It’s a common question among homeschooling parents: “Am I doing enough?” It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons and feel overwhelmed. Have I done enough subjects or lessons? Did I read the right number of pages? Did they answer with enough correct answers? How much is enough? Will I know when it is?

It is easy to stress that you are not doing enough. We start to look at what is happening at school in the HOURS that our children are there and think that we need to be matching. Guess what, we don’t!

I don’t do all subjects every day. For me that is super helpful. Does it mean I wonder at times that we are not doing enough. Yes. But that is because it is my nature to second-guess everything. 

I also don’t think that we need to measure success through grades. We can measure through connections, that our relationship with our children is growing. Does that feel tangible? Probably not, but they are good measurements. 

You will know you are doing enough when your children are happy and are learning. What those parameters are will be up to you.

HOW TO KNOW YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK

It is best to focus on your children’s individual needs. Each will have their own interests, learning style and personality. When we can adjust to their needs and our teaching methods best suit them, then their learning will be more effective. Let’s also not forget to celebrate progress – no matter how small. Did they write a 7 word sentence instead of 5? Acknowledge that! Did they read for 15 minutes with improved fluency? Awesome. Let them know. Are we focusing on their individual needs?

Prioritize core skills. This is very important to me. I actually prefer to focus on skills over content. Let’s make sure our children develop strong foundational skills in reading, writing and math. But don’t forget to work on critical thinking and communication. I am a firm believer in teaching critical thinking skills and at a young age. Our children will thrive if they know how to do this and do it well.

Are you cultivating a love of learning? This is easy. Have fun. Incorporate games and hands-on activities. Go out and have real-world experiences. We are on the right track and doing enough if we are encouraging our children to pursue their passions and explore their interests. (It is fun for us too!)

How is your children’s character development? Are values like kindness, empathy and respect being taught? (Through lessons or reading books, or life experiences.) Are there opportunities to learn and engage in social responsibility?

Trust Your Instincts. You know your children best so trust your instincts and make decisions based on what you believe is best for them.

And, as hard as it is, Don’t Compare. It is easy to compare with whatever everyone is doing and how their children are doing. But these are the wrong metrics to work out if you are doing enough. Every child learns at their own pace.  

Homeschooling is a journey, not a race. Focus on creating a positive and enriching learning experience for your child, and trust that you are doing enough. Because you are. If you are asking the question, you are caring enough to wonder.

If you’re still feeling unsure, connect with other homeschooling families, seek advice from experienced homeschoolers, or consult with someone like me – who works with homeschool families.