When surrounded by so many voices and opinions it is easy to begin to question what you are doing, and even WHY you are doing it. I have no idea what the best curriculum is for you. Or the best plan for your family. I have no idea if you should loop schedule, have morning time or unschool. Whether you should put your kids in a co-op or maybe join a nature group.
What I do know is that your little tribe was given to you because God knew that YOU were the parent and educator they needed. He doesn't make mistakes. You know yourself and your children better than anyone else on the planet. You are the number one expert on your people! And while the homeschool community might have LOTS of ideas and words and products, they do not know nor love your children like you do.
There is one thing I believe every homeschool parent should consider; making a mission statement for their school. A simple mission statement, a few core questions for those hard times, and statement to remember that pulls it all together and points to the core reason you are doing this homeschooling thing. Taking the time to pray over, contemplate and put it to words will absolutely help you focus in on what is important to your people and let go of the comparison game. When I'm feeling doubt or fear or judgment, flipping open my little planner and reading over our mission statement reminds me of who I'm doing this for and why. Ours is simple and it has our ridiculous school name at the top. It doesn't have to be anything fancy or full of prose. My reflection questions came from the book For the Children's Sake, by Susan Schaeffer Maculay. It is a wonderfully encouraging education book.
If you make a Homeschool Mission Statement, I'd love to read it in the comments! It has truly made a shift (for the better) in my own vision for our homeschool. Here is ours:
