One of the first speed bumps I saw coming was my hubby and I getting on to the same page as far as home schooling expectations.  He works from a home office, so is very involved (or at least likes to listen in).  We have very different styles and approaches, but the same goals.  He is the organized, structured type and I am more of the "go with the flow" personality.  Well, I have been married to him long enough to see a conflict in the making.  So I decided to speak to him in a language he understands...

Before we started, I wrote a business plan for our "school".  This business plan included a monthly budget, mission and vision statement, broad schedule, curriculum, academic benchmarks, and discipline plan.  I was intentionally broad in my language, so that I gave myself wiggle room.  This served 2 purposes, gave my husband an outline of the school in a format that he understands and gives me some benchmarks to work toward and a little structure in my chaos.

We also have included the kids in the rule-making process and gave them contracts to sign.  Since they went to public school and then home school, I want them to understand that this is going to be fun, but a serious endeavor - not permanent vacation.  We explained to them that we feel that this is a great gift that we are willing and able to give them, but that they need to take some ownership in this process and that it is their education. 


My plan is to provide the basic skills, but let them explore the areas that interest them and work that into our plan.  I cant wait to see where that leads...