I have been homeschooling my daughter for years but for those families who think that Homeschooling your children is the way to go, just read this book. Who cares about what others think about you being the primary source of learning for your children. You can do it bravely and you can give your children a wonderful education right from your home. Had this book been out when we first started out, I didn't have a lot of friends who were homeschooling and so I didn't feel like I was doing my job well enough so we put her back into public school for a year. It was the worst year ever for her and us and we soon were schooling her at home. If you are ready to educate your children at home but aren't sure you can do it, this is the book for you! I promise you that you can teach your children at home and they will have the best education they can!

I am thankful to Moody and net galley.com for an advance copy of this book. I was a little disappointed with this book, I found the bible quotes that were used were often taken completely out of the context of the bible books from which they came. I found the constant use of the feminine pronouns annoying after a while as if no father has anything what so ever to do with homeschooling.

All in all for me one to avoid I am afraid.

Are you thinking about homeschooling, newer homeschooler or been homeschooling for years, this is a book you will want to read, Homeschooling Bravely ~ How To Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child With Confidence! This book is written by Jamie Erikson from The Unlikely Homeschool (follow her blog, I have for the last few years), this book had me laughing, made me tear up, and gave me some encouragement I needed! I think I have more highlights in my book than not! I didn’t realize I would need her words so much! I will be recommending this to all my homeschooling friends!!
I don’t know if you are like me, but sometimes after Christmas break about the middle of January, I start longing for spring to come and some days for the end of the school year too. Kids are weary, mama is weary, and we all just want some sunshine! Now don’t get me wrong, I love homeschooling and I love my kids, but mama said there be days like this… This book gave me the kick in the pants I needed. The reminders of why I homeschool, what God has called me to and His promises. Jamie also provides some great tips from her experience for the different stages and seasons. There is a great list of resources in the back of the book too! Unfortunately, it doesn’t come out till April, but make sure to add it to your book lists for when it does!

I have so many highlights, but here are a few (OK more than a few) of them:

Without support, more than a 1/3 of homeschool moms quit within the first year. (a reminder of the importance of friends and also to reach out to others)
Your foundation for homeschooling has to be anchored in God’s calling, or like the foolish man who built his house upon the sand, you’ll watch your homeschool crumble at the first sign of a storm.
Every part of my life, even the mundane bits, have purpose and point. The daily grind of homeschooling and mothering is really holy ground. (from teaching grammar to cleaning dirty dishes, all for His glory)
Obedience in all things is our one true demonstration of love to God.
Your value and worth have nothing to do with your ability, but everything to do with His. (all for Jesus)
Homeschooling can be scary, it’s true. But use that fear; leverage it for success. Allow your fear to be a firm reminder of your only source of victory – God. Allow His resolve to strengthen yours.
My homeschool isn’t supposed to look like yours, and yours isn’t supposed to look like mine. (Amen to that)
For the most part, this social media thing is just an illusion anyway. (this made me laugh, as I have realized that over the year, stop comparing)
The truth is, most of us are not just awesome at one or two things and pretty mediocre at all the rest. (I may be a great organizer and book reading nerd, but terrible at art/crafts, science projects)
The real Person behind all that awesome. It wasn’t me. It was God. He is the Giver of every perfect gift, including any good gift I can hold out to my homeschool.
To remove the struggle is to remove the story. (our struggles have purpose)
Heart issues require more than quick-fix solutions. Only the gospel can offer any real and lasting changes.
Education doesn’t have to be fun. Education should be engaging. It should propel a child toward curiosity and wonder, fun falls too short. Learning should be a deeper pursuit.
You cannot do more today than today allows. You cannot do more than God has for you. (focus on the moment, don’t worry about tomorrow)
Sometimes, though, the dark days bring about the biggest blessings. It’s often in the struggles that we find the best things in life.
Failure is part of the deal of living. Don’t deprive your struggling one of failure. That’s how he’ll grow. That’s how he’ll learn. No one ever learns nearly as much from the good stuff of life. We all learn most when we’re allowed to try, fail, and get back up again.
Forced association is not socialization. Real-life relationships are diverse. They include lots of different kinds of people from all different ages and stages of life. (sigh, you don’t know how often I get asked about socialization, sorry if my eyes roll lol)
You have to know your role. You cannot carry what’s not yours to carry. Stop wearing someone else’s expectations and judgments. That outfit never looks good on anyone. Walk in the freedom that is yours through the kindness of Christ. You have nothing to prove if your identity is fully rooted in Christ.
It’s about people, not a product.
Character is formed in mundane, repetitive, faithfulness.
Every mile will mean something, even the wandering ways, and the missteps. It will all matter. (thankful for God’s sovereignty)
God does not require your success, only your surrender. You’re charged with simple obedience. God is in charge of the results.
If you will feed your faith, your fears will starve to death. If you fix your eyes on the Author and Finisher, you won’t ever lack for bravery because He always completes the work He begins. (faith over fear)
My children need Jesus more than they need a perfect education.
A brave homeschool is not a perfect homeschool; it’s a gospel-centered one.