The following DOs and DON'Ts for a successful homeschool experience are being presented in a series to allow for digestion and discussion. After homeschooling/unschooling my own children for over 22 years I've discovered what worked and what didn't work for us was universal. Feel free to add your comments and concerns or ask questions.
#7 DO become computer savvy and embrace all the latest technology. We have entered the information age...embrace it! Learn your way around the internet so you can find lots of free materials, information and great deals on books, trips and more. Develop your own communication and technological skills in order to help your children with theirs. Technology keeps changing, sometimes overnight it seems, and children have a natural talent for learning it quickly and efficiently. Just be sure to monitor and limit their online time. Remember the mimeograph machine? That was high tech in my day. Now we have gadgets you can hold in the palm of your hand and run an entire business from. We love the new technology and its widgets but be sure to make time for some good old fashion fun and relaxation that doesn't involve the high tech world we now live in.
#7 DON'T be afraid to make drastic changes in order to accomplish your homeschooling goals. This could very well include selling everything you own and moving to a more homeschooling friendly state. All things are temporary. Once your children are grown you can move back. We need to reach beyond our comfort zone sometimes, especially if it involves what is best for our children and our families. Scary thought I know but you'll be amazed at how emotionally and physically strong you are when it comes to protecting the well being of your children. As parent it is your solemn duty to guard against anything that will harm your child physically, mentally, spiritually and educationally. A parent who wants their child to learn from '
the school of hard knocks' is unfit to raise that child. Never underestimate the tactics of school and government officials in your state. If you're not willing to take a stand and defend your children and your right to educate them as you see fit then sometimes it is best to go where there is little or no interference with your homeschooling.
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