If your children are making the transition to home education from either a public, private or charter school, it is important to discuss your ideas about homeschooling with them, particularly if they are of the age when peer relationships and friendships have already been established and are highly valued. Although the final decision ultimately rests upon you, the parent, it is still necessary to discuss when, why and how the transition to homeschooling will occur. It is also imperative that you assure your child that they will still be able to form special friendships with other homeschooled children and that they can keep the old friendships that they have already forged. It is then your responsibility as a parent to get your child involved with other homeschooled families in order to keep your child's interest in homeschooling and not back at school where their friends are.
4.Get Involved. As mentioned before, it is crucial that homeschooled children are exposed to other homeschooled students, especially if they are homeschooling for the first year. Therefore, it is important that as a parent, you attend regular homeschool support group meetings where you can connect with other local homeschool families, socialize, network and exchange teaching ideas and advice. If there is not a local support group that meets your needs, find one that does or start your own. Being involved with other families is fundamental to the healthy development of homeschooled children.
5.Teach. Finally, after the decision to homeschool has been established, it is now time to teach. Set your mind on doing the best job that you can to provide the best education possible for your children. Research homeschool teaching philosophies and curricula that not only fit your teaching style, but your child's learning style as well. Be certain to incorporate multicultural education in your curriculum, if you so choose and strive toward educational excellence.
