Can I Really Home School My Children?

Thanks for joining me in Putting Handles on Homeschooling. Here we go!

Last year, we were at the library almost every Tuesday morning for 30 minutes between outside commitments. Over the course of the school year, I reckon I met at least 15 mothers who noticed me with the boys and asked me about homeschooling. Almost all of them, the first question they ask – Can I really home school?

Yes! Absolutely you can. These are the guidelines I give.

First, you have to pray about this. This decision is greater than you or your children. Make sure God has given you his approval.

Second, talk to your husband. It is my belief that husband in wife absolutely MUST be in agreement on this. Now, is this a conversation you can have bouncing ideas off of one another, or will you need to do all of your research ahead of time and have all of your information presented so he can be comfortable making a decision? You know him best, and you know how best to prepare for that conversation. Again, this decision is greater than you or your children. You will need his input and his help to be a successful home school family.

Third, know your legal requirements. In Texas, we are blessed to have very relaxed requirements. A homeschool is considered a private school, and as a private school we are required to provide:

a bona fide (good faith, not a sham or subterfuge) manner a curriculum consisting of books, workbooks, or written materials including that which appears on an electronic screen of either a computer or video tape monitor, or any combination of the preceding from (1) either one of a private or parochial school which exists apart from the child home or (2) which has been developed or obtained from any source, said curriculum designed to meet basic education goals of reading, spelling, grammar, mathematics and a study of good citizenship.

The other thing you should know is that if your child is (or has been) enrolled, then you will need to withdraw them. Refer to HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) or THSC (Texas Home School Coalition.) They will give you step by step instructions to ensure that you don’t end up with legal issues. If you are not in Texas, be sure to check out HSLDA. They have a list of what each state requires.

Lastly, if you have the desire to teach your kids, if you are willing to do the research, either through a curriculum or on your own – then YES, absolutely yes. You can do this!