Whether a new homeschooling mom or a veteran, we all need encouragement sometimes. Here are just a few thoughts to encourage you.

5 Encouraging Tips for New Homeschool Moms

1. Don’t compare yourself to other homeschool moms. Comparing does no good! You can only do what you can do.

Remember that you may not always have a hundred percent grasp of the concepts you are helping your kids to learn, especially as they get older. Whether it’s how to find percentage, or how to spot pathetic fallacy, if you don’t understand something immediately it isn’t the end of the world. Of course, it helps to try and stay one step ahead and study the curriculum closely, but don’t compare yourself to others, as everyone is on a different journey. The joy of homeschooling is learning alongside your children, so embrace this feeling and work it out together.

“Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don’t compare yourself with others.” Galatians 6:4

2. Stay away from negative nellies. At least until you’re settled in homeschooling. If there’s no way around the negativity, then be prepared with some responses. There will always be someone who will ask you why you homeschool and inevitably say some pretty rude things to you about your choice to homeschool. It’s not easy if it’s close family but remember that you are doing what is right for your family.

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33

3. You can do it! You know your kids better than any other teacher does. Homeschooling gives you the flexibility to teach your child where they are. If they’re not ready to read, for example, then you can wait. You know them best.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

4. Learn to say “no.” You can’t do everything. Decide what your priorities are and say “no” to the things that don’t fit those priorities. Learn to recognize when you have too much going on so that you can back off from any new commitments or those things that you can take time off from. Afterall, I’m betting that one of the reasons you chose to homeschool is so that you could have more time with your kids. So make them a priority. Make family time a priority.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

5. It’s ok to take a break. It’s ok to play instead of getting ALL of their math done and it’s OK to not finish every piece of curriculum you have. Remember how much kids learn through play. We want them to have a love of learning. Encourage it and find ways to make learning fun. If it’s not happening today, take a break and start fresh tomorrow.

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14