5 THINGS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I STARTED HOMESCHOOLING....

Thinking about what I have learned over the years homeschooling and reflecting back is crazy. Sharing with you all 5 of the things I wish I would have known when i started my homeschooling journey. These are personal to me and my journey, but maybe some of you all can relate?
What's one thing you wish you knew when you started homeschooling?
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~Ashlee

[@SweetlyHome]

This is so encouraging as we prepare to homeschool this upcoming year. My daughter will be coming home from public school and we are so excited. Your channel has been a huge help to me as I am preparing.

[@GraceandGrit]

SweetlyHome - Mandi Thankyou so so very much! So encouraging to me to know that anything I mention is helpful! ❤️ you're in for a treat!

[@3434rocky]

I've learned homeschooling is like giving birth, you can prepare all you want but it doesn't mean it will go by your plan. Thanks for your great video 😊

[@ashley-js5rk]

I felt like giving up today. :( I homeschool a 1st grader and 3rd grade. My 3rd grader listens and does his work on his own my 1st grader is terrible about even getting started. I took them out of public school on the 100 day of school last yr.... so I am a new sahm homeschooler. But my goodness I don't even want to get out of bed in the morning! And I agree with you on these things. But Im just not in a good season right now. I know God has a plan for me in growing... Im struggling here... I have 4 kids 8, 6, 3, 1. I need prayers.

[@GraceandGrit]

ashley praying for you mama. You can do this, he has equipped you for the job. Ask him to help you, don't give up!

[@ashley-js5rk]

Thank you for your reply.

[@abhayabhay243]

You need to do deep breathing or yoga if possible. Google "management vadakayil blogs" bless you , challenge and encourage you to do your best

[@abhayabhay243]

Opps it's one year old

[@thehoffinaters4285]

This comment was a year ago... how are things now, a year later?

[@jeffsmith4707]

#3 and #4 would be on my list. Education was also not a priority in my household growing up and I am really enjoying learning all this stuff again with my kids. I have also learned my kids need me to be on their side 100% of the time. I don't give in to them but I can encourage them and push them when they need it. Allowing them to grow into who they want to be means allowing them to have bad days and letting them know my love will not waiver for them even on those bad days. Great video, thanks for sharing! Oh, and I love the hair!!

[@GraceandGrit]

Andrea Fontaine Thankyou so much, yes knowing it's a safe place to express feeling is so important , I agree.

[@jackfel]

I really love this video I started homeschooling about 5 months ago and when I took him out of school I didn't know where to start and kept second guessing if I was doing it right or if I was doing enough. KZbin was one of the first places I looked to for some guidance and I'm so happy to have found your channel. Thank you for these videos. 😀❤

[@Knitterbug]

I am so glad I watched this before jumping in. I’ve been binge watching your videos and other videos. It’s SO overwhelming! Thank you for all of your insight!

[@kikiwylde]

Lovely video Ashlee. I agree with every one of these. Especially #5. I feel like I am meant to share and encourage too. I especially wish I had known that patience comes with experience so that I wouldn't have put off homeschooling for so long, worried that I wasn't patient enough to do this. Thanks for sharing x

[@marissalove4921]

Thank you for this video. I have been contemplating the idea of homeschooling for months now. Thank you for your honesty!

[@HomeEducationJourneyUK]

Love this! So important to stay flexible and adapt as you learn new things. Great lesson for the kids to take on board, too!

[@wesproutwestendsprout4343]

Great tips, a bad day doesn’t mean you’re doing everything wrong so true! 👍🏽

[@christyminugh9205]

I haven't been home schoooling long but, I wish I would've known that it was ok to take a break! I tried to force learning to read on my daughter because I was afraid they would make me put her in public school. Turns out, thanks to y'all on youtube and the HEAV group on facebook, taking a break is all she needed to learn to read!! A few weeks of a break and I found her in her room practicing reading a book!!

[@momzestlife]

I really enjoyed this video and I'm glad I found your channel! I resonated with #1. We have changed up so many things in our homeschool over the years and there were moments I almost felt bad and apologetic about sharing those changes on KZbin. I finally embraced the inevitable: that change will indeed happen. And now I'm happier. Isn't it great when we free ourselves to simply enjoy the journey? I love this, and thank you for sharing!

[@GraceandGrit]

MomZest amen! Yes, embrace the change, I too experienced the guilt!

