When considering homeschooling, most people will ask, “Can I homeschool?” And, while a valid question, it probably isn’t the one you should be asking. The more appropriate question is, “Should I homeschool?”
When we decided to start homeschooling, it was because of a deep belief that it would be the best thing for our family. We had no idea how to start homeschooling, but we were ready to take a risk for our kids. We researched it thoroughly, had family discussions, and then chose the path we felt was best.
Two months later, we threw most everything out the window and started all over. Why? Because there is no way to prepare yourself or your family for homeschooling. It is wonderful, amazing, horrendous, scary, beautiful, and messy. There are hundreds of curriculum options and dozens of philosophies. And there's no shortage of people telling you how to do it best even if those "how-to's" directly contradict each other.
In short, it's overwhelming.
At the beginning of our homeschool journey, I realized that things were not going the way I wanted. I had envisioned this happy homeschool full of fun, field trips, learning, and togetherness. I had researched all the homeschooling methods, read dozens of curriculum reviews, and bookmarked page after page of homeschooler bloggers. I spent hours that summer putting all the lesson plans into a software program I had used during my teaching years. I had each day laid out with breaks smattered throughout.
I had a plan – a beautiful, detailed, typed-out plan.
It was fail-proof.
That is – until it failed.
Is your homeschool relaxed and inviting?
At one time, our homeschool was miserable. We were following all the “rules of school” and enjoying absolutely none of it. School had become stale and boring, and we desperately needed to add a little bit of Enchantment to our relaxed Charlotte Mason homeschool.
In a former life, I have been a CPA, CFO, Bakery Owner, and a few other jobs with acronyms. I have always worked because I enjoy working. I enjoy having something that gives me a feeling of self-worth. I like having something that is mine and makes me feel like I’m contributing not only to our family, but to society as well.
After I had children I spent a lot of my time taking care of them, but as they have gotten older they have needed me less and I wanted to feel productive. So, I continued working while homeschooling. Is this a struggle? I’m not going to lie. Sometimes it is. I want to do all. the. things! I want to have this amazing enchanted, relaxed homeschool. But, how is that possible as a working homeschool mom?
Over the years our routines have changed. Our homeschool has evolved as my children have matured and as I’ve become more comfortable with our routines. But, our constant has been the Charlotte Mason philosophy. We are not strict adherents, but more of loose followers of this homeschool philosophy.
So, take a peek inside a day in the life of our relaxed Charlotte Mason homeschool.
