- Eleanor Roosevelt

 “Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier." - Eleanor Roosevelt

For some of us, taking the first step to homeschool is that frightening thing that you think you can not do. You have so many questions: "What about socialization? Will they graduate from highschool? Will they be able to go to higher education? Can I stand to have my children home all day? Is it legal? I'm not good in Math, how can I teach it? Does homeschooling take up my whole day?'

Thousands of families have gone before you who have answered all these questions for themselves. They have answered with an affirmative "Yes, we can homeschool."

What about socialization? Many homeschoolers will turn the question around and say that is exactly why they are homeschooling! Think about it. Is 30 children of the same age in a classroom really socialization? Home school children socialize with people of all ages - from newborn to 99. There are plenty of opportunities for children to participate in sports, church activities, community events, family gatherings and other activities where they are actively involved with other children and adults. Studies show that home educated children do well when interacting with all ages.

There are many options for homeschool students when it comes to graduating from high school. The traditional diploma route can usually be worked out with credits and through your school board. The apprenticeship route has been popular among homeschool families. Some students take courses at their local college for credits to help them get access to the school of their choice. If your student knows where he/she wants to attend, find out the requirements and work to fulfill those requirements. Look at the course requirements. You may be able to 'build" a course to meet those specifications. Check with your school to find out beforehand.

Homeschool children have gone on to the career of their choice. Sometimes it takes planning, but many colleges and universities actually prefer home school students.

Home education is legal in Canada. Every province has different regulations. Your provincial home school support group will have that information. Check CHER's website for a list of homeschool boards  https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/canadian-home-school-boards , annual conferences  https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/canadian-home-school-conferences and HSLDA (Home School Legal Defence Association)

You do not have to know it all to teach your child. Teacher's in schools don't. One of the benefits of home schooling is that you learn along with your child.  If you are concerned, there are many excellent curriculum with teacher's manuals to help you. Foe example,  Saxon Math Home School  https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/355-Saxon-Math-Curriculum for grades k through grade 3 has a comprehensive teacher's manual that tells you what to think, do and say! The older grades 5 through 12 have texts that are easily used by the student, with lots of incremental explanation and review to help your student develop strong math skills.