lives and the lives of our children, as long as we do not infringe upon the rights of others. Parents have a unique understanding of their children's needs, values, and abilities. They are best equipped to make decisions that align with their family's values, cultural beliefs, and educational preferences. By limiting government oversight, we empower parents to exercise their judgment and take responsibility for the upbringing and education of their children. By allowing parents to take the lead in education and child-rearing decisions, we enable them to tailor the learning experiences and life lessons to the specific needs of their children, fostering a sense of identity and self-determination.
     Moreover, reducing government oversight encourages innovation and diversity in education. Different children have different learning styles, interests, and strengths. By embracing a more decentralized approach to education, parents can choose from a range of educational options, such as public, private, or homeschooling, as well as alternative teaching methodologies. This freedom to select the most suitable educational path for their children promotes creativity, competition, and the exploration of new teaching methods. It allows for a richer educational landscape that caters to diverse needs and encourages a lifelong love of learning. 
     The importance of less government oversight over our daily lives, including the education and upbringing of children, lies in the preservation of individual freedom, the recognition of parental rights, and the promotion of innovation and diversity in education. By trusting parents to make informed decisions and taking a more decentralized approach, we empower families to create nurturing environments that foster the unique potential of each child, while still maintaining a collective responsibility to protect the well-being of children. 
     As someone who has experienced homeschooling firsthand, I can attest that it is an exercise in freedom and a powerful demonstration of the importance of a tight family unit. Homeschooling allows families to break free from societal norms and take control of their children's education, tailoring it to their unique needs and values. It fosters a deep sense of connection and collaboration within the family, as parents and children embark on a shared learning journey together. The freedom to shape the curriculum, choose teaching methods, and explore individual interests promotes a genuine love for learning and personal growth. In a world where external influences can easily pull families apart, homeschooling strengthens the bonds within the family, creating a supportive and nurturing environment where children can thrive.

​     Maine is an ideal place for homeschooling, offering a picturesque environment, rich history, and a supportive community. Even during the summer, natural learning is taking place as you enjoy Maine. Its natural beauty becomes an outdoor classroom, while libraries, museums, and cultural centers provide educational resources. Homeschooling in Maine creates a flexible and enriching experience for children. Here is a list of free/affordable places to visit. 

1. Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails and mountains in places like Mt. Blue State Park, Baxter State Park, Grafton Notch State Park, and Bradbury Mountain State Park.
2. Swimming: Take a refreshing dip in natural swimming holes and lakes such as Range Ponds State Park, Wilson Lake, Sebago Lake, or Long Lake.
3. Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic with family or friends at local parks like Lithgow Public Library Park in Augusta or Riverfront Park in Lewiston.
4. Outdoor Concerts: Attend free outdoor concerts and live music events held in various towns and cities throughout the summer. Check local event listings for schedules.
5. Farmers' Markets: Visit farmers' markets in towns like Portland, Augusta, and Bangor to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, sample local produce, and support local farmers.
6. Museums and Historical Sites: Some museums and historical sites in the area offer discounted or free admission on specific days. Check out the Maine State Museum in Augusta or the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath.
7. Festivals and Fairs: Attend community festivals and fairs, such as Wilton’s Blueberry Festival, the Skowhegan State Fair, or the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland. Admission fees may apply, but many offers free activities and entertainment.
8. Wildlife Watching: Explore wildlife-rich areas like the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, or the Moosehead Lake region, where you can spot a variety of birds, mammals, and other creatures.
9. Local Libraries: Visit your local library to find free summer programs for children and adults, including storytelling, book clubs, and educational workshops.
10. Art Walks: Join art walks in towns like Portland or Lewiston-Auburn, where local artists showcase their work in galleries and public spaces.
11. Beach Days: Spend a day at public beaches like Popham Beach State Park or Higgins Beach, where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the sun. 
12. Outdoor Movies: Attend outdoor movie screenings hosted by local organizations or parks. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a movie under the stars.
13. Canoeing/Kayaking: Explore the many rivers and lakes in the area by renting a canoe or kayak. Places like Kineowatha Park in Wilton, the Kennebec River or Rangeley Lake offer scenic paddling opportunities.
14. Nature Walks: Take a leisurely stroll through nature reserves and trails, such as the Whistle Stop Train in Farmington, the Kennebec River Rail Trail, or the Saco Riverwalk, and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
15. Astronomy Events: Participate in stargazing events organized by astronomy clubs or observatories, where you can learn about the night sky and observe celestial objects.

