Is Homeschooling Right For You?
The decision of whether or not to homeschool takes many forms in this, the first of a series on the subject.

As a new mother, there are many new concerns in my life. Some of these are how will I keep my baby safe, how will I be able to teach her all that is good, and how can I keep her away from negative influences as much as possible throughout the most formative and vulnerable times of her life? How can I maximize the time that I will be able to be with her and share my life with her? After considerable pondering, I knew that the only answer was to homeschool.

Even though it at first seemed to be an almost hopeless task of finding information and resources, just by asking around, I have found that there are many groups and organizations that are available for support. One can visit the local library to consult homeschooling guides that are written by experienced parents, or one can try the local bookstore. I bought two books that were very useful. The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, by Debra Bell, published by Thomas Nelson, Inc., & Homeschooling for Dummies, by Jennifer Kaufeld, and published by Hungry Minds, Inc., offer valuable insights, educational resources, guidance in how to choose curriculum, prepare for costs of homeschooling and much more. I also asked other homeschoolers for information as to what material they used, how they handled field trips, or whether they had tutors for some subjects. Most are more than happy to give you help.

From a legal point of view, one might at first feel intimidated. However, I have found that the legal requirements in many states are not as tough as one might think. For example, in North Carolina the requirements are minor with a minimum interference from the state. Parents may choose the curriculum, the time and place of schooling, as long as the child receives nine months of schooling per year and is taught reading, writing and arithmetic, to put it basically.

I found I could read the state’s requirements at a website that is helpful, quite nicely organized, and easy to understand: www.nhen.org/leginfo/state_list.html. This site has a list of states; choose the state you live in and you will be able to link to the laws pertaining to your state. This site also shows the law as it is actually written, so you can see for yourself what it says.

In closing I ask what better way is there than to teach our children ourselves, to impart the knowledge of our family traditions and beliefs to our offspring? Is there any better opportunity to grow with your children? How often do we hear about parents not being able to spend time with their children and before you know it, they are grown and moving out of the home? Why should we, as parents, not be responsible for the development and growth of our own children? I, for one, do not want to leave the education of my child solely to that of a stranger, who may or may not share the same convictions and beliefs that I hold to.

-Sara Pearson/ Creedmoor-