One aspect of homeschooling which should be considered is the program you will use to assist you in the education process. In an effort to avoid shuffling through the enormous amount of available products, compile a short list of criteria similar to the list below.

1. Set up a budget. Although proper research will save you a lot of money, you should know what you are willing to spend on a curriculum. A huge all-round program is not necessarily more expensive or cheaper that a program compiled from different resources.

2. Determine how much time you have available for schooling your children or how much time you are willing to spend on school work. Homeschooling your children is time consuming. Resources are available to enable effective use of your time every day.

3. Special needs children need special programs. Know what is needed for your special needs child.

4. Identify your family's objectives or plan. Travelling families need travel friendly programs which are compact but complete. Hands-on programs tend to need a lot of supplies and should be kept in mind when choosing such a program.

5. Choose a program that will not stand opposite to your beliefs. Faith, moral standards and preferences play a huge role in choosing a program for your family.

6. Decide whether you want a handbook based, a computer based or a discovery based program. Although these programs develop the skills needed, your family's preferences is important to ensure satisfaction and comfort.

7. Do succession planning. Ensure that you know exactly to which level your chosen program grows and if you need alternative arrangements in the senior years.

8. Read reviews by independent parties on the programs on your short list.

9. Get in contact with home schoolers using the programs on your short list. Ask a lot of questions! A list of questions, although it seems unimportant or silly, helps to ease the decision making process.

10. Get hold of a demonstration or example of a lesson plan. Work through it and ask your children their opinions as well. You might need to make the decision, but the children need to use it!

Following a list like this as basis for your own list of requirements, will take the overwhelming feeling out of at least one aspect of homeschooling. It should also be a good guide when choosing a suitable location, interacting with your local home school community and even deciding on suppliers.

Learn more about this author, Ananda Van Der Westhuizen.
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