If you really want my opinion, perhaps you should not homeschool. Before you close this browser window, please allow me to elaborate. Homeschoolers, in general are not followers. This does not mean we are all leaders; it is just that many of us choose to follow our own paths. We are fully aware of the expected outcome of education and plan to hit, or surpass the mark. We just choose to take the path less traveled.
In taking the path less followed, we are not taking the less followed of two paths. We are instead creating our own individual paths. I figure out my path, and while you might follow it for a while, if another path attracts you, you might wander over to it and follow it for a while. You might even make your own path, which may be the exact opposite of mine. I am fine with that too. In fact, I encourage it. I will see you at the other end.
I fear I disappoint people when they ask my opinion on the specifics of homeschooling. I am not sure I give the answers that they seek. You see, I can tell them where to find curriculum, and how to evaluate it according to your and your children’s needs. I can point you to things different homeschoolers are doing that might be of interest to you. I can tell you where all the free stuff for homeschoolers can be found. I can encourage you on your homeschooling journey. I can pick you up and dust you off should you fall. However, there are also answers I cannot provide.
I cannot give you my opinion on how to homeschool your child. I do not know your child like you do, and I never will. My motherly instincts are not calibrated to fit your children… they are trained for mine. You are the architect of your child’s education, until they take the reigns, anyway. I am the architect of mine.
Therefore, I will gladly serve as an example to show that homeschooling can be successful. I will pass on the advice that others have given me. I will gladly share every single resource I find with you, my audience. I will even give my opinion if you ask questions. I will help you find free stuff for homeschoolers. I will be your font of information. However, if you are planning to follow my advice to the letter instead of weighing it with the advice of others, and your own personal experience, then perhaps you should not homeschool.