by Sandra Devera

Created on: May 21, 2008

When I started home education thirteen years ago there were not a lot of "do's" and "don'ts" about homeschooling. It is a lifestyle choice undertaken by different people for different reasons so unlike "Rules of the Road" or "Tips for Safely Thawing Turkey" one set of rules do not apply universally. The rules can even change depending on which homeschooled child you're considering. But with the nostalgia of someone about to host their first graduation ceremony here are the "do's" and "don'ts" that come to mind.

DO homeschool because you love your child and you love to learn new things with them. DON'T homeschool because you think it will make your child like the wunderkind you've read about.

DO make sure you have friends, family, and associations (local, statewide and national) that can provide support and advice when you begin to lose your way. DON'T let skeptical relatives, friends, neighbors or teachers discourage you - the proof is in the pudding. If your child grows into someone you enjoy, that's what matters.

DO take the legal steps necessary to be in compliance with your local and state laws regarding home education. DON'T live in fear of CPS arriving at your door (if you are prepared and have complied with the advice of Home School Legal Defense Association you will probably NEVER have anyone complain about your educational choice.)

DO prepare your children with what to say when people ask them what school they go to (or what grade they are in, or why they aren't in school today.) Have a name for your school, help your children to learn what grade they would be in according to their age (regardless if that is the level of schoolwork they are doing). Teach your children how to introduce themselves, shake hands, and ask polite questions of adults they meet and answer questions about their school activities. DON'T keep your children at home just because you are homeschooling. It's a wonderful world of adventures to explore wherever you live and your children need to get up, get out, and LIVE.

DO have a plan for how, where, when, and why you are going to cover the subjects you need for your child's level. DON'T try to recreate the school experience you remember from public school at home. You don't need hall passes!

DO have your school time organized. DON'T panic when your day does not go according to plan. Learning how to repair the broken washing machine can involve physics, science, history, P.E., reading, and then you can compose a short story about it that counts for creative writing.

DO have your children tested by someone besides you (my preference has been Iowa Test of Basic Skills administered through our local homeschool resource center.) If nothing else it helps them to learn how to use a Scan-tron form where you fill in bubbles to mark your answers and it teaches them to cope with timed tests. DON'T make your children anxious about standardized testing. I've lived nearly half a century and no one has ever cared what my SAT scores were, not even the college I attended.

DO the things you'll remember 30 years from now - read the favorite books aloud, take the camping trips, go to the local museums, finger-paint, put on radio dramas you write yourself, garden, incubate chicks, dress up like mummies. DON'T worry about the mess, the stains, the house, or the disorganization. No one ever said, "I wish I'd kept my house cleaner," but many a parent has said, "I wish I'd had more fun with my children."

DO remember you only have a short time to take care of your child and then they become adults who are responsible for taking care of you. DON'T waste the time you have!

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