I had thought about homeschooling long before we ever had children. Once we found out we were pregnant, I set down and made the decision to definitely do it. However, I had a slight road block - my husband wasn't entirely for homeschooling. When our daughter (our oldest) was three, I began checking into the requirements and talking to the state about how the process worked. My husband finally came to a compromise, if I could have our daughter reading by the time she was four and half, I could homeschool. Needless to say, I ordered her curriculum and started our journey! Not only do I get to homeschool our daughter but our son is one grade level behind and we have a new addition that will be starting in five years!

I was and still am so excited about homeschooling! I can't described what it feels like to see the progress my children are making and know that I had a hand in it but, all the credit really goes to them - they have to work to learn and I just lay the foundation and path.

It hasn't always been easy. When my son started Kindergarten this year, he couldn't read and had no interest in learning. I was scared he was dyslexic and I worried that I wouldn't be able to help him. I kept at it, kept encouraging him and helping him everyday. I had my husband spend some time with him as well thinking that if he saw Daddy doing it than he'd want to too. Something must have worked since he's went from reading nothing to reading on a first grade level! I am so very proud of him!

Our daughter is a brain! I'm not bragging or tooting my own horn but it's true. She started reading at a few months past the age of four and hasn't stopped. She is now, according to the county and city school lists, on a fifth grade reading level in the first grade. She has had no problems picking up any subject and running with it. She truly is a bright girl! I am dreading the day she runs into something she doesn't "get". I can only imagine how upset she'll be and I hope it doesn't discourage her. I love the idea that she's doing so well and I want her to continue.

I have spent so much time preparing for school till I won't know what to do when I'm out of children to teach. I have many hours tied up into planning the school calendar, setting up tests and quizzes and getting all the curriculum ready. I have spent countless hours online searching an downloading material that I can use. I'm all for the best quality for the best price. I have came across seeral FREE sites and so I have been downloading from them and then I'll have to make up tests and questions to go along with each chapter.

No matter what happens, no matter how many struggles there are, I feel I've made the best choice for me and my family. I decided I didn't want the peer pressure from kids in school influences my children. I wanted to play a big role in their education and I wanted to see them blossom under my guidance!

I will never regret my decision to homeschool. I am one of the biggest homeschool advocates. I love to tell people what I "do". It never fails to lead to a discussion either for or against homeschooling.

Learn more about this author, A. Kyles.
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