Starting off this homeschooling year has been quite the adventure, to say the least. As a mom who has always tried to juggle everything life throws at me, I knew homeschooling wouldn’t be a walk in the park. But this year, more than ever, I feel like I’m flailing around, trying to keep my head above water.
Maria is in first grade now, and it’s such an important year for her. I want to make sure she’s not only keeping up but thriving and enjoying the learning process. Yet, here I am, staring at a pile of lesson plans, wondering if I’m doing enough or if I’m missing something crucial. There’s this constant thought gnawing at the back of my mind: “Am I teaching her what she needs to know?”
I try to remind myself that this is part of the process. Homeschooling isn’t just about hitting milestones and checking off boxes; it’s about finding what works for our family. Some days, that means stepping away from the books and going for a nature walk, talking about the trees, the insects, or even the weather. Other days, it means huddling over a puzzle or a new engineering kit and letting Maria’s curiosity lead the way.
But I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t daunting. There’s an overwhelming amount of resources and advice out there, and it can feel like a pressure cooker of expectations. I’m constantly asking myself if I’m doing enough or if I should be doing more structured lessons versus play-based learning. And honestly? It can make me feel a bit lost.
I hope that as the year progresses, we’ll find a rhythm that works for us. And if we don’t? Well, at least we’re learning together, one step at a time.
The Dappled Odysseys 