Greenburgh Public Library Blog

Homeschooling: The Unexpected Journey

It's strange hearing so many parents talk about homeschooling their kids. Strange because my own homeschooling journey started back in 1997 and ended in 2018. I can remember answering "We homeschool" to curious adults that we met in the course of our day and then holding my breath, because I was never sure how they would respond. I was lucky that most people were very positive about my choice. I heard the occasional, "What about socialization?" but that was rare. It's definitely not a question you would hear today!

My kids are all grown now--26, 23, and almost 18--but I still remember how hard it was at the beginning. It's scary doing something different. I thought I was doing everything wrong. I questioned myself every time I got impatient, or couldn't hold their attention about my favorite subject (who doesn't like writing?), or when I suddenly realized I don't remember how to do algebra. I worried that I was ruining their love of (insert subject here). Let me tell you something I learned in my 21 years as a home educator. Something that I hope will help you on a journey you didn't intend to take:

You are doing fine.

No, you won't be able to answer every question. You won't be able to manage a perfect house. You will likely be exhausted by the end of the day, especially if you are also working from home. You didn't plan for this, but here you are. And it will be OK. Take a deep breath.

The main thing I learned while homeschooling was to make sure I had a support system. A network of family and friends kept me sane and helped me before we had Google and Wikipedia (I think I just dated myself). So did bi-weekly trips to the library. And in our new world of isolation, we can still reach out virtually through social networks, videochats, and the wealth of online resources available. You can start right here. Look around the Greenburgh Library website. On the Children's Library page you will find links to the Kids' Digital Collections, a collection of free online resources through Wide Open School, various online storytimes, homeschooling resources, and other useful links. The blue tabs along the top of the Teenburgh page will take you to lists of What to Read, test prep and homework help, and Teen Topics on LGBTQIA+ and health. 

There will be days ahead where it will be a struggle. These are unusual times. Take care of yourself and your family and take it one day at a time. You'll get through this.