It’s time for another homeschool convention! The smell of curricula still brings back memories of homeschooling our two sons. The part of homeschool conventions that I enjoy most is seeing the faces of moms and dads as they reinvest in themselves. We need to remember that just as we invest in our children through their education so should we invest in our own knowledge as we homeschool the high school years. You’ll find yourself refreshed and ready to take on the new school year!

Are you in the Washington area? Join me on June 17th and June 18th at the WHO Convention at the Puyallup Fair and Events