Remember to check the specific websites or contact the respective organizations for any updated information on schedules, fees, and availability. Enjoy your summer adventures in Maine!

When I first ventured into the world of homeschooling, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was a time before the widespread availability of internet resources and seeking out answers required dedicated effort. I devoured books about homeschooling and learned about many different types of educational approaches. I will cover my most researched approaches, but first I will share a book by a married couple who are known as the “grandparents of homeschooling”. One of the books that emerged as a beacon of guidance and inspiration: "The Successful Homeschool Handbook" by Dorothy and Raymond Moore. Their philosophy, encapsulated within its pages, instilled in me the confidence to embark on this homeschooling journey.
1. Embracing Individualized Learning: As a homeschooling parent, I quickly realized that my child's education needed to cater to their unique strengths, learning styles, and interests. The Moore philosophy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of individualized learning. Their book provided valuable insights on tailoring teaching methods, adapting curriculum, and fostering a love for learning specific to my child's needs. By embracing this approach, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of personalized education, allowing my child to flourish academically and emotionally.
2. Discovering Flexibility: In those early days of homeschooling, I yearned for the flexibility to adapt our schedule to suit my child's learning rhythm. The Moore philosophy acknowledged the significance of flexible schedules, enabling children to learn at their own pace. The Successful Homeschool Handbook provided practical strategies for organizing our days, accommodating breaks, and fostering independent learning. This flexibility empowered us to dive deeper into topics of interest, take spontaneous field trips, and create an enriching learning environment that nurtured a genuine thirst for knowledge.
3. Emphasizing Real-Life Experiences: The Moore philosophy emphasized the importance of incorporating real-life experiences into education. Their book encouraged hands-on learning, field trips, and practical activities that connected academic concepts to the world outside our home. This approach resonated deeply with me, as it enabled my child to see the relevance of their studies in a tangible way. By embracing the Moore philosophy, we engaged in exciting experiments, explored nature, visited museums, and connected with the community, fostering a holistic educational experience that extended beyond textbooks.
4. Fostering Strong Family Bonds: Perhaps one of the most profound aspects of the Moore philosophy was its recognition of the pivotal role that strong family relationships play in a child's education. As a homeschooling parent, this resonated deeply with me. The Successful Homeschool Handbook provided insights into creating a nurturing and supportive environment within the family unit. It highlighted the benefits of open communication, trust-building, and fostering a love for learning together. Through homeschooling, my child and I developed a profound bond, and our family became a tight-knit unit that supported and encouraged one another's educational journeys.

The Moore philosophy, encapsulated in their influential book, "The Successful Homeschool Handbook," was a guiding light for me during those early years of homeschooling. Their emphasis on individualized learning, flexibility, real-life experiences, and strong family bonds shaped the foundation of our homeschooling journey. It instilled in me the confidence to chart our own educational path, tailored to my child's needs and aspirations. As an eclectic homeschooler, this book was one of many that I used for inspiration.

