Confident Homeschool 101

Welcome to Confident Homeschool 101, the confidence-building guide for new homeschool parents!

As soon as I became convinced that homeschooling was the right option for my family, I went into deep research mode. 

You too?

I researched for TWO years before we took the plunge!

(Partly because we were about to move provinces, sell our home, and eke out a very different lifestyle, slower, more intentional, less income, more traveling. Oh and we were having our fourth and final baby too!)

When I first began homeschooling, I felt excited, convinced, and delighted at all the opportunities ahead of us.

I'd planned with coloured markers and pored over books and built a robust private school education in our home. 

It was going to be everything anyone would ever want in an education.

But I also had loads of questions...

1. What are the legal requirements for homeschooling in British Columbia (where I live), and how do I prepare if someone comes to my door to check on us?

2. How do I find and choose a curriculum that fits my child's learning style and educational needs and also isn't crazy expensive?

3. How can I establish routines that balance homeschooling with volunteer work, time for me, and exercise?

4. How do I overcome uncertainty and build confidence in my ability to educate my child (especially when everyone around me is questioning me)?

5. How do I homeschool more than one child at different grade levels and get their individual needs met? (And how do I do this with an 8-month-old baby?)

6. How can I provide opportunities for social interaction for my kids when I don't know anyone in this new city?

7. How can I develop patience -- because this isn't my strong suit?

8. Where do I connect with other homeschool families and will they align with what I'm doing?

I remember spending countless hours researching, exploring different approaches, and trying to pick and choose the very best for my family.

It wasn’t until my third or fourth year that I resolved to do things in a way that served each of my kids (& didn't make me feel like I was a chicken with its head cut off).

But it wasn't until around the 6-8th year that I confidently determined I was homeschooling in my unique way for my unique reasons. 

It wasn't till my 6-8th year that I genuinely knew I could do this homeschool thing because I learned to navigate the typical uncertainties, handled tough family moments, confidently answered the public's FAQs, built a Burnout Prevention Plan, and created a routine that supported individualized learning.

And if you don't know already, I'm all about enabling you, to feel confident in your homeschool journey.

I know that if you have a guide to walk alongside you, you can gain that confidence and clarity a whole lot faster than I learned it: 8 years not required!

As a graduated homeschool mom, Teresa has navigated the ups and downs of home-based education, developing strategies and systems that have enabled her & her kids to live meaningful lives.

"Confident Homeschool 101: A Graduated Homeschool Mom's Guide to Your 1st Year Homeschool is the distillation of Teresa's journey and the lessons she's learned throughout her tenure as a homeschool parent.

Passionate about helping others transition smoothly into this rewarding yet challenging endeavor, Teresa offers tangible & meaningful guidance and support to those beginning their homeschool journey.

She's committed to fostering a sense of confidence and competence in parents new to the homeschooling scene, ensuring they are equipped to provide a high-quality education for their kids, tailored to each child’s unique needs and abilities.

Teresa is committed to the parents growing alongside their kids in this remarkable homeschool journey.