[@GreenISHKatie]

So true! Very good video! I wish I would have known that I would constantly change the curriculum also! I have second guessed a lot of things. Thank you for sharing this!!🤗💗🌸

[@lindsey7202]

I could not love this anymore! Thank you for sharing.

[@mamatofive1]

I love this, Ashlee! I agree with all of these. I love how homeschooling keeps reminding me of academics that I have forgotten about since my school days! 😊

[@GraceandGrit]

Mama to Four so so true, I love it too! And frankly sometimes I'm learning something new, because I didn't care to learn it as a child and wasn't paying attention! Thankyou for watching!

[@charlenepinpin4655]

Great video Ashlee! I love that you share what has worked and not worked as well, it gives me inspiration to try different things in our homeschool!

[@GraceandGrit]

Charlene Pinpin I'm super thankful you take that away from my videos!

[@My.Lifes.Journey]

So, I was listening to your video while cleaning and when you said: "And the last thing..." I literally said out loud, " Oh no! I need the video to be longer!" 😂😂😂 I loved it! Thank you so much for this!

[@GraceandGrit]

S. Myla K. I love to listen to KZbin when I clean! Thankyou for watching!

[@j.p.mcleod9616]

Well done, Ashlee! #3 really resonates with me so thanks for the encouragement :)

[@rachelmartz7418]

I am just starting to homeschool this year. I have been second guessing myself. Thank you for the encouragement

[@dinape]

I love sharing too!! :) Great video! We definitely have LOTS of bad days in our school. I keep praying and praying for direction for this coming year. My oldest has a VERY strong personality and can really affect the whole mood of our school days. I'm sure that part of his personality will benefit him tremendously in the future, but for school purposes it is a huge challenge (that I don't always handle well). I know the feeling of "we are doing it wrong!", "maybe we need a different curriculum!!" If nothing else, it drives me to prayer and keeps me very humble! :)

[@GraceandGrit]

Creative Minds Homeschool amen mama! It's so tough, but be reminded nothing lasts forever!

[@rebeccaoprea9917]

Ages and stages . Romans 8:28

[@marylouinocencio9918]

We are just getting started in preparing for our homeschool journey this year. Thank you for your video, it is encouraging.

[@STARSofJEWELS]

Oh man girl!!! Thank you for talking about how bad days just happen sometimes and it isn't me that is the problem. I do this ALL THE TIME!!! I needed to hear this sooooo badly!!!! Thanks girl!

[@GraceandGrit]

*STARSofJEWELS* makes two of us! Super thankful you can relate!

[@elijahdealmeida6580]

Hi Ashlee. 😊 I just want you to know that I really appreciate you sharing many of your homeschooling experiences. These videos are so inspirational. You are really a blessing. Watching your videos gives so much info and eases alot of anxiety that I was having about starting homeschooling. Thank you. Blessings to you and your family. 💗 Elijah

[@GraceandGrit]

Elijah De Almeida ❤️❤️❤️

[@akaMommy]

Great video, Ashlee! We will be going into our 6th year of homeschooling in the fall. And I could not agree with you more on all of these! I also wish that I had known that homeschool doesn't have to look like public school. I spent so much time in the beginning of our journey trying to mimic the public school experience and it just didn't work for us. It took me a while to realize that I was approaching it all wrong. And once I really assessed my goals, I was able to finally enjoy the time with my kids!

[@GraceandGrit]

aka Mommy... amen to that!

[@LovedHappy]

appreciate this tip! Thanks for sharing :)

[@ruwgirl]

Thank you so much for sharing this 💕 When I kept on changing styles and curriculum I thought it was because I was failing 😢 You have turned the light on for me ❤️ Thank you so very much 💕💐

[@twine7655]

This was super encouraging. Thank you for sharing!! I'm going to have to check out your personal training videos :)

[@GraceandGrit]

Tawny Wine super thankful you found them encouraging!

[@Rachelatday2dayjoys]

♥️ love this, especially #5.... your channel is great and I can relate! 😍

[@GraceandGrit]

Rachel at day2dayjoys Thankyou so much! So is yours!

[@PepperandPine]

Awe, number 5 is so sweet :) I'm a sharer, too! Great insight :)

[@GraceandGrit]

Pepper and Pine Thankyou so much! Sharing can be tough at times but it's very rewarding!

[@TheLifeofaHomemaker]

Love this. I'm gearing up to start school in a few months (if he's ready!)

