How to Homeschool your First Year Successfully!

Your first year of homeschooling can be intimidating. The amount of curriculum and information online is overwhelming. But with a few key tips, you can homeschool your first year successfully.

I remember my first year like it was yesterday. There I was, a young mama with a wild toddler & a baby on my hip. So excited to try preschool at home.  Wondering what the first year would bring. Never realizing that there were so many wonderful benefits beyond education. Those have been pleasant surprises. Surprises I also want for you! 

I spent those first few years hyper focused on education. I used a free letter of the week curriculum. It was wonderful! And my son even survived me and my type A personality. 

Here we are almost eighteen years later and we still love how homeschooling fits our lives. My son grew into an amazing young man and now has four younger sisters, the youngest of which is five years old. 

The one thing I wish those veteran homeschooling mamas did when I first started, was point me toward the things that bring success. What I learned over the years was it wasn’t the curriculum – it was our connection. Once I learned that, I still get butterflies in my stomach with excitement every year.

Grab your coffee or tea. Come sit with me. Let’s talk a bit about how to homeschool successfully your first year….and beyond. 

Tips for How to Homeschool Your First Year Successfully

Relax

Yes, it is important to relax and stay calm. After handling your state’s legal requirements, step back and take a deep breath. Take stock. While you may be excited to jump right in, be sure you are well rested and ready, because there is no reason to rush. Homeschooling is a journey to life-long learning.

Realize

Know that you don’t have to have all the answers today. Nor do you have to know all the things, especially as you homeschool your first year.  The beauty of homeschooling is that mama can learn too! 

Why

It is vital that you remember your WHY. Why are you homeschooling? Write it out. Hang it up. On the harder days, go back to that why. It will help you stay the course. It has stood the test of time for me. 

Connection

This is the single most important goal for your first year. Building connection between you & your child(ren). That connection is what will make your homeschooling journey so much more than just “learning at home”. Have fun. Laugh. Laughter has defused many a hard day or situation. And enjoy the ride together.

Build

Build a tribe. Your tribe, first. Then, your children’s tribe. Having a support system is important for longevity. If your friends and family aren’t on board, find a good, solid group in your area that fits with your family dynamic and schedule. There are also many homeschool groups online that offer great support.

Diagnosis

If you are homeschooling for learning issues or mental health issues, it is important to work on the diagnosis so you can develop a solid treatment plan. A diagnosis and plan of action will aide you in choosing the best curriculum for your child(ren). 

Commit

No one can really tell if homeschooling is a good fit in a short time period. A day. A week. A month are too short to know. Commit to at least a year, maybe two before you make your final judgement.

Self-Care

Put yourself & your self-care into your homeschool budget & schedule. Even 15 minutes a day can give you the refreshment you need to push through the tough times. You are so very important to the success of your home. 

Mentor

Find a mentor to pour into you. Someone who has been there & done that to help you navigate the uncharted waters. To encourage you on those days when all you want to do is call the school district and send your child off on a bus. Or when the curriculum isn’t working. Having a veteran homeschool mom around to vent to and give you the push you need is so important.

Ask

It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to hire a tutor or consultant for a child that is struggling or more advanced. That’s not failure. That’s wisdom. 

I survived that first year and the next. Or maybe I should say my kids survived me! And you will too, Mama!

I’m so excited for you! Excited you are here in this wonderful space. Excited to see how you grow this year. Excited to see all the positive benefits you find beyond your expectations. 

I am your biggest cheerleader! Let me know how I can help!