Whether you’ve decided to study at home or are just considering the option, there are a few steps you can take to help you know where to start. The most important place to start is with your child assessing who they are and what they need.

1. Observe your children. How do they play? How do they interact with others? What do they like to do and not do? Do they enjoy out loud or quietly? Do they enjoy creating or filling in the blanks? The answers to all of these questions will help you know where to start when planning your homeschool.

2. What is your long-term goal? Write how you want your child to be when they are 18 years old. You can be as detailed as you want. What kind of character would you like them to have? What kind of qualities would you like them to have? Remember that people who write down their goals are 90% more likely to achieve them. Obviously, you do not have full control over your child’s outcome. Much of what they become will be determined by the decisions they make. However, it will be able to help guide those choices.

3. Think about how you want your day to be. Do you want to be fully involved in your children’s studies or do you want them to be completely self-taught? How much time do you have to dedicate to homeschooling? Do your children respect you and listen to what you say? If they don’t now, you may need to address that issue immediately. Do you want a more flexible approach to your day or do you want a more structured schedule?

4. Look at what’s available for homeschooling. This can be an overwhelming thought. I could write an entire book on what is available for homeschooling. Basically, you just need to know how your child learns best, what kind of style he is comfortable with, and go from there. Remember that more is not always better when buying books. You can always buy more later or borrow what you need from the library. I have resources available that send you a sample of many different types of curricula that you can look at in your own home.

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming. When you know your child and yourself, you can see all the options available and make an informed decision.