Do you ever have thoughts

[groovyhsmama]

that you will fail your child by HSing?

My son is 5yo and we are just beginning it all. My hubby is a critic and skeptic. I wonder how I will measure up.
I did buy some books yesterday to begin this process, but my ds is rading online books and already doing add/subtract.

He wants to learn the Presidents of the USA.

I need to study up!

[Lenethren]

I had doubts in the beginning. I don't have any at all now. Like most new things you just need to become comfortable with it which will take a bit of time. It's worth it though!

[4given]

that you will fail your child by HSing?

I just wanted to encourage you to pursue HSing without fear. Think about the things that are most important to you concerning your child. Academics are very imp. but even more imp. is character training.
You know your child better than anyone and have the deepest love and concern for them.
Educationally, one-to-one tutoring has many advantages over a classroom with 25+ children.
You do not need to know everything in order to teach. Your example and enthusiam in learning with your children will motivate and encourage them.

I am told on over and over that it takes a very special woman to HS. I say to that, "The only thing special about me (besides Christ in me) is that I WANT to do it." I have given up a great many things for the opportunity to HS. I WANT TO DO IT. I see fruit from it everyday. Good fruit. Excellent fruit.
I HSed for 2 yrs then threw in the towel for many reasons, mostly fear. Two yrs in PS was enough to convince me to go back to HS. Now, we are in our second year back. I've been on both sides of the fence and let me tell ya- the grass isn't greener over there.

Go for it!
Sheila in IN

[Calla_Dragon]

I also had doubts at first, especially in the face of immense criticism from family, but as my son progressed, I gained more confidence. Don't let anyone tell you you're not qualified to teach your child. You taught him to walk, talk, eat, use the toilet, etc. Homeschoolers are generally very good about knowing their limits and work very hard to ensure a good education for their kids - even if that education goes beyond the parent's own knowledge. There are classes, co-ops, and groups everywhere that can help augument a child's education - not to mention early college, online classes, etc. to fill in the gaps. The early years are a lot easier because I don't care who you are, we all have a grasp on basic math, reading, and such and can teach it to our kids. IMO, the point of homeschooling is to instill a love of learning and the academic basics in a child so that when the time comes when their knowledge might surpass our own, they have an intense love of learning and the ability to seek out information and knowledge on their own and don't really need us to sit by them all day long. At that point, we provide guidance, but they provide the rest.

[groovyhsmama]

Thank you all! I have a great local support group that I treasure! Some who have HS'd for a couple of years, some for 12 years.
I have knowledge (dh doesn't give me enough credit), but I love the fact that when ds sees me at the chalkboard (we painted one on a wall) he says, Who has prayer requests?
I teach at church too and that's my 1st question.
Character learning is another trait of HSing that I love!
He opens my doors for me and his dad doesn't.

Thank you all again!