One Thing to Change for Successful Homeschool

Have you always asked the question, “How can I be successful in my homeschool?” What can I change for successful homeschool?

Is it in the curriculum?

Is it the proper goal-setting for each of my children? 

Is it in the way I homeschool? 

Is it how well you know each of my children?

Like you, most homeschoolers ask the same questions. Realize that success is defined based on your criteria. It is what your mind envisions it to be. So these questions require a lot of thinking and most of the time changes – big time changes.

It definitely requires a big deal of weighing options and defining a vision. So might as well give it ample time to think and reconsider. Some would have to take a whole month off the grid to really get into the homeschool zone. While some manage to wing it just like an ordinary school day. Then, most stay in the middle where they try a little bit of everything until they get the right mix. 

Secret to successful homeschooling is to have a proper mindset. This starts with managing how you think about learning.

Almost everyone is used to the fact that kids need to go to school in order to learn. However, this thinking is almost obsolete. In fact, it has been that way since the 1600s. It is more than three centuries old!

The original intent of school is to pass on knowledge or religious beliefs from one generation to another. During the industrial age, school is necessary to learn mechanical skills to get qualified for a job. Traditional school is a must. However, we are now in the information age and almost at the daybreak of artificial intelligence age

There are several skills that one can learn just by reading, on the job training, attending short term courses or as simple as watching youtube videos. The amount of information and learning opportunities are abundant and if you are creative enough, most are also free.  

Shutting down the computer, stepping away from the discussion group, and seeking common ground with your family can be a deeply meaningful experience.

Every family and culture is unique, and it’s essential to acknowledge and respect these differences.

Moreover, different countries and states have varying regulations concerning homeschooling, making it challenging to provide one-size-fits-all guidelines for shifting this mindset.

I can, however, share with you the guidelines that I almost see for successful homeschoolers. Pick some, and drop some, then adopt it accordingly for your family.

What to Change For Successful Homeschooling

You and your kids can choose to learn anytime.

My friend, it is time to drop the mindset that kids should be learning from five days a week (except for holidays), at least 6 hours a day, and ten months a year. Instead, provide opportunities for your children to learn 24 x 7. 

Not only that it simplifies your routine as a family. It also prepares your children to the future ahead by developing a lifetime learning lifestyle.

Create a learning environment in your house.

Surround them with nonfiction and fiction books, short-term online courses, board games, indoor sports, a garden with a mix of flowers, and vegetables, and many others. 

Say GoodBye to the Saying “Go to school to get a job.”

Most people who did that ended up employees working for somebody else’s dreams and have forgotten their own dreams. They don’t have control of their time or earnings. Their family and relationships became last priority. Think about freedom and visualize it. Train your child to see opportunities to start and own businesses so that they can have more control of their time and money. 

You don’t need a degree to homeschool your kids.

In fact, you can learn with them. I grew up in the Philippines and have studied Philippine history. Now that we live in the United States, my kids are studying US history. Yes, you got it right, I’m learning with them.  Same thing as Math, I was taught differently, so that we learn Math concepts together as well. Try it, kids love it when they know they are learning with you. 

Create Your Own Learning System

You don’t have to replicate the same school system in your house.

I have to remind you that you are capable of creating your own learning system.

A system that works for your children and your family.

A system that allows you to thrive and develop resilience.

If you have pulled out your kids from regular school because you don’t like their system, there is no reason for you to replicate the same in your home. There is no one best way to homeschool your kids (traditional, eclectic, Montessori, etc).

The best way to homeschool is your way.

Homeschool can happen outside of your home.

Think traveling, sports, community service, mission, music, business ownership, arts, National Parks, State Parks. The universe is your classroom. Embrace it. 

Your timeline is not dictated by anyone.

You don’t have to label your kids as Grade 4, 5 or 6. Since you’re not time bound, there is no such thing as a school year, or getting behind/ahead.  Just learn. One time we combined lessons that are labeled as Grade 5 and 6 in 1.5 years. One time we also did a subject labeled as Grade 7 for two years. Break the boundaries and the concept of abundance and limitless will begin to pour in. 

Leave Comparison Behind

You don’t have to watch what other kids are learning in regular, nor compare your kids with other kids. It is your own learning system with your own goals, mission and vision. Focus on what you have and not on what you don’t have. If you’re one of the lucky ones whose kid has found his or her gift early on, stay on it. If they already know what they want to be, then direct their learning towards that. 

Lastly, your success is not measured by report cards

There are just symbols of ABCDs but it doesn’t define your child. Think experience, life skills, emotional quotient, and resilience.

Robert Kiyosaki wrote a book about Why “A” Students Work for “C” Students and Why B Students Work for the Government convincing parents that we should not pay too much attention to the letter grades. There are several college drop outs and C students who are successful entrepreneurs. Whatever their results from Grade K-12 does not dictate who your child will be in the future.

Do you have another mindset shift that you would like to share? Comment below and let’s start a meaningful conversation.