    As another academic year draws to a close, we homeschooling families find ourselves reflecting on the successes and challenges we faced throughout the year. Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to tailor education to the needs and interests of each child, making it a flexible and empowering choice for many families. We are wrapping up another year of homeschooling with goals to relish the summer to its fullest. Of course, we are also already preparing for the upcoming school year. The various approaches to homeschooling, including Classical, Unschooling, Montessori, Waldorf, Nature Based, and eclectic, allow us to create personalized learning environments for each child.
     As homeschoolers, the end of the academic year serves as a time of reflection and celebration. We can look back and appreciate the milestones, accomplishments, and growth that our children have experienced. Whether it was mastering a new skill, delving into a favorite subject, or embarking on a unique project, each achievement becomes a source of pride and motivation for both parents and students. By taking the time to reflect on the year, we gain valuable insights into our children's progress and can make informed decisions about the future.
     One of the many benefits of homeschooling is the freedom it offers to make the most of the summer months. With no rigid schedule to adhere to, families can explore, travel, engage in hands-on activities, and delve into their passions. The flexibility of homeschooling allows us to blend education with the joys of summertime, creating unforgettable memories and experiences. Whether it's going on nature hikes, visiting museums, participating in summer camps, or pursuing hobbies, the summer becomes a time for holistic growth and enrichment.
     As the summer draws to a close we start gearing up for the upcoming academic year. This planning phase allows us to evaluate our educational goals, select appropriate curricula and resources, and establish a framework for their homeschooling journey. Here, the diverse approaches to homeschooling play a vital role in helping families chart their path. Here are some of the popular approaches:
1. Classical Education: Classical homeschooling focuses on the trivium, consisting of three stages: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. It emphasizes critical thinking, classical literature, and the study of history, philosophy, and languages.
2. Unschooling: Unschooling is centered around child-led learning, where children pursue their interests and passions freely. The focus is on fostering curiosity, independence, and a love for learning by providing resources and support as needed.
3. Montessori: Montessori homeschooling encourages hands-on, experiential learning and emphasizes self-directed exploration. It utilizes specially designed materials and environments to cultivate independence and a love for learning.
4. Waldorf: Waldorf homeschooling emphasizes a holistic approach to education, incorporating arts, nature, and hands-on activities. It nurtures imagination, creativity, and a reverence for nature and the world around us.
5. Nature-Based: Nature-based homeschooling integrates outdoor experiences, nature study, and environmental education. It prioritizes connecting with nature, fostering ecological awareness, and developing a deep appreciation for the natural world.
6. Eclectic: Eclectic homeschooling combines elements from various approaches and tailors them to meet the unique needs of each child. It allows families to create a customized approach that aligns with their values, interests, and educational goals.
     As homeschoolers, we have the privilege of not only wrapping up a year of personalized education but also enjoying a summer of freedom and exploration.

Have you been in Walmart lately? Or any box store for that matter. All the back to school supplies are out. And I LOVE it. It's really my favorite time of year. Even though my youngest is a senior, I still hit the aisles just yesterday and happily walked out with a bag full of notebooks, pens, and pencils. There is nothing like a fresh notebook in my opinion. I use them for everything - not just school. 

While reading some of the more recent posts in some homeschooling Facebook groups I'm in, I'm seeing a little bit of panic in some newer homeschoolers about getting everything *just so* before they start the year. Let me share what I have done in the past. 

I call it a "Rolling Start." What does that mean? 

There have been years when September 1st rolled around, that I had only a few of my curriculum choices for the year...or none. Or I had everything, but hadn't put together a schedule for my kiddos yet. Here are some of the things I've done over the years when I felt the panic myself. 

1. Schedule a few field trips to start the year. Fall in Maine is the absolutely best time to explore the state. I'm sure the same can be said for many others places as well. Some of our favorite places to visit in Maine are: 

• Maine Wildlife Park
• Fort Knox & Penobscot Narrows Observatory 
  • Here's a list of ALL the Maine Forts for more options
• Leonard's Mills (they used to have Living History Days in early October that are a must do)
• Cole Land Transportation Museum
• Old York (York, ME)
• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (I really want to go again and see the trolls in person!)

2. Start with what you have. If you don't have all of your curriculum yet, that's okay. Start with what you have adding in the rest as it arrives. When I went with this option, we would typically be fully going within one month. It was a nice gentle start to the year, especially if you take the entire summer off.

3. Spend the first month reading good books and/or playing games. Don't discount the ability to learn through reading or playing games. (For a great list for grades K+, I recommend Ambleside Online - this link will take you to their main page, click on "By Year", then click the year, then click booklist - small box on the right side...CLICK HERE). For a list of some of our favorite learning games, check out this blog post I wrote with a list included. 

You don't need to have it all together to start. Start where you are and just continue to add. My biggest piece of advice is DON'T PANIC! You have enough time. You're child will be just fine. You've got this. 

