Hey Sis! Deciding to homeschool is a huge step- I remember praying and being scared to death, wondering if I was completely crazy and could this really be the best thing for my girls.

Spoiler: Over 20 years later I am absolutely convinced that it was the best possible decision I could have made!

Homeschooling comes with its own unique set of challenges and blessings. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering where to start and what do you absolutely need before diving into this incredible journey. I’ve been there, and I understand the mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with making such an important decision for your family.

I have learned there are three essential foundations that every Christian homeschooling parent needs to have in place to be successful: Conviction, Commitment, and Compliance.

These three pillars will not only guide you but also sustain you through the ups and downs of homeschooling. (And there WILL be ups and downs!)

Conviction is all about knowing why you’ve chosen this path and staying rooted in your faith. It’s that unwavering belief that God has given you the privilege and responsibility of educating your children- and that you will stand before Him and have to give an account for the decisions you made. Is homeschooling the best decision for your children’s education and spiritual growth? And is God able to complete the good works that He begins? Many of us fall into the trap of thinking we’re not able, so we can’t possibly…And that’s true- we’re not able…But God is…is your conviction and faith in Him for this?

Commitment– Homeschooling requires a significant amount of dedication and perseverance. It takes commitment…it’s not that homeschooling can’t change- it can, and it will…but it’s not always easy. The rewards though are immeasurable! You need to be committed to working through whatever you may face. It’s also important to note that the commitment of both parents doesn’t necessarily have to be the same. The reality is one parent is usually super passionate about it and the other a little less so…and that’s ok! The commitment of the slightly less parent though needs to be in supporting the enthusiastic parent.

Compliance is about understanding and adhering to the legal requirements of homeschooling in your state. Staying compliant ensures that your homeschooling journey is smooth and stress-free. This is actually the easiest of the three C’s… It’s the one people fear the most- but I have an easy answer for everything you need to know about Compliance!

Lets dig into these little deeper…

Conviction

Defining Conviction in Homeschooling

When I first considered homeschooling, I had to dig deep and understand my “why.” For me, conviction meant being firmly rooted in my faith and knowing that God had placed this calling on my heart. Mine was not a nice story about feeling a call, having all the support, and it being rainbows and sunshine every morning… My homeschool journey began after my oldest daughter had a terrible experience going from a private Christain school to public school because we had moved and I lost the daycare kids I was watching to pay for her private education. I was not prepared- but I had conviction! I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt God was calling me to something I knew nothing about….but that He would provide and guide me.

Developing a Clear Vision

Once I had conviction, it was time to set a clear vision for our homeschooling journey. I sat down and wrote out educational and spiritual goals for my children. This included everything from academic achievements to character development to faith-based values. Creating a mission statement helped me stay focused and motivated. It read: “To provide a Christ-centered education that teaches the girls to love God and love one another.” Having this vision in mind has been my guiding light on tough days and a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place.

Staying Grounded in Your Beliefs

Staying grounded in my beliefs has been crucial in maintaining our homeschooling journey. There have been many moments of doubt and challenges that tested my resolve. During those times, I turn to scripture and prayer for strength and guidance. One practical tip is to make it a point to connect with other like-minded homeschooling families who share your values. Their support and encouragement have been invaluable in keeping us on track and reminding us that we’re not alone in this journey. These families have been mostly found in an online support group- more about that to come…but do not undervalue the importance or godly women that will be an iron to sharpen iron.

These three aspects of conviction—understanding your why, developing a clear vision, and staying grounded in your beliefs—are essential foundations for a successful homeschooling experience. They will help you navigate the challenges and keep your focus on the bigger picture.

Commitment

Understanding the Commitment Required

When I first started homeschooling, I quickly realized that it wasn’t just a part-time gig—it is a full-time commitment. From planning lessons to teaching multiple subjects, the workload can be overwhelming. But knowing the impact it will have on our children’s lives makes it all worth it. I had to come to terms with the fact that homeschooling requires a significant amount of my time, energy, and resources. There were days when I felt stretched thin, but my commitment to providing the best education for my kids kept me going. It’s essential to remember that the sacrifices we make now will pay off in the long run…and

The sacrifices we make now for our children have ETERNAL consequences!

Creating a Sustainable Schedule

One of the best things I did to manage this commitment was to create a sustainable REALISTIC schedule. Having a consistent routine helped my kids know what to expect and made our days run so much more smoothly. We start each day gently. One of the many freedoms in homeschooling is that you get to work with your and your kid’s needs…for us that means no rushing or hurrying about. It sets a positive tone and helps us stay focused. I also learned to be flexible and adapt our schedule as needed. Some days require more hands-on activities, while others are more relaxed with independent work. Finding a balance that works for our family has been key to maintaining our commitment and my sanity!

