How to Homeschool - Author Interview

 I recently published a review of How to Homeschool: A Guide for Progressive Parents. I also had a chance to do a follow-up interview with the author, published below.

Why did you write this book?
In a word: Compassion. When the pandemic came about on a global scale, my biggest concern was for other children. We weren’t concerned for our own, as we’d started homeschooling them since soon after they finished (Steiner) kindergarten,  they were both well supported in their learning progress already, and weren’t disrupted by all the measures being mandated.
I thought of all of the children who weren’t so blessed. I also thought of the many parents who’d be in angst about their children’s education. As a tertiary reason, my business took a downturn – and having wanted to write a book for many years, but never having had the time – I decided now was the time to make a difference and really help others.
So I sat down and wrote the best book I could, then had it published.

Of course, writing a book is one thing. Marketing it is quite another, and I am about to embark on creating the Podcast series and more which I have committed to, in the book (www.howtohomeschool.life). We’re committed to making a difference for children, and building community in the context of homeschooling,.

What has surprised you most about homeschooling?
Just as for all other parents – at first we found the prospect of homeschooling daunting.
We had lots of self-doubts and no idea how to even start, even though close friends were willing to share the benefits of their own experiences. We had known their kids since early childhood and had watched them become adults fine adults, but we wanted to do something different.
At first we delved into paths that weren’t conducive to progress, and made mistakes.
Of course, that’s how we learn.
BUT we certainly learnt a LOT along the way, and the progress our family has made – showed me how empowering homeschooling can be for children.
Most surprising, is how wise and capable both our children are each becoming in their own ways.
Comparing to some of their friends who go to conventional schools, we can see so many advantages for their lives, in what our’s have already become capable of. They’re motivated by passion, not fear of failure. I’m excited for their futures, as they will go on to do what they love.

How do you respond to people who don’t think they can homeschool their kids well?

I share some of our story and let them see what our own children are up to, or invite them to speak with our children directly. Example is the most powerful way to influence others, after all. Our kids also both participate in speech competitions, so we can direct people to see some of the recorded footage.

Now I have my own book all about how to empower our kids through Free Homeschooling, I write a personal message and gift interested people a copy too.

Ultimately though, the choices we make in life can alter the path of the future tremendously, so I’m planting seeds.
Some parents will nurture the possibility. Some will choose to leave it up to the government to educate their children. Some of the seeds we plant will blossom as children who take on homeschooling. It’s a fascinating journey.