[@kristinsearight3813]

Just found this channel and I love it. I wish I’d known how stubborn my child really was 😂 I knew she was hard headed but man. She’s learned a lot just since we started after Christmas

[@LovedHappy]

Oh my goodness this is so good :) You have so much wisdom. I have an almost 2 year old and another due this summer. I want to homeschool but have definitely had some fears and hesitations like you described--mostly wondering if I am personally equipped to do it. Thank you SO much for sharing your experience and heart, I would love to see more videos like this! xo Thank you beautiful!

[@LovedHappy]

I'm a big believer in sharing as well :)

[@GraceandGrit]

LovedHappy congrats on you're upcoming addition! You can do it mama!! Thankyou for watching!

[@LoveLearningEveryday]

Such great advice! Thank you! I am going to have to keep these in mind when we start this fall! ❤️

[@GraceandGrit]

Love Learning Everyday yes! Knowing ahead helps so much

[@LoveLearningEveryday]

Grace and Grit for sure! I am just so excited to officially start!

[@kellyslittleonesnursey]

I just found your channel thank you so much for the insight my BFF. is thinking of starting homeschool with her son next year

[@jeaniecolleen1739]

I wish I would have known how to find encouragement for a struggling learner soon. Also, that all children learn a little different and that is ok. Just finished my 15th year of homeschooling with my 3rd graduating one more to graduate in four years. I enjoy your channel.

[@ingridtyree3284]

So true.....Going on my 16th year of homeschooling and I have changed some things every year and continue to do so!

[@heathermcgough8652]

I always look forward to your videos!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@GraceandGrit]

Heather McGough Thankyou for being apart of my KZbin family 😘

[@myrnaorellana2697]

I been enjoying some of the videos..this one in particular resonated with me..I'm new at this so it's nice to hear some of the encouragement u give..

[@GraceandGrit]

That makes me very happy, as that is my intention for sharing my journey!

[@glitterngloss13]

Thank you so much for this! I'm loving your channel! I'm just starting our homeschool journey this fall with Kindergarten and I'm super nervous! I will have a very high maintenance 2 year old and a 5 year old that hates anything that has to do with learning how to read. 😔. I'm just praying I'm able to teach her what she needs to know. This video has inspired me to start doing some homeschool videos as it may be fun to look back on & my struggles and concerns may help someone else.

[@GraceandGrit]

glitterngloss13 good luck mama, you can do it!

[@creeksidehomeschoolers]

glitterngloss13 I know this is going to sound crazy and make you feel like how can that be enough, but here it is, if I had to do it all over with my now 8 and 6 year old boys: keep it simple and just snuggle up and read good fun books and play board games ie candy land(color), chutes and ladders(numbers) and ABC bingo(at first honestly I would teach the sounds the letters make then teach the name of the letters because the sounds are what we use to read words). Honey for a child's heart is a book that give a great list of books to read. I also recommen checking out pepper and pine on you tube about delayed-learning it's quite interesting and has some good merit. Really all of her videos are very helpful and well done! Another thing, I say give yourself grace you have quite a busy life at the moment with 2 kids under 5, don't feel the need to keep up with public school. it would be absolutely fine and your 5 year will not miss anything if you wait another year to start "kindergarten" plus he/she will probably pick it up faster. I know crazy, but it's just my 2 cents. I wish you a fun and exciting year! Jamarell Stuart's large family table on KZbin is great two very encouraging( grap a cup of tea or coffee during nap time and watch she is awesome)

[@brandienunziati9496]

I needed to hear this today...many thanks xo

[@MandieHeartsLife]

I'm so happy I just found your channel! Your so inspiring💗 I'm also a YT momma. I'm in the process of thinking about homeschooling my 3 & 4 year old twins. I've had many doubts, so I thank you for this video. I can't wait to watch more. Thumbs up 👍

[@GraceandGrit]

MandieHeartsLife thankyou so much for your sweet comment! I’m happy you’re here!

[@Psychmart123]

I just love ur positive energy. 👍🏼💓

[@stefp11111]

Great video! Just found your channel a few days ago and appreciate your videos. One thing I wish I would have known: that my child won't always "get it" the first time. But wait a couple weeks/lessons and watch in amazement how things start to click for him.

[@GraceandGrit]

stefp11111 Thankyou so much! Thankful you're here! Yes I agree with this too!