​

Over the last few weeks I've had a few conversations about what "counts" for education. (Read my thoughts on that here.) I've also had a few conversations about what to do with a child, in particular high school age, who doesn't like school. They don't like to read. They despise textbooks. They have struggled to get through classes. They are just putting in the time until they can be done with a capital D!

I'm here today to tell you that your homeschool education doesn't have to tick the boxes that a public school does. You don't need four years of English, four years of math, two years of social studies, three years of science, five electives, and so on in order to convey a diploma on your student. Your head is now exploding, I'm sure. Let me back up for just a moment. 

You may have been told at some point when you decided to homeschool that your child will "never get in to college" or that they will need an "accredited transcript/diploma." I may not have an independent fact checker here, but let me just tell you loudly now, this is FALSE!

What is accreditation? Accreditation is when an outside agency comes in and evaluates how the high school operates. They look at what they are using for curriculum, how they grade, and so on. All of this costs money. Let me take it one step further. There are high schools in the state of Maine (and I'm sure elsewhere) that are not accredited. Again, this costs money that many districts just do not have. However, because they are public schools, they will be treated as if they are accredited. 

So, what does that mean for a homeschooling family? Stop putting pressure on yourself to ensure what you are doing at home is "accredited." It just simply does not matter in this day and age. It can cost upward of $1000 per year to have your transcript accredited by an outside agency. The money is better used paying for college than for a piece of paper to get into a college. 

I often also get asked, "What does my child need to graduate? What kind and how many classes/credits do they need so the state will give them a diploma?"

I answer: "As of this writing, there are no state standards (in Maine) a child must meet in order to receive a diploma. The state does not issue diplomas. Every school district decides. You, as the homeschooling parent will give your child their diploma so you, as the homeschooling parent, decides what they need to do in order to earn it." 

Now, that's the simply answer. Let's dig in to some details. 

I'm sure you have realized at this point that every child is different. I have three sons. My two oldest have graduated my high school and are now in college. My oldest will finish college in a few short months. My youngest is still at home finishing high school. What worked for son one did not work for son two. What worked for sons one and two is not working for son three. Every single one of my boys is different and vastly so. 

My oldest son did two years at a local community college before transferring to a local state university. My middle son went straight to a four year local university. My youngest will most likely only attend a tech college. This means that the way I did their high school education was a reflection of what there plans were for after high school. 

Look at what your child does like to do and build from there. For example, you may have a child who loves to work on cars. Every spare moment has them tinkering on some engine. Use that as a course. Buy a project car and have them fix it up to sell. Have them work on neighbor cars for reduced rates. Use this time to build their knowledge. Look at doing dual enrollment at a local tech school program in an automotive program. Find a local mechanic who will let them work part-time and teach them along the way (apprenticeship/internship). This idea can be used for anything they may have interest in.

Maybe they have plans to start their own business one day. Have them write up a business plan (that's English). Learn about accounting (that's math). Learn about the history of their chosen field. 

The BEST benefit of homeschooling is you can make it look like anything you want. You can take what they are interested in and use it to get them started on their life goals early. 

When it comes to their education, think outside the box. Way outside the box if you need to. It doesn't need to come from a textbook in order to count as education. Creating hands on courses that work for your child are highly encouraged. Find a way that your child learns and use it!

In the end, we all want our child to become a successful adult. Give them the tools they need to do this and it's a win for everyone.  

As the school year has started, I am seeing a lot of new homeschoolers asking "does XYZ count" towards our learning for the day. 

The simple answer is YES. It ALL counts! 

I have often said, tongue in cheek, that if you are not locking your child in a sensory deprivation room for hours on end, they will learn. We are hardwired to learn new things. Exploring our world and our environment ensures learning. When tools are available, learning happens more readily. 

I have used a number of different unconventional items over the years in our homeschool. I have been creative in my teaching thus my kids have been creative in their learning. 

One thing I love using in our homeschool are games - board games, card games, computer games. There are so many things one can learn from games. The basic skills needed - taking turns, strategy, following directions - are used in many styles of games. 

(These are not affiliate links - just sharing so you can see what I'm talking about...)