Building a Support System

Lastly, building a strong support system has been crucial in maintaining our homeschooling commitment. Connecting with other homeschooling moms has provided me with encouragement, advice, and a sense of community. We never joined a local homeschooling co-op or met for group activities and classes…but other moms where absolutely crucial to our success.

God, in His providence, provided such a group by the name of “CHFWeb”…Christian Homeschooling Fellowship on the web. It was started by a sweet couple who were homeschoolers that were looking for this same type of community- at a time when there were far far fewer people homeschooling. They understood the challenges we all faced. The moms I met have been dear sweet sisters to me for nearly 20 years now. Having a support system made a world of difference and has helped me stay committed to our homeschooling journey. I hope you will find that here at Faithful & Wise as you begin your own journey!

Compliance

Understanding Legal Requirements

When I first decided to homeschool, one of my biggest concerns was making sure we were following all the legal requirements. It can feel overwhelming at first, but I found the one thing that you need to make sure all the I’s are dotted and all the T’s are crossed. Each state has its own homeschooling laws and regulations, so it’s important to research and understand what’s required in your area. For us, it meant submitting a notice of intent to homeschool, keeping attendance records, and ensuring we covered specific subjects.

Keeping Accurate Records

One of the best tips I received was to keep detailed and organized records of our homeschooling journey as we went along…it’s so much easier than trying to go back and remember it all! There is a software that is so helpful- Homeschool Tracker was made especially for homeschooling families and has the flexibility that we need. It has been incredibly helpful, not just for legal compliance, but also for tracking our children’s progress and celebrating their achievements. I also keep digital copies of everything, just in case. Keeping accurate records has become a routine part of our homeschooling day, and it’s reassuring to know we have everything in order.

Navigating Homeschool Evaluations and Assessments

In our state, some families are required to have their children evaluated annually. This can sound daunting at first, but I discovered there are several ways to meet this requirement. One choice is to use a standardized test that your kids could take at home, which makes the process less stressful. Other families I know opt for a portfolio review by a certified teacher or an evaluation based on the progress records they keep. It’s important to choose an evaluation method that works best for your family and ensures you meet the state’s requirements. Remember, these evaluations are not just a formality—they’re an opportunity to see how much your children have learned and grown.

Your Compliance Solution

There is an amazing organization called Homeschool Legal Defense Association aka HSLDA… it is a minimal monthly cost- but it is your legal peace of mind in your homeschooling journey! If you hear nothing else I say… join HSLDA! They have everything you need to comply in your state. Their lawyers are fighting for our rights in governments all across this country. They take the scariest part of homeschooling and walk you through it step by step…and they are there to help you as the years go by. They have tons of programs, scholarships, graduations… It is really the most amazing organization, and I am so thankful for them!

Personally, our local county government sent a letter after receiving our intent and wanted to know things that were frankly none of their business. They had no legal authority to ask – they were overreaching and because of HSLDA I knew that. I contacted my local HSLDA attorney, and He sent them a letter explaining I was not required to provide what they were asking for… I never heard another word! My girls may be graduated and done schooling…but I will always support HSLDA because I feel so patiently about the work they are doing to protect families’ rights!

Conclusion

These three pillars form the foundation of a successful and fulfilling homeschooling experience. Conviction is about understanding your “why” and staying true to your faith and values. It guides your decisions and keeps you grounded in your purpose. Commitment involves dedicating the time, energy, and resources necessary to provide a meaningful and enriching education for your children. It requires perseverance, flexibility, and a strong support system. Compliance ensures that you are meeting all legal requirements and maintaining organized records, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on teaching.

By embracing conviction, commitment, and compliance, you can create a nurturing and effective learning environment for your children. Remember, you’re not alone in this adventure! There are countless resources, communities, and fellow homeschooling parents ready to support and uplift you.

If you’re looking for additional resources and support, I invite you to explore the wealth of information available on our blog. Also, come join us on our Facebook page!. Your journey doesn’t have to be a solo mission—connect with other homeschooling families, share your experiences, and ask questions. Together, we can create a thriving and supportive homeschooling community.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog to receive the latest homeschooling tips, advice, and resources straight to your inbox. Your feedback and questions are always welcome—please leave your comments below and join the conversation with our homeschooling community. Let’s make this journey together, supporting and encouraging one another every step of the way. Happy homeschooling! 😊