I’m sure you’ve already read a few blogs on this topic. Homeschool myths can be found everywhere! But the myths discussed here aren’t geared toward children, socialization, or public school comparisons. These myths are specific to homeschool moms, just like you!

Myth 1: Only Teachers Should Homeschool

This is the top of the list because it is my biggest pet peeve, even as a former teacher. If you are ever faced with this insulting myth, remind yourself that being a parent makes you a teacher. No degree can measure up to the love you have for your child. And there is nothing natural about sending your child to a stranger for their education … and then to a different stranger the following year … and a different stranger every year after that for 13 years! Stand up for yourself and let doubters know that you are the best teacher for your child for these reasons: You know your child better than anyone. You want what is best for your child. You can give your child what public school cannot: one-on-one instruction tailored to your child’s learning style.

Myth 2: Homeschool Moms Cannot Work and Homeschool

This myth needs to be retired, since we (as a collective group) have proven time and time again that it is completely false! When I first started homeschooling, I believed this myth in the popular form that only “rich” families can afford to homeschool. I was blogging nights and struggling through my days as we tried to get by on one salary after an expensive out-of-state move. I wasn’t sure we could make homeschooling work financially. As I met more and more homeschool moms, I slowly realized that each one had a way to contribute financially. My friends cleaned vacation rentals, ran a small farmstand, managed a construction company from home, tutored online and in person, cleaned churches, provided elder care, provided end-of-life care, blogged, landscaped, and wrote novels. This realization that working homeschool moms were everywhere really opened my eyes! I have worked many jobs since then, always making sure my work fit with the ever-changing needs of our children, our family, and our homeschool. From blogging to baking, tutoring to social media manager, even stocking at the grocery store – my only requirement was that the job allowed me to continue homeschooling. If you are struggling to find a good fit, be patient, trust in God, and think creatively. There is a job out there for you!

Myth 3: Homeschool Moms are a Stereotype

Have you heard this one?  Or maybe you just feel “less-than” because you don’t fit a homeschool mom stereotype?  I, for one, thought I would be an Arts and Crafts homeschool mom. I’m not. I also expected to be a Homemade Baking kind of mom. Even though I was a baker for six years, I never became that mom. Other homeschool mom stereotypes include the Strict Christian Mom, the Homesteading Mom, the Mom of Many Children, the Natural Mom, the 24-Hours Outside Mom, the Science Experiment Mom. What would you add to this list? What stereotype do you need to let go of? The fact of the matter is that homeschool mom “types” are as unique and varied as each person. Which means that you already have a “type” and your type is YOU!

If you still struggle with homeschool myths and finding your own groove as a homeschool mom, personal coaching can help!