How to Tackle Doubts About Home Education

Choosing to home educate your child is a big decision, and it’s probably one you haven’t taken lightly. That being said, it still doesn’t mean that you don’t doubt the choice you’ve made from time to time. 

Am I making the right decision for my child?

Will my child miss out from not attending a public school?

Am I capable of teaching my child?

How will I find the time to home educate around work?

We’ve all probably had at least one of these intrusive thoughts (I know I have!) and that’s completely normal. Of course we’re going to worry. It’s our child’s education after all. But, ultimately, you know what feels right for you and your family. 

What May Have Caused Your Doubt

You probably already know the answer to this, and for many of us it can be a mixture of things. Comments from family or friends, even strangers, can place a seed of doubt in our minds. It may be our own thoughts that start to worry us, whether it be before starting Home Education or during. 

Sometimes, it’s as simple as having a really tough day when home educating, which can make us feel like we’re not doing enough or getting it right. The truth is, there’s no right way. And there’s no perfect Home Education set up, timetable, routine, etc. 

How to Deal with Doubts About Home Education

1. Figure out the source of your doubt

The first step to tackling doubt is figuring out where it comes from or what has caused it. Was it something someone said? A reaction from your child? Or are you feeling a certain way about Home Education?

Try and write down what it is that is worrying you or the concerns that you might have. From this you can acknowledge how you are feeling and try to figure out why. This is where a Home Education journal comes in handy!

2. Talk to someone

When you’re having doubts, one of the best things to do is to talk to someone, especially another home educator. What you will find is that many people will have been in a similar position to you or may have felt the same way about their own child’s Home Education journey.

Talking it out can help alleviate some of your concerns, and there’s always that sense of relief that it’s normal to worry and know that you are not alone. 

You’ll find that once you do voice your doubts, you’ll receive a lot of great advice which can really help to validate your decisions or steer you in the right direction.

3. Change it up

If what you are currently doing isn’t working for either you or your child, try changing it up. Adjust routines or be flexible. Try a different approach. Test out a new curriculum. Hear what your child has to say. 

Often small changes can have a big impact, and there’s no harm in going through a trial and error phase. 

4. Do a bit more research

Worries can easily arise from feeling overwhelmed or being underprepared, so if it feels like it’s all getting a bit too much, take a breather and go back to learning and researching Home Education.

The more you learn, the more prepared you’ll feel and the easier it will be to keep going.

5. Remember why you chose to home educate in the first place

Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves why we chose to home educate in the first place. If we think back to all the reasons why, it may give us the determination to keep going.

A good idea is to keep a list of your reasons for home educating. Then, whenever you are having doubts, take a look at them and they will remind you of your purpose. 

6. Listen to your children

Although we likely know our children inside and out, it’s worth listening to them and their opinions. You might find that there was an underlying issue that needed to be talked about or something that needed to change. 

Sometimes, a family chat is all that’s needed. But if your children are struggling to open up, get them to write it down. Remember, even though we’re responsible for it, it’s their education. 

7. Write down some Home Education goals

Writing down some future goals can help to make things seem less daunting because we’ve got something to aim towards. It can also help to clear our heads and ease the doubts that we do have.

Your goals don’t have to be big. In fact, they can be small successes, such as doing one hour of outdoor learning a day. 

And don’t worry about rushing to achieve your goals within a certain timeframe. Take each achievement as it comes and don’t put any pressure on yourself or your child. 

8. Trust your gut

Ultimately, we know ourselves and our children better than anyone. If we feel like we are making the right decision, then we probably are. 

We’ve just got to remind ourselves that doubt is completely normal. 

“When you feel like you’re not doing enough, you’re doing more than enough”

– Liberated to Learn

Every home educator is bound to have doubts from time to time. Just remember that it doesn’t mean that you are doing anything wrong. 

So, if in doubt, follow these steps and know that you are doing the best you can. 

If Home Education really isn’t for you and your family there’s no shame in admitting it and going back to public school. Home Education is a journey and everyone’s path is different.