I am glad I started homeschooling a very long time ago, when there were so few curriculum choices.  These days, when there are so many official looking companies/authors/teachers Out to Make a Buck, and to make you feel inadequate while doing it, it can be difficult to sort through it all. The pressure must be immense for moms just starting out. I am on several homeschool email lists and I frequently see notes like this come through:

"Hi, I am _________. I have 3 children, aged 5 and 3/4 years, 3, and 6 months.  For math we are using Singapore Math and Saxon and are supplementing with the "Key To" books. For our history curriculum we are finishing up our study of the Ancients and are heading into our 2nd year of a 4 year chronological history cycle. For Language arts, we are studying Latin and Greek with A Beka grammar thrown in for 'fun'. We use the Kingfisher/Usborne/DK books for science, with which we practice our notetaking and outlining skills."

I only  wish I were kidding.

To these ambitious homeschooling mommies, I want to say:

Relax. Take a breath. Life is too short.

These "play-doh years" will pass much more quickly than you ever thought possible.

All the curriculum that you are agonizing over now--well, I hate to break it to you, but when your kids are 12, 14, 16, they will not remember it. Trust me... when you say, "don't you remember the Ptolemies? We studied those in 1st grade, for goodness' sake!", you will most likely get a blank stare in return. It's over their heads at this age!

What they need is you.

Time with you, fun playing games, living life as a family. Fingerpainting, running around outside and breathing in lots of fresh air.

So what would I recommend as an alternative for new homeschooling moms?

Take walks-- rain or shine.

Take the time to study that worm, caterpillar or flower they find so very interesting at this age.

Read together. A LOT. Read picture books and classics, anything that interests them.

Cook together, sing together, do errands together. Let them help you in the kitchen or as you go about your daily chores.

Play silly games.

Laugh.

If it makes you feel better, go ahead and throw in a few math and phonics worksheets. Better yet, help them write a letter to Grandma, telling how much fun they are having in 'school'.

My next post:  what authors/books I do recommend for new homeschoolers. Stay tuned!