Introduction
When I decided to homeschool my son, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. As a full-time mom, balancing the household, homeschooling, and everything in between isn’t exactly a walk in the park. On top of that, we had just emigrated to America, and we didn’t have friends, family, relatives, or a community. My husband works full-time to provide for us, so the day-to-day learning and teaching fall entirely on me. But at the same time, it offers the advantage that he can focus on his job, and I will take care of my son’s education. And you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The number one reason I made this choice? Tailored education. Homeschooling lets me give my son an education that’s as unique as he is. It’s a labor of love, and while it comes with its challenges, the rewards far outweigh them. Here’s how we made it work—and why tailored education is worth every effort.
Dive into the Top 10 Reasons Why I Chose To Homeschool My Son. Read this article!
Why Tailored Education Matters
Every child is wonderfully different, but traditional schools don’t always cater to that individuality. They often operate like assembly lines—teaching every child the same material in the same way. But my son isn’t an assembly-line kid. He’s a curious, creative, hands-on learner who thrives when his education matches his personality.
As a full-time mom, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand what lights up his world and frustrates him. Homeschooling allowed me to build an education around him instead of trying to fit him into a system that wasn’t working for many.
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Recognizing My Son’s Unique Needs
One of the biggest blessings of being home with my son is understanding his learning style. He’s not the kind of kid who learns well just by reading a textbook. He needs movement, creativity, and connection.
I remember one afternoon when he was struggling with addition and subtraction. I could see his frustration building, so I turned the lesson into a game with several bottled waters to make addition and subtraction visually appealing and applicable to daily life. Suddenly, he got the concept, and the learning process became fun and stimulating. That’s when it clicked for me: he doesn’t need a traditional classroom. He needs an approach that’s tailored to how he learns best.
The Joy of Customizing His Education
Homeschooling has allowed me to be creative in ways I never imagined. If my son is fascinated by dinosaurs, we turn that into a week-long learning adventure. Science? Fossils and paleontology. Math? Counting his toys. Art? Drawing his favorite dinosaurs and cartoon characters. For instance, when he struggled with addition and subtraction, I turned the lesson into a game with several bottled waters to make it visually appealing and applicable to daily life. This is just one of the many ways I’ve tailored his education to his unique learning style.
Being able to design lessons around his interests not only keeps him engaged but also makes learning a joyful experience. He doesn’t just memorize facts—he lives them.
Balancing Life as a Full-Time Mom
Let’s be honest: homeschooling isn’t always easy, especially when you’re also running a household. There are days when the laundry piles up, dinner is a last-minute scramble, and I’m juggling a hundred things at once. But those moments are outweighed by the privilege of watching my son grow and learn right before me. When we both feel overwhelmed, we take a break or watch a documentary like the YouTube channel Hook. They tackle historical facts about a business establishment or a product. Not only does he learn the history behind well-known business names, but he also sees essential lessons in life about perseverance and resilience.
My husband works full-time to support our family, and his unwavering belief in my homeschooling ability has been a rock for me. Knowing we’re in this together—even if I’m the one doing the teaching—gives me the strength to keep going.
Teaching More Than Academics
One of the things I love most about homeschooling is that it goes beyond the traditional subjects. As a full-time mom, I can incorporate life skills into our daily routine.
He helps me do the dishes, sort the laundry, and fix his bed. When I saw him struggle socially at a birthday party, we could discuss that and role-play so he could practice the social skills he needed for that. These lessons might not be in a textbook, but they’re just as important for his future. Tailored education isn’t just about academics—it’s about preparing him for life.
The Challenges Are Real, but So Are the Rewards
There are days when I wonder if I’m doing enough or if I’m doing it right. Homeschooling while managing the household can feel overwhelming, especially when there aren’t enough hours in the day. If you’re feeling this way, know that you’re not alone. These doubts and challenges are a normal part of the homeschooling journey.
But then I see my son light up when he grasps a new concept or proudly shows off a project he’s worked on, and every doubt melts away. Those moments remind me why we chose this path.
Seeing My Son Thrive
The transformation I’ve seen in my son has been incredible. He’s more confident, curious, and willing to tackle challenges head-on. One of my proudest moments was watching him build complicated Legos and create comic books inspired by Dav Pilkey’s books. This is the beauty of tailored education: it allows children to shine in their unique ways and is a joy to witness.
Encouragement for Other Moms
If you’re a full-time mom considering homeschooling, let me tell you: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about recognizing what your child needs and finding a way to meet them where they are.
You don’t need a fancy curriculum or all the answers. Start small, trust yourself, and remember you’re giving your child a priceless gift—your time, attention, and love.
Helpful Resources to Guide Your Homeschooling Decisions
TheHomeschoolAwakening.com is a documentary for parents exploring the transformative power of homeschooling. It provides insights, tools, and real-life stories to inspire families to rethink education and empower them to create a customized and fulfilling learning experience for their children.
Ana Lorena Fabrega is an educator, author, and advocate for innovative approaches to education. Known as “Miss Fab,” she shares thought-provoking ideas on modern learning. She offers practical advice and inspiration for parents who want to empower their children through curiosity-driven, personalized education.
NAMC (North American Montessori Center) provides comprehensive Montessori training and resources for educators and parents. Offering globally recognized certification programs and curriculum support, NAMC equips individuals with the tools and knowledge to create enriching, child-centered learning environments based on the Montessori philosophy. Their homeschool curriculum for the Early Childhood Diploma was our first material when I started homeschooling my son at 3.
THSC’s Homeschool Curriculum is a go-to resource for families in Texas looking to start or enhance their homeschooling journey. It offers a curated list of curriculum options tailored to fit various teaching styles, learning needs, and educational goals, along with guidance on navigating Texas homeschool laws and requirements. This is perfect for parents seeking flexibility and support in providing a personalized education for their children.
Conclusion
Choosing to homeschool my son wasn’t just about academics. It was about giving him an education that celebrates his individuality and lets him thrive on his own terms. As a full-time mom, it’s not always easy to balance everything, but the joy of watching him grow makes it all worthwhile.
So, to the moms out there wondering if you can do this, my answer is yes. And when you see your child light up with the joy of learning, you’ll know it’s all worth it. This joy of learning is what makes homeschooling such a rewarding experience, and it’s something you can look forward to every day.
Do you have questions or your own homeschooling story to share? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to grab my free homeschooling planner to make your journey a little easier.
If you want to know more about me and my blog, visit my About Page. I share insights into our family life, the values we cherish, and my passion for showcasing the beauty of the Philippines alongside homeschooling, faith, and creativity. Let’s connect, share resources, and inspire each other on this amazing path!
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