Home School Questions Answered

Recently I had been introduced to a wonderful website called Dr Mommy Home school Tips and I have to say I was impressed! This website really answers a lot of questions first time home schoolers have when it comes to homeschooling their children.

So with all that being said I was super excited when Dr. Daisy (owner of Dr. Mommy Home school Tips) said yes to a text interview!

Below is my interview with Dr. Daisy, enjoy!

Please, share a little bit about yourself and what you do.

Well, my name is Dr. Mommy (aka Dr. Daisy) and I am a retired Chiropractor. I gave up my profession in order to home school my children and love every minute of it. I still help my husband in our Chiropractic office, since he is a Chiropractor too, but I only manage it. Aside from homeschooling, I am also a freelance writer and home school coach and consultant. I love what I do and what to share it with others.

How long have you been homeschooling?

I have been homeschooling for over 10 years and actually have another 13 years before I am finished with this exciting venture.

What was the number one reason you decided to home school your children?

Great question….the main reason I decided to home school my children was the fact that they were growing very fast and while I was working I was missing out on all the fun…I wanted to be a major part of their lives and found myself putting them aside because of my business at the time. I did a lot of soul searching and after many prayers, decided to give up the profession I worked so hard to achieve to home school my children. It is a decision I have never regretted.

What do you feel are the benefits of homeschooling over private or public school?

As a home schooler you have the ability to pick and choose what your child should be taught and when. Unlike traditional schooling whether it be private or public, there are particular subjects that you don’t want your child learning. You also can teach them according to their abilities, for instance if your child excels in math you can move at a quicker pace or if they struggle with writing you can take your time and devote the needed time needed for that particular subject. It is basically a one-one teaching or like private tutoring.

What are some things parents can do to prepare their children and themselves for the transition to homeschooling?

The most important thing a parent should do is research. Become familiar with the home school laws in your state. Seek out other home schoolers in your area and perhaps home school groups. But most importantly do not be afraid to ask questions.

I learned from asking others who had home schooled before I intended on homeschooling. I visited their homes and researched the many different resources. It is much easier now to find resources for homeschooling than 10 years ago.

As for preparing your children, you have most likely been teaching them already, without realizing it. If they have attended school, you have helped with their homework assignments and projects and so they are well aware that you will be able to help them.

Most importantly remember to have fun. Many feel that they should have a school room in there house but it is not necessary. You can home school your child anywhere and that makes it more fun.

I think time management is one of the biggest issues surrounding parents who home school, do you have any tips you would like to share?

Since I am a work at home mom as well as a home schooler, I am well aware of the time management issues. I have learned to not stick to any particular schedule with homeschooling as long as the projects for the day are accomplished. Having 5 children, it is sometimes difficult to sit with each of them during a time frame, so we manage to teach throughout the day.

I sometimes allow my teens to sleep in, so I can have time with the younger ones and vice versa. We also use a rotation system when schooling so the older ones have the opportunity to teach the younger ones or have independent study time or play with the younger ones while I am working with the others; it works very well.

Do you have any suggestions on what parents can do to help manage their stress when it comes to homeschooling?

The most important advice that I have for parents dealing with stress is to relax. You will be amazed at how much you are actually teaching your child. There are days where you will not be able to devote the time alloted to home school because of emergencies or daily activities, but it is important not to let that stress you.

I will give you an example, 5 years ago, I was in the hospital for 4 weeks with my last pregnancy. My youngest was born 10 weeks early and that was the most stressful time in our lives. As you can imagine, we did not get much schooling accomplished or so I thought.

When I took my children to get evaluated, the counselor told me she was amazed at how advanced my children were and that they were actually ahead of pace. The time I had spent teaching them was more valuable then the time I hadn’t, and the stress part was not necessary. Your children are learning on a daily basis and homeschooling is a gift.

What is the biggest mistake parents make when they first start homeschooling?

The biggest mistake I find is that home schoolers try to school for 8 hours a day as if they were in a traditional school. This is definitely not necessary. Since you are working with your children on and one-on-one scenario, the time needed is much shorter. You can actually teach your child the necessary subjects in 3-4 hours a day.

I also find that they feel like they have to have a specific room to school. I thought the same and have a room designated for my classroom. It actually houses large bookcases with books, a table for them to work on and a computer desk. Our schooling is actually done outside, in the kitchen, in the bathroom while they are in the bathtub, in my tiny office and in the car.

You see homeschooling can happen anywhere and usually does. It is not necessary to stick to strict schedules or have a designated room, the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your children will be and learning will be a fun adventure as it should be.

What has helped motivate and encourage you to keep homeschooling?

Wow, that is a great question. My motivation comes from seeing my children’s faces when I tell them of the new subjects we will be tackling for the day or month. I am encouraged when they take state exams and excel tremendously because of all the hard work we have put into their schooling. I say we, because it is not all me, it is team work.

My children are able to do things that children that go to traditional schooling can not do, for instance they can cook an entire meal, can actually sort and wash laundry, clean the entire house, not to mention balance a check book. Those are just some of the daily things that are essential to living that my children are able to do and continue to do.

I will not worry when they decide to move out because they will know how to plan meals and make them and keep their homes clean. I love having the ability to school my children and spend quality time with them; they grow so very fast and these years are the foundational years. I am thankful and grateful for the many blessings I have been given and homeschooling is definitely one of them.

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Dr. Mommy is a retired doctor who has chosen her family over her career. She is a Christian, wife, mom, freelance writer and homeschooling and health/wellness advocate. She has been homeschooling her 5 children for over 10 years and enjoys sharing her knowledge and tips regarding homeschooling with new homeschool parents, veteran homeschool parents and those who would like supplemental information for their children.

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