Dear Mom,

What a wonderful time for you and your little boy. To begin at the beginning with homeschooling, while it will present certain challenges, it will also be very exciting to start at the ground level. Congratulations.

Assuming that you have completed all of the steps required by your state to be in compliance with any regulations specific to homeschooling, you are set to begin the journey. I found it very helpful to consider my children's strengths and weaknesses with regard to their academic achievements up to the point that I began homeschooling. This will prove invaluable as you start the process of ordering curriculum etc.

Since it is your first experience (all of us have started exactly where you are at some point in the journey) you may be the type of parent/teacher that will find purchasing a complete curriculum helpful. I did this when I began homeschooling because it saved me the time, anxiety, and confusion of trying to figure out what would be best and what would work for my children. CHC curricula is an excellent resource in that the academics are clearly addressed and the curriculum is very easily adapted to meet the needs of an individual child. The curricula is parent/teacher friendly making it easy for inexperienced moms or dads to begin homeschooling the day the materials arrive. (Certainly there are many other curriculum providers but CHC is the one that I know best.)

Let's look however at other tools that you should and can use that are completely free and require nothing but your time and sincere interest in your child's education. In fact these tools are necessary for a successful academic experience no matter the method of education you choose. Expose your child to great read aloud books, which can be found at the library. When opportunities arise for activities that will wonderfully broaden your child's senses (zoos, museums, etc.) partake and enjoy these times. Listen to your child with an intent that says you are keenly interested in what he is thinking about. Encourage his innate creativity. Do not try to fill every moment of his day with planned activities, instead allow that his wonderful imagination blossom and unfold. Spend time in laying a foundation of discipline that encourages self-discipline. This will serve you very well as you travel in parenting. Above all see your time with your child as short and valuable. Introduce him to the great goodness and love of Jesus. Show him how important this knowledge is through your devotion and desire to share your faith with your little boy. Above all trust in the Lord's goodness and His desire to guide and empower your efforts.

Remember that homeschooling is a vocation and a calling from the Lord. If the Lord has called you into this journey His peace will settle your heart and calm your spirit when challenges present themselves.

Thank you for your question. Please keep in touch with us and know that you will be in our daily prayers. I pray for all homeschooling families on the 4th Glorious Mystery.

Let us pray together a Hail Mary for all those families that are beginning new adventures. Lord, we ask that all families seek Your faithful, loving and tender guidance as they travel life adventures. Amen.

Sending out a prayer,

Rita Munn