Are you intimidated by professionals who criticize you and say that you’re not able to provide an adequate education because you don’t have a formal education?

Look at the reality of the homeschool vs. the public school. The majorities of public school teachers have a formal education and are credentialed by the State. But look at who is getting the better education. Homeschoolers outshine their public school counterparts on every level! It is the homeschooled child who wins spelling bees, geography bees, and SATs.

Homeschooling parents cannot and do not have to be experts in every subject matter. When faced with teaching a course unfamiliar to them, whether it is calculus or English grammar, homeschoolers can take advantage of the flexibility of homeschooling and the many resources available to them.

Here are some suggestions to help you handle subjects you don’t feel qualified to teach.

1. First of all relax and have faith in yourself! You will always be the best teacher for your children. You have been teaching them since their birth.

2. Join a homeschooling group or association that follows your style and philosophy. You can find them on the internet or ask the public school district office for a list or organization.

3. Other homeschoolers are your best resource. Don’t hesitate to ask how others have overcome a dilemma. They probably have dealt with a similar challenge.

4. Network any way you can — from the grocery store line to formal organizations.

5. Network online. Find blogs, homeschooling chat rooms, forums, and discussion groups. Join in, share ideas, and see how others handled dilemmas and challenges.

6. Get help from others. Schedule course time when other people are available. Your spouse may be good at a particular subject. A friend or colleague may be willing to teach your kids calculus. Don’t forget to pay them. If money is a problem, offer to pay them with services. Or have your kids perform services to repay them, such as moving lawns, washing cars, or cooking meals. Be creative, bartering is a great way of payment.

7. Form a consortium and trade talents. You may have a gift for math while another parent is good at science. Find out who is good at what. A passion for a subject is more important than a formal education.

8. Hire a tutor. You can find tutors for a reasonable price at the local public school. The school office usually keeps a list of honor students who are willing to tutor. Sit in on the tutoring sessions so you can learn along with your child.

9. Contact a tutoring center in your area. You can use them on a one-time basis, periodically or for a long period of time. They are great for troubleshooting and clearing up confusion.

10. For more involved subjects like chemistry or physics, check if your local community college offers courses for younger students or has tutors for hire or trade.

11. Check out tutoring services online. Search under tutoring.

You have the power. Be creative and you will have bright, inquisitive and well-rounded children. Trust yourself … you know what is best for your children!

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