Some of my favorites include: 

• Rat-a-Tat-Cat - this is a card game that even I enjoy geared for ages 6 and up. However, once a child can count to 10, they can probably play the game. There are a couple of different versions - one easier than another. The goal is to have the lowest number.
• Sum Swamp - a board game geared to teaching basic addition and subtraction. I enjoyed this one as much as my sons did. It's also quick so you can play multiple games without it taking forever. Geared for ages 5+ (or younger with help)
• Set - a card game that messes with your mind (in a good way). You have to make matches but they can be in multiple ways. You can match color, shapes, or number or any other combo. 
• Ticket to Ride - This is one of my favorites that we still play. You have destinations you must build your train line to gaining points for each destination you succeed in making. The link here is for the American version but they have many other versions. It's a great way to learn geography and strategy also comes in to play. This is geared for ages 8+ but there is also a First Journey version for ages 6+. Younger can play with help.
• Settlers of Catan - This is a family favorite. We started playing this one when our oldest was only seven years old. It is geared for ages 10+ so we did give him some help to start. Note that the version linked is good for 3-4 players. If you want more than that, you'll need to buy the expansion pack as well. There is tons of strategy involved with this game. There is also a junior version geared for ages 6-10. 

Learning can also happen outside of "normal" learning time. I have been known to count Sunday School and BIble club (AWANA) for learning. It can include non-workbook/non-textbooks learning. 

I count field trips as the learning for the day. On field trips day we would listen to audio books while driving there. I talked about the power of audio books earlier. We would then enjoy the field trip taking in all we could. I rarely ever made my kids write up a report but that is another way to ensure they learned something. We would simply talk about it. I would always ask my kids what their favorite part of the day was and why. 

Favorite field trips we have done throughout Maine. I am including all of our favorites, but please ensure these are still operating due to the current climate in the world. 

• Maine State Museum - We have done focused field trips here but just going and exploring is also fun. Admission is free for educators including homeschoolers. Simply fill out a form at the front desk when checking in. Note they are currently closed for extensive renovations. 
• Maine Wildlife Park - I normally coordinate a large field trip here either in the spring or the fall. There is an admission fee. If you do a field trip, it is usually $5/person. They are currently open by reservations only. It's a great outdoor space with lots of animals native to the state of Maine. It's always a highlight of our year.
• Leonard's Mills - This is a great living history museum. They typically hold a two day event in October that is full with reenactors running the village as it would have been in days of long ago. The last few times I have attended there were Civil War reenactors camped out as well. This is located above Brewer in the town of Bradley. It is part of the Maine Forest and Logging Museum. You can check their Facebook page for their current policies. 
• Orono Bog Boardwalk - This is part of the Bangor City Forest. We were able to go with a guide quite a few years ago. I would recommend it even if you just go to explore on your own. This is free.
• Fort Knox - We love exploring Fort Knox. They used to do a medieval fair on Labor Day weekend but I don't think they have held that event for the last few years. This fort is in excellent shape and a great place to go run around and imagine what life would have been like all those years ago. The Penobscot Narrows Observatory is also there and, if you don't mind heights, a great place to check out as well. There is a small fee to enter, more if you are not a Maine resident. 
• DEW Animal Haven - A great place to see exotic animals in Maine (tigers and lions!). They also have wild animals and domesticated animals. From now until October 11th, they are only open on the weekends. We have done field trips here in the past which makes it a little less expensive. I am unsure if they are currently doing field trips. 
• Apple Orchards - This is a great time to explore local apple orchards. While we have often done field trips, you can do these without one. I have to say though, we did a tour one year at Ricker Hill in Turner. That was fun as they showed us what it's like "behind the scenes" to sort apples and make cider. They also have a wonderful playground with fun activities to explore. 

This is a very, VERY small snapshot of the field trips we have done in the state. There are too many to list here, but maybe one day soon I'll put together a more comprehensive list. 

