This Pandemic Has Taught Me…Homeschooling is for Us.

Recently, a good friend stated on Facebook that “not everyone is having the same experience” during this pandemic and that is so incredibly true.

Some people are finding ways to connect with family while others are just trying to find food. It’s been a bittersweet couple of months for us in The Reed Household. I’ve learned a lot about myself, marriage, family, and community.

I wanted to share a few of those things with you all because – honestly – it is my hope that someone would comment and just say, “I get you girl”. It’s a community. I desperately crave it in any form I can get it, so here it goes:

First, we are not designed for social distancing.

I say we, but I’m speaking of me first. This is the most awkward time of my life. As the state is beginning to reopen, I feel senses of stress pop up at the thought of going out to be normal again. Social media is okay when it’s an option, but not when it’s all we have.

Next, we realized that Homeschooling is for us.

Now this one is a big one so bare with me. I was that mom that was a “never“ on homeschooling. Last year I quit my job and became a full-time content creator. Life shifted and I just knew it was time but I kept my kids in school. I needed the time they were there to transition home and to figure out life.

After this pandemic started and I was thrown into homeschooling, I was stressed out at first. I frequently said, “I don’t know how moms do this!” I thought a few weeks would go by and normalcy would start again.

Then, a few months passed. I went through every emotion possible. I was sad, happy, excited, stressed out, panicked, full of anxiety, and more. Once my emotions settled and I found a new rhythm I did more research on homeschooling. I realized this was a much better way to do things for our family. My friend recommended I read the book Homeschool Bravely: How to Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child With Confidence by Jamie Erickson and that solidified it for me. She was speaking my language and helped me identify my fears.

Without the pandemic, I’m not sure I would have ever explored homeschooling as an option. I literally did not think it was for me and I was very vocal about it. I’m not saying this to convince anyone of homeschooling. I think we each have a journey, a path to walk down and my path lead me here. It’s scary, unknown, but I’m brave. At least that’s what I’m telling myself. Taking one day at a time.

The pandemic taught me that I can be the best teacher for my children and I desperately crave what I once saw as an option — community. I miss going to the mall, church or having brunch with my girlfriends. I miss going on random family trips or to the movies with my husband. The things I took for granted are so very evident, but this too shall pass.

If you’re also looking at the possibility of homeschooling, here’s a few additional resources that might help from DallasMoms.com and City Mom Collective:

• Prepping For Our School Year: How to Pick Curriculum (A Homeschool Edition)
• Three Ways the New Breed of Homeschooling Moms Will Surprise You!
• 5 Reasons I Chose to Homeschool
• 5 Tips for Schooling at Home from a Homeschool Mom
• All Your Homeschooling Questions Answered
• Tips from a Homeschool Mom
• What I Wish I Knew About Homeschooling When I Began