[@Dr.NoorMoussawi]

Thank you so much for this. We have a saying by the Prophet Mohammad that my mom reminds me of constantly...purify your knowledge by sharing it 🥰🥰🥰 I am a Dentist, public speaker and mom of four, and my mom always says this to me to this day. Thank you for sharing all that you know, God bless you and your wonderful family and children and may He protect you and make your children of the most successful and pious people 🤲🏻🌸💖

[@vivianomarsh]

Awesome video! Going to homeschool this year 1st grade and K and I am so glad to have stumbled upon your channel.

[@GraceandGrit]

vivianomarsh I'm so glad you did too!

[@gemagarcia6102]

Omg i am thinking on starting homeschool for a prek and 1st grade. Can you tell me how did it go?

[@Paigemarielarson]

Your number 3 oh my gosh I needed to hear that especially❤️

[@johnmacdonald3282]

Greetings from London ,England. Love the video and would love to home educate.. slowly talking my kids mum into letting me do this. I love travelling and could turn these trips into lessons. Hopefully my English will improve. Blessings

[@CrystalChristianStore]

I wish i knew when started homeschool its all the amazing channels like you help me in that moment and the all free websites offering worksheets and nice curriculum! I save hundreds 😊🙇‍♀️

[@GraceandGrit]

Homeschool Mom of 4 so sweet, and yes, I love FREE

[@nicolesaunders081]

On us being called to share our knowledge and experiences... I felt that on a deeper level. That’s what my channel does as well. 😊 I’m looking forward to homeschooling my middle child and then eventually all 3.

[@missmartpants2269]

Thank you! I am considering homeschooling my children. I will be honest, my motivation has quadruppled since learning the dangers of vaccines. I am aware I have a lot of growing and learning to do myself before risking my childrens education, so I am very thankful for videos such as this that help reassure parents that they are not alone in feeling like they may fail. God bless!

[@charlottewhite4451]

Mrs mart pants , me too. vaccines ,school violence ... Im considering teaching 2 12 yr olds. how is your home schooling coming along? Renee Baltimore md

[@princessdiana8698]

Same here , I want to start homeschooling my daughter. But I just don’t know where to start .

[@creeksidehomeschoolers]

I wish I would've known how not-to over plan our school curriculum. I also wish I would've known my boys learning style was going to be opposite of my teaching style. I was hoping use worksheets and workbooks, but not my boys, they are repelled by them and refuse to do them. We have not found balance in our homeschool and enjoying the freedom of change through each season. Thanks for sharing!

[@GraceandGrit]

Creekside Homeschoolers so true! Knowing their learning styles ahead of time would have been so helpful!

[@Tracks777]

Nice video man!

[@BustlingHome]

I'm really looking forward to learning and exploring with my kids. There's so much I'd like to learn more about and a lot of my experience and knowledge I'd like to share with them. The oldest are not quite 3yo.

[@marilyngonzalez3970]

Amazing video! Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏻💖

[@GraceandGrit]

Marilyn Gonzalez Thankyou so much!

[@elenav2661]

I so needed this. In my first year of HS. Thanks!!!

[@GraceandGrit]

Elena V awe so happy to read this! The first year can be the toughest but most magical as you realize you can do this!

[@elenav2661]

Thanks. I'm trying out a new idea this week because we are still having trouble getting into the swing of it. I'm really working hard to make it work. I've got a 7 1/2, 4 1/2, and 3 year old.

[@heatherlambert4927]

Thanks for the awesome video! My husband and I are thinking of homeschooling and pulling our kids out of private school. My fears are my children missing out on deep friendships and school functions like dances, rallies and prom. If you have any advice I would greatly appreciate it!!! Feeling lost as I know nothing about homeschool. Thank you!

[@HillaryGratz]

I'm crying (I'm also 8 months pregnant and emotional😂😭). This is so awesome, I appreciate this video getting ready to homeschool next year. Thank you so much!💖🕆 P.S. do you have dermatillomania? Just curious, as I do, and noticed things that reminded me of myself in this video. It is one of the things that is making me nervous about homeschooling because I'm struggling so much with it and it's very distracting for me and eats a chunk of my day almost every day..

[@therighteouspath]

You are right! GOD bring us for something good. I started homeschooling a month ago for my 7 years old son. Thank you so much for your video. I wish I would have known about homeschooling some years ago for my elder kids. Unfortunately, my 7 years old son is dong homeschooling alone and sometimes its like he doesn’t like to do his work. I’m thinking to change his curriculum but as well I’m afraid that how to get accredited for him? Because for now we got his homeschool curriculum from a homeschool academy. I want an advice for that, whether choose curriculum by my own as per my son’s choice or stick with the same curriculum ? But then how can I get accreditation for him!

