Deciding to homeschool is a very daunting and exciting decision to make. There are many cultural forces and opinions that do not support learning at home as it goes outside the established educational norm in the United States. Yet, despite criticism and misunderstanding, homeschooling continues to prove itself by the amazing accomplishments of students and their parents.

Homeschooling families no longer fit the outdated stereotype of cloistered religious fanatics who want to keep their children under guard and watch. Instead new waves of creative, intelligent and gifted parents are making a commitment to providing their children with a loving, supportive, individualized education that is right for them. Making financial and emotional sacrifices, homeschooling parents should be lauded for their ingenuity and dedication to parenting.

Some families know before their child is born that homeschooling is their path. Other families happen upon learning at home because their child is a gifted, sensitive person who can only blossom in a home environmental. Others homeschool for religious and philosophical reasons. The list of "whys" is endless.

When our family was deciding if homeschooling was right for us, I found myself confused, overwhelmed and a bit frightened. There was so much negative pressure from extended family, the culture and people everywhere, that I knew I was in for the ride of my life. Even today, two years later, I still bristle when cashiers, librarians and passers-by raise their eyebrows in alarm or disgust when they ask my daughter how school is and she explains she's homeschooled. I have learned a lot since we began our homeschooling odyssey, and the main thing I know for certain is that those who frown upon homeschooling either have no idea the joy and rewards involved or think they couldn't achieve the same goals with their children.

If you are pondering the complexities of homeschooling, here are a few questions you may ask yourself to help in the decision making. If you answer "no" to some or most of the questions, homeschooling may not be right for your family. Any type of education either public or private benefits from parental involvement so your efforts to be in sync with your child and his/her learning style will aid their success. It is vital to meet and interview your child's teacher. There is nothing more detrimental than having a severe personality clash between teacher - the adult in power - and student - the vulnerable child. If your child's teacher does anything to make your child feel humiliated, stupid or incapable, then insist upon a new teacher. Listen to what your child tells you about his/her day at school. Drop in for a visit unexpectedly to get a feel for the classroom emotional and stress levels. Make it clear that you care about your child. You are your child's advocate and your voice speaks for them. Please make it count.

If you find yourself answering "yes" to most of the questions below, homeschooling is probably right for you. These questions are mainly about your feelings, rather than your child's, because you are the one who will drive and create your child's learning. You have to follow your bliss in order to give them theirs.

Do you check out the maximum limit at the library almost every time because you and your children love books?

Do you pour over children's books with gusto and excitement?

Does learning anything excite you?

Do you practice attachment parenting by any or all of the following- breastfeeding on-demand, extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, positive guidance?

Do you abhor corporal punishment, shaming and negative reinforcement?

Is your child gifted? Are you gifted?

Are you an independent thinker, self-motivated and self-disciplined?

Are you creative and artistic?

Do you love the company of your child as you would a best friend?

Do you resent having to follow enforced schedules or curricula?

Do you enjoy creating activities and games for your child and you to share?

Do you or your child need the flexibility of an open schedule in order to thrive?

Do hurried, harried appointments, lessons and playdates overwhelm or stress your family?

Are you or your child emotionally sensitive and easily overwhelmed by crowds or the energies of others?

After thinking about these questions, you may find yourself asking even more. Here's a few questions I asked and answers I now have:

What about socialization? Won't homeschooling keep my child from being around other children?

Socialization is perhaps the most widely addressed topic of homeschoolers-to-be. Our culture demands a lot of people in the way of participation, consumption and pack-thinking. Unfortunately, these Western values are proving to be detrimental to us all evidenced by the stress, depression, sleep-deprived, manic lives many are leading. Socialization is a Western concept that supports the establishment, but is not always right for individual thinkers. Children and adults need time apart from society to think, dream and imagine. From these quiet moments genius is born and we are able to learn who we are, what incites our passions and how we can manifest joy in the world. Children gain the most important and relevant knowledge about interaction from a supportive family and chosen community members. Socialization methods that include thirty children and two adults do not work. Children do not become socialized. They become frustrated, angry and overwhelmed. Homeschooling allows the parent to socialize their child(ren) on their terms as often or as little as needed.

How can I - one person - teach my child all the things they need to know?

Chances are you have been homeschooling all along. If you're reading this you probably enjoy reading, baking, crafting and creating with your child. If so, homeschooling is a natural extension to the learning and sharing foundation you've built. There are many wonderful curricula and resources available on-line and at local booksellers (even Target) that can help. If you're a creative person and your child has definite interests, you'll enjoy following their desires and creating your own unit studies.

How can we afford to homeschool?

It is conceivable that you can homeschool for little or no money by simply utilizing your local library. The resources available at the library are endless!!! The money you would spend if your child were attending school including buying uniforms, paying for gas driving to and from school, assisting teachers with needed school supplies, and donating money to school events add up to a huge amount that can be focused solely on your child and their learning needs. You may find that monthly expenses can be evaluated for better and less spending. You may hold an annual garage sale that helps fund any resources you'd like. You can purchase used books at local shops or at Amazon.com. The possibilities are truly endless.

How do we begin homeschooling? What are some of the first steps?

The first thing I did when we commited to homeschooling was purchase Home Learning Year by Year:
How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School by Rebecca Rupp for about $15. This is my most precious resource. Rupp goes year by year outlining education standards which provides me an outline of where to start. We may not meet all of these goals but having the information erases the nebulous feeling of creating my child's education from scratch, alone.

Next, you may choose to explore and research the following on-line:

• State homeschooling requirements - each state has requirements for notification of your intent to homeschool. Most often this includes completing a simple form and mailing it in before your child turns six.

• Local homeschooling support groups on Yahoo or otherwise. Ask questions and explore discussions about group events, play dates, etc. Choose someone close to home that can help you navigate the homeschooling journey until you are ready to take it on your own.

• Zoos, aquariums, art museums, natural history museums, parks, etc. in your area that offering homeschooling programs. Most do and those that don't still offer wonderful field trip venues.

The most important thing to remember about homeschooling your child - the thing that eleviates the stress and pressure - is that our job is to help our child progress each year at the level that he/she is most comfortable and successful. Progression varies from child to child so standards are guidelines, not laws.

Homeschooling is not - and should never be - about control or an excuse to rule with a heavy heart or hand behind closed doors. Homeschooling should be an open-hearted process that focuses on observing and supporting the learning style and subject interests of your child. Homeschooling should be embraced as a choice and opportunity for joy shared between parent and child that will manifest in all areas of their lives, spilling into the happiness and stability of future generations.

Homeschooling may be brand new and seem a bit like climbing Mt. Everest; however, there are millions of families across time, space and distance who have been doing this forever. Take small steps and soon the path will be well worn and familiar. We are in wonderful, special company and we are not alone. At any given time all you need do is ask, and people will help and give advice. I have found the homeschooling community to be generally open-hearted and kind, willing to help whenever they can. You can do this! Congratulations and good wishes on this fantastic, loving adventure. Please feel free to contact me if I can help answer any questions or point you in the way of some good resources.