An open letter to the new homeschool parent:

Proceed with caution, sweet newcomer. Pinterest is going to try to fool you.

It’s going to try to convince you to grab your wallet and shop Amazon for the latest desk.

It’s going to try to convince you that crayons look best displayed in cute pails centered neatly over the latest desk.

It’s going to try to convince you that three-tiered cubbies are a necessity near the crayons displayed in cute pails centered neatly over the latest desk.

It’s going to try to convince you that a $100 globe should sit on top of the three-tiered cubbies near the crayons displayed in cute pails centered neatly over the latest desk.

It’s going to try to convince you that a new area rug would look nice under the $100 globe sitting on top of the three-tiered cubbies near the crayons displayed in cute pails centered neatly over the latest desk.

It’s going to try to convince you that the walls must be painted to match the new area rug under the $100 globe sitting on top of the three-tiered cubbies near the crayons displayed in cute pails centered neatly over the latest desk.

It’s going to try to convince you that a homeschool room isn’t complete without a DIY pallet bookshelf positioned against the painted walls that match the new area rug under the $100 globe sitting on top of the three-tiered cubbies near the crayons displayed in cute pails centered neatly over the latest desk.

And it’s going to try to convince you to start stockpiling every how-to book and newfangled curriculum inside the DIY pallet bookshelf positioned against the painted walls that match the new area rug under the $100 globe sitting on top of the three-tiered cubbies near the crayons displayed in cute pails centered neatly over the latest desk.

Beware, newcomer. Pinterest is DESPERATELY going to try to convince you what your homeschool ought to look like.

But may I let you in on a little secret?

Pinterest doesn’t make the rules. ✌🏻

I can promise with complete certainty that:

Homeschool isn’t the latest desk.

Homeschool isn’t crayons displayed in cute pails.

Homeschool isn’t three-tiered cubbies or $100 globes, or a new area rug and walls painted to match, or even a DIY pallet bookshelf stocked with every how-to book and newfangled curriculum.

The truth is that:

Homeschool is calm. It’s quiet.
Homeschool is loud. It’s messy.

Homeschool is a kid showered and dressed for the day.
Homeschool is a kid still in pajamas at lunch.

Homeschool is coordinating folders and notebooks.
Homeschool is broken pencils and worn binders.

Homeschool is a thoughtful production.
Homeschool is a train wreck.

Homeschool is a clean workspace.
Homeschool is a cluttered table.

Homeschool is co-op groups and field trips.
Homeschool is seclusion and not leaving the house for days.

Homeschool is music and laughter.
Homeschool is a failed test and anger.

Homeschool is met with approval.
Homeschool is misunderstood.

Homeschool is grading papers.
Homeschool is hiding in the bathroom.

Homeschool is wrapped up by noon.
Homeschool is still going strong after dinner.

Homeschool is Mary Poppins.
Homeschool is Cruella de Vil.

Homeschool is a carefully planned meal and gathering around the table.
Homeschool is a Hot Pocket at their desk.

Homeschool is costly materials.
Homeschool is alphabet magnets and free printables.

Homeschool is more time with your kids.
Homeschool is more time with your kids.

😉

Newcomer, please trust me when I tell you that no two homeschool journeys are alike. And though you may be tempted to feel discouraged that yours isn’t Pinterest-perfect or “just so”…

remember that the ONLY thing important is that it’s perfect for YOU. ❤️

Wishing you all the best for an incredible school year,

A Fellow Homeschool Mom 🍎