[@littlejoyeveryday8675]

i am so happy when you upload a video.and i do not homeschool.hahaha.i love your personality.have a nice summer.

[@GraceandGrit]

mummysworld you too!!! 😘

[@yadiicopado5892]

I love your hair color 😍

[@CelesteLoveHeart]

Thank you♥

[@tiffytoo]

Thank you for this video ...much needed. Which state do you homeschool in?

[@kimberlydobson8652]

Hi!!! I haven’t started homeschooling but I am interested in doing so! First I will ask my children how they would feel about it. Also, where do I even begin? Is there a particular website that you have to go through that gives you all of the information on how to begin? I am new to your channel so I will look through a few of your posts to see what other information I can find. Thank you for this post!

[@newmamaful]

You might want to check out Time4Learning.

[@miryanmunizaga4749]

I only wish I would have started sooner!

[@scaredycat6250]

Thank you

[@moonglow7710]

Cool topic!

[@GraceandGrit]

Moon Glow Thankyou!

[@sambou35]

You are sure a sweet person.

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

good info

[@lovebirdcrazy5675]

so glad I found ur channel..how old were ur kids when u started homeschooling? did they attend school before? ..love from ontario canada

[@GraceandGrit]

lovebird crazy my older two did yes!! So happy to have you here!

[@galaxyoldacc483]

Wish I was homeschooled

[@charlottewhite4451]

Hi. Im considering home schooling my 2 children. 7th graders. what curriculum is your favorite? Renee Baltimore md

[@cat-lw6kq]

Just teach your kids to read. When I became a tech at work I read lots of technical manuals to learn my job.

[@tessarabennett3951]

Thinking about starting homeschooling with my soon to be 6th grader. I’m very nervous but excited. Do you recommend a period of de schooling?

[@GraceandGrit]

Tessara Bennett depending on why you’re making the switch I think it can be beneficial

[@jessicasmith8217]

I reaserched a bunch of videos and no one answers this question.. do you have to keep track of your child's school work, do we grade papers? how do we know that they passed and are ready to move on to the next grade level? I live in TN.

[@sharayahsunshine11]

Jessica Smith- Hello! I have no idea if you'll even see my response to your question but I thought I'd give it a go here. Visit hslda.org/laws to find out what Tennessee requires for homeschooling families. I think its important to keep basic records on what you're teaching. Not just for State purposes but if there is testing that needs done you have an idea of what you've already taught your child. I don't think grading is required. I feel like its important to check their work and guide them through something they don't understand as opposed to getting a mark. As far as grade levels, there may be a list of subjects the State of Tennessee has that each child is 'required' to know.

[@lauramaples3923]

Tennessee requires you to turn in a attendance sheet at the end of your 180 days and they test in 5th and 7th grade if you go thru the school board

[@TheCustardceem]

Love your channel! I am a teacher of 16 years and have just started a Homeschooling channel... any feedback welcome! Good luck! xx

[@CreatingEssence]

I was a teacher before I had my own kids so I was always confident in my ability to teach, but I wish I'd known I didn't need a curriculum to tell me WHAT or HOW to teach it.

[@GraceandGrit]

Creating Essence ahhhh yes! That is sooo good!

[@kierra4440]

what do u with 4 year old for school

[@GraceandGrit]

Abcs and 123s and read a lot of books!

[@storypunman]

We will be unschooling/home schooling our kids. For now they are in the Catholic school system until grade 8 (age 14). I find the school system teaching too much non-relevant information. We want our kids to learn and do what they find interesting, not what the school system pushes on them. High school seems like a lot of stress that can be avoided. I don't want my kids chasing a degree from college or university just to get a high paying job. That being said, both my wife and I are early retired and plan on teaching our kids everything we know about capital markets and specifically the derivative market. I feel our kids will eventually do whatever job they enjoy, and make the majority of their income from the capital markets. It's a new world, and you don't have to leave home any longer to earn a living. I feel that even if you are winning in the "rat race" ...... you are still a rat.

[@kamolergashev2346]

Parents have no even college degree but homeschooling their kids:) dont get that

[@GraceandGrit]

Kevin LandstarG-K I have a college degree Thankyou. Though it’s definitely not required