Homeschooling doesn't have to look like your child sitting behind a desk filling in worksheets to count as education. It can just as easily be taking a hike up the mountain exploring nature (science and PE). It can look like visiting grandparents and listening to them talk about what life was like when they were little (history). It can look like helping mom and dad do home improvements or even chores around the house (life skills). It can look like going along on errands and learning to interact with the world around them (social skills). It can look like a day spent on the couch reading (all the subjects!). 

I hope this gives you an idea of what learning can look like. It ALL counts. Anything you do where your child is learning, is educational and worthy of their time and effort. Count. It. All. 

Homeschoolers across the nation are starting back to school this week. Many have a few days or even weeks already under their belt. Then there are others (like me) who have yet to start even planning. Given this is my 18th year, I'm okay with that. 

Here is some of my tried and true advice for those just starting out. There are a lot of you out there. While some of this is Maine specific, some will work no matter where you live.

• No one at the state level (up to this point) is checking off and making sure you submit your Letter of Intent (or Subsequent Letter with assessment) by September 1st. They don't have the capacity to track the almost 6,000 homeschooling student (the Maine DOE reported 5,963 home education students in April 2019) and I'm absolutely sure that number is much higher this year.
• If you are contacted about a missing Letter of Intent, simply send in a copy (you should have kept one) or submit one. They have 10 days from notifying you to start truancy proceedings (which actually take much longer to do). You have time to make it right. 
• You are not required by law to use the online portal set up by the Maine Department of Education that is now on their website. It is not a new requirement. The law has not changed. A paper copy is still acceptable. 
• You are submitting a Letter of Intent. You are not submitting an application. You do not need approval. You simply need to state your intention to homeschool. 
• Know the law and follow it. Do what is required (do not do more). Homeschoolers that came before you fought long and hard for the freedom we enjoy today to homeschool as we do. In fact, I have another post planned about the history of homeschooling in Maine.
• Relax. Just relax. You are not going to mess up your child. I promise. In fact, the opposite will likely be true - your child will do better than previously. 
• Relax and breathe. It needs to be on here twice. Enjoy this time at home with your children. I LOVE being with my kids. Do they drive me bonkers? Absolutely. Do I enjoy being home every day with them? Most of the time. Just like anything, it can take time to get used to a normal routine. If you aren't used to having your kids around you 24/7, know that it will take time for everyone to adjust. Give it time. 
• Routines are your friend. I'm not a strict routine follower, but when my kids were younger, I had schedules posted EVERYWHERE. I had eating schedules (it helped cut down on the "can I have a snack" 50,000 times a day question). Nap time was sacred at my house (mamma needed a break!). 
• Don't be a slave to your schedule. Go on the fun field trip that pops up. Take a day and just go explore your area. Don't let the textbooks and lessons take over your life.
• Making your five year old sit at a desk/table/flat surface for more than 15-30 minutes at a stretch is torture for both you and them. Little ones need to move more than they need to learn to read and write. Yes, I said it. Do not force learning on a child who is resistant and unwilling. If teaching them to read leaves one or both of you in tears, don't do it! When your child is ready to learn, it will click and be much easier for everyone involved. This is true times ten for little boys (of which I have raised three). My youngest son was not ready to learn to read until he was almost ten. You would never know that now. 
• No one will ever ask your child how old they were when they _______________ fill in the blank. It will never come up on a job application. It will not impact their future life UNLESS it was forced on them before they were ready. Let kids enjoy being kids. Make learning fun. Let them enjoy life.
• Spend time exploring outside every day especially for those in the younger grades (and it's good for older ones too). Doing some type of nature study every single day will be a nice reprieve from book learning, but have a far more reaching impact. Nature is calming. Enjoy it. We live in a great state to get out and explore. 
• Read good literature. Spend time reading aloud to your children (no matter how old they are). Read classics. Read above their grade level. Read things they wouldn't normally pick for themselves. Read. Read. Read. If you'd like to see a great book list of "living books," check out this list from Ambleside Online.
• Find someone you trust who has been homeschooling longer than you have and listen to their advice. Go to them for help. We veterans love to help those just starting out. 

These are just a few of my rambling thoughts on homeschooling on this crisp fall-like day. I hope it helps you just a little bit. 

The most important part in all of it? Relax. You can do this.