Start With Grace

Whether you're a seasoned homeschool parent, this is your first year of homeschooling, or you're still nervously trying to decide how homeschooling could work for your family- start this new school year with grace. Grace for yourself. Grace for your spouse. Grace for your children.

For the parent that has been homeschooling for awhile: You may wonder if you're doing enough. You may wonder if anyone sees all of your hard work and efforts. You may wonder if what you've been doing will have the lasting impact you pray it will. You may wonder if you'll be able to make it through one more school year.

For the first year homeschool parent: You may wonder if this was the best decision to make. You may wonder if you chose the right curriculum this year. You may wonder if you're going to feel completely alone.

For the parent still deciding: You may wonder if you're actually qualified enough to be teaching your children. You may wonder what your children could miss out on. You may wonder if you'll turn into one of those "weird" families (do I need to buy one of those mini busses now?!).

But before all of your wondering, pause. Breathe... Now, let's start with grace. If you're teaching your children how to learn (and how to love to learn), how to think independently, how to study and research, how to navigate this beautiful life, how to love and know their Creator and His word-- you are doing enough. Will your spouse, children, friends, and neighbors know every single thing you do each day (keep your home running, taking care of everyone's needs, reading many books aloud, researching curriculum, brushing up on a subject you haven't touched in two decades)? No. They may have an idea, but there won't be praises of men for every task you complete. However, the One who does see you knows you the most intimately. Let the Lord be your rewarder, as you do everything to His glory (Eph. 6:7).

Homeschooling CAN be lonely, but it doesn't need to be. When you are in control of your children's education and the maker of your schedule the opportunities for socialization, fellowship, community involvement, and more open up tremendously. Finding "your people" is a great way to help eliminate the loneliness and fill your life with quality, not just quantity. And no, you don't need a mini bus, but if you already have one that's pretty legit.

The Whatever is True Homeschool Cooperative was created to help families work through all of the wondering and questions. We are a community of like-minded believers in Christ with the same prize ever before us. We're all going to figure it out together, learn from each other, lean on each other, and lift each other up. Most importantly, we're going to seek God together and follow His direction and leading in this awesome adventure of homeschooling.