The Good, the Bad and the Ugly reality of homeschooling your kids.

 As a homeschool Mum people have often presumed that I must be completely insane to want to live 24/7 with my kids and teach them at home instead of sending them to school.

It may just have a tiny bit of truth to it, however our reasons for this path seem to be a lot of the same reasons other families are looking into this style of  education.

In today’s hectic world our family unit and the bonds with our kids are diminishing rapidly. We work harder for longer and with less money in our pocket every week. We are relying more on other people to be the carers and educators of our kids. Yet we have barely any control of what is happening to our kids or what and who they are exposed to when we are not looking. That is the simple truth of it all.

There are hundreds of different reasons why over 45 000 kids are now being homeschooled in Australia. It really does not matter the reason why you may be curious about homeschooling your kids, what matters is how equipped you feel with the tools and confidence needed to make it an experience that will ultimately be instrumental in building kids that are resilliant, confident and happy humans. Kids that wake up in the morning eager to start the day. Not a kid that we struggle to get out of bed, yell at them to be ready on time, to put on uniforms, endure frustration in the classroom and then do hours of homework.

But lets be real….

 The common Homeschooling reality is NOT the pretty images we see on instagram of  home schooled kids happily playing in streams, rock hopping, collecting bugs and  allowing life to be the education. 

If you are wanting that, this may not be the style or site for you.

Whay I do offer is honest advice,  a bit of sassy attitude, motivation and planning skills and  real life tools to help you and your kids navigate this lifestyle.

And believe me its not without drama, chaos, cussing, and the occasional day drinking. But I can guarantee you will have days of absolute bliss, big wins and happy faces.

The reality is a majority of us live in suburbia in big towns and citys. We dont have a farm or homestead with a thousand acres to explore.

My reality was home-educating my girls for nearly 20 years, managing our household with washing, cooking and cleaning. Then also  stressing over family commitments, a dwindling bank balance, all while running a small business with my husband from home, in our kitchen alongside our girls, nose deep into art and craft project.

 With all this, I can offer you years of experience with my many failures and do-overs in addition to all the things that did work. You will benefit in all the best and most helpful ways so you dont do it the hard way.{ I now understand my premature grey hair and wrinkles.} 

But…all the trials and tribulations of home education have certainly come with rewards. I am a proud homeschool mum.

So here is my bragging rights…..

Our oldest daughter has completed her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology and our youngest (there is an 8 year age gap) has entered her 5th year of University studying Veterinary Science.

So a big middle finger to those who said this type of education will not allow a university education pathway, those that said it will be a disaster and to those that said I will go literally insane and we are a bunch of weirdos.

I think this experience can give me a little credibility as it speaks volumes for the amazing educational journey that homeschooling can bring.

So if you want to learn how to do this from someone who has actually done it… Twice, I will show you HOW.

I do not claim to be an expert, nor am I a qualified teacher, but I am qualified to share all my experiences. From our humble beginnings of teaching from the kitchen table through to the advancements of digital learning.

I will happily share with you tips and tricks that will guide and support you along this daunting yet equally amazing homeschool journey.

I will provide you with honesty, the sometimes ugly truths of trying to do it all. I will pass on to you and your kids all that I have learnt to make it easier for you all.

 Life is hard enough and sometimes we just need that someone to lead the way. I can be that someone. I will be raw, perhaps controversial, I will bring some laughs and some smiles but most of all I bring the best of intentions to help you and your family thrive…not just survive.

Homeschooling…No Pay… but plenty of Pride !