Accidental Homeschooler

While some families know from the start that they want to homeschool, others arrive somewhat "accidentally". These are families who had initially put their children in traditional schools. Over time, for many different reasons, schools just didn't work out for them.

One particular conversation prompted my thoughts on accidental homeschoolers. A mother who called inquiring about our curriculum explained to me: "I don't really believe in homeschooling but I have to try it for my children. The schools have not worked out for us and I only want to do the best thing for my kids...."

I was speechless as she explained to me how her family had never intended to homeschool and how they had turned to homeschooling through a process of elimination. I tried to understand what made this mom different from other homeschooling parents, or any parents, for that matter, and soon realized she was no different. Like any parent, she was trying to provide the best for her child. This effort had led her along a bumpy, conflicted path to homeschooling.

The number of people starting as "accidental homeschoolers" is increasing now that the public has a broader awareness and acceptance of homeschooling. Here are some general characteristics of accidental homeschoolers as observed at Time4Learning:

• Accidental homeschoolers make a decision to homeschool often to resolve a crisis, or series of crises, with the children, the school, and sometimes within the family.
  
• Accidental homeschoolers start with real trepidation and often with little to no enthusiasm for their endeavor. They generally do not feel equipped for the task and wonder if they've made the right decision.
  
• Many accidental homeschoolers have been preoccupied, trying to make traditional education work for their children so when they finally "give-up" on schools and decide to homeschool, they find themselves unprepared for homeschooling. For these newbies, we have prepared a Guide...

Ten Big Ideas: A Downloadable Homeschooling Guide

How do you go from "accidental" to "happy" homeschooler? Time4Learning's downloadable Getting Started Guide has helped many parents make the transition. Based on our survey of seasoned homeschoolers, you'll learn what mistakes to avoid and how to get started without getting overwhelmed. Download the Welcome to Homeschooling Guide now.

The Homeschool Melting Pot

We've noticed that the accidental homeschooler label only applies for a limited period for most families. After a de-schooling (see our homeschool glossary) transition period, parents become immersed in their new approach to education and lifestyle. Their initial anger with the education system, of which they feel failed them, melts away as they adapt to their new lifestyle. They seem to forget that their decision to homeschool was based on necessity, and did not begin as a deliberate choice.

"I had started homeschooling when I found that the schools just did not work for my kids. Initially, I was bitter with the schools that had forced me to take on educating my children by myself. Over the years, I began to notice that there was nothing regrettable about the fork in the road that I had taken. I shifted from being a critic of the schools to being a homeschool advocate."

John Edelson

Time4Learning - It's Time4Learning. And Fun!

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PS - To read more "accidental homeschooling" stories, join our parenting forum. Better yet, share your own!

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