Why looking at other homeschooling families is not always a good idea.
The new school year is creeping around the corner at our house. In just a few weeks, we plan to be back into the full swing of things. Scary and exciting. Scary, as I am still cleaning out and organizing the school room, and exciting to be again adventuring into the land of learning.
I made one mistake this weekend: I looked at some homeschooling moms' blog sites. Now, these are all very neat things, but the problem is, when I see how creative, inventive, organized, and smart these women are, I get intimidated out of my mind! My school room does not look that orderly. My lesson plans are not as fun and creative. I am not that smart or prepared.
This is a huge mistake. It is good to glean ideas from others. However, comparing ourselves to others is invariably a bad idea. It leads to doubt, confusion, and despair. The fact of the matter it, I will do the best job I can, with what I have, be that materials for learning or the personality I have cultivated all my life. I can always find others doing "better" than me. But at the same time, someone else is probably looking at me and thinking, "I wish I did things like that".
So, the best advice I can give you as we head towards September, is listen and learn, but do not doubt yourself or allow yourself to feel intimidated. Be confident, even if you don't feel it! We are our children's first and best teachers!
Have fun!
