by Deborah Moomaw

Created on: April 16, 2008

Homeschool Success Story

My family's adventures down the homeschool path began in 1999. Our daughter was five years old and ready to learn. We had considered the other educational options available, but homeschooling seemed to be the best. We began on a trial basis to see how it would work.

The first year was great and horrible all at the same time. Our daughter thrived and learned well. That was the great part. But I worried and obsessed about everything. Were we using the right curriculum? Were we spending enough time at our work? Would she be able to get along with other children her age? Everyday seemed to bring a new question or problem to my mind.

I needed to learn to relax like all the other more experienced homeschooling moms I knew. I was embarrassed for them to know about my worries and obsessions.

Almost a decade has passed since those first fretful days. Now I am one of those relaxed homeschooling moms that I admired so much during those early days. How I came to that point is still a mystery. But one day I finally realized I am doing a good job with my children.

Today, my daughter is a wonderful student. She has consistently tested at or above grade level throughout her school career. She loves learning and enjoys all subjects of the curriculum. Her special talents are in reading, writing and music.

Socially she is just like every other teenage girl. Clothes, shoes, cell phone, and Internet are her primary thoughts. She has been involved in girl scouts; a member of a puppet team; she has weekly music lessons and is interested in learning karate. Her dreams for the future include, being a chef in her own restaurant or a veterinarian. Tomorrow, who knows what she will dream of.

I am now also homeschooling my sons. Their success has been just as wonderful as their sister. I recently asked each of my children to tell me what they liked about homeschooling. Here are some of their replies:

Daughter age 13: "It's quiet at home, I can concentrate on my work. I don't have to ride a bus or eat cafeteria food. And I get to see my parents more."

Son age 11: "It's relaxing to be at home instead of school. When I'm finished my work I can play and have fun. I feel smarter than if I were in another kind of school."

Son age 9: "I don't have to worry about bullies."

My husband was listening to the children giving me their reasons for thinking homeschool was great and wanted in on the action as well. Here's what he had to say:

"Homeschooling has brought our family closer

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