Written by Jamie Martin, editor of Simple Homeschool and founder of Steady Mom

Over the past month I’ve received several emails from readers asking about a question I have no idea how to answer.

The emails sound a bit like this (used with permission):

“I have three little ones and have been homeschooling for two years now. My mom has been a teacher for decades and does not support our decision to homeschool. It is difficult not to carry that as a burden.

I believe so strongly in what we are doing for our family, but I guess I’m just curious how others handle a lack of support or encouragement from those most important to them.”

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The following is a guest post written by Chris Whittington and Clare McIlwraith of The Study Gurus.

In a traditional high school, learning can become forced and mundane.  Homeschooling, on the other hand, has the amazing ability to create a lifelong love of learning.

This view will be invaluable throughout your children’s lives.  A desire to learn and explore will mean they’ll be able to do anything they set their mind to, provided they have the right tool-set.

Before many kids venture out into the big wide world, their journey will involve going to college. You will want to do everything in your power to fully prepare your children for this incredibly important step.

Starting college means a huge shift towards independence.

For many students, this will not only be the first time that they’ve lived away from home, but also the first time they’ll have to take complete responsibility for their own education.

They will no longer have your help to complete assignments, prepare for exams, and just be there for support. The work-load will be more intense and pressure will rarely let up.

There will be no room for spoon-feeding, and self-direction will be required.
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