Ester Desir When my husband and I were preparing to send our oldest daughter to kindergarten, we knew we wanted her to attend a school aligned with our Christian beliefs. We considered both Christian private schools and homeschooling as options. Still, at that time, homeschooling was challenging to manage as I was working a demanding job that required me to be on call 24/7 while juggling multiple businesses.
Fortunately, we secured a state scholarship that helped cover part of the tuition for our daughters during their elementary enrollment. We were thrilled to find a private Christian school that we all fell in love with, and our daughters thrived in that environment. My youngest daughter started Pre-K there, which made for an easy transition into elementary. I could envision our daughters graduating there.
However, when the companies I worked for ultimately closed down, we found ourselves in a difficult financial situation. We were worried about how to continue investing in private education. Thankfully, the school was compassionate and graciously provided financial aid to help cover the difference that the scholarship didn’t cover. We were so grateful for their generosity and kindness during a challenging time.
As we eagerly waited to hear back from the scholarship committee for the upcoming school year, I felt a tug of my heart calling me to homeschool. I found myself exploring the idea of homeschooling. The prospect of taking my daughter’s education into my own hands was exciting and daunting. I knew it would be a big responsibility, but I was determined to make the most of it.
Our search began
I spent a lot of time researching homeschooling, curriculums, and the community. I read articles and watched homeschool moms’ reviews on YouTube, met with program directors, and spoke with other homeschooling parents to gather all the information I could. Despite the resources available, I still felt nervous about whether I could provide my daughter with the education she deserved.
Finally, just a week before the school orientation, I approached my husband about my desire to homeschool. Not only did it make financial sense, but it felt like the right time to transition. I was no longer working and at home with our son. My husband was still determining if I fully understood the commitment, considering we recently had a baby, and he was traveling more for work. However, with the pending scholarship, we decided to take the leap and start our homeschooling journey.
Our first year
During my first year of homeschooling, I felt nervous and uncertain about the whole process. It was definitely a challenge at first, but we persevered and learned together. I was grateful I joined the Classical Conversations Community in my area. This community provided me with the perfect support system that I needed at the time. We met for parent-led classes every week and went on field trips together.
Being a part of this community was one of the best decisions I made because I received the guidance and support I needed and made some great friends. I learned from other parents’ experiences and realized I wasn’t alone in my journey. They taught me about resources available, like FB homeschool groups. Moreover, my kids made wonderful friendships they still cherish today, even though we have shifted to another part of the country. The sense of belonging and community that we felt was truly special.
Encouragement
Homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially the first year when you have no clue where to start. But don’t let that stop you! With the right tools and guidance, homeschooling can be a rewarding experience for you and your child. Believe in yourself and take the first step towards your homeschooling journey by joining a local community of like-minded families who will uplift and guide you along the way. The best place to start is by joining local homeschool groups on Facebook. Get connected. You’ve got this!
Read “10 Simple Reasons We Fell In Love with Homeschooling” to see how far we’ve come since beginning our homeschooling journey. Check out our everyday adventures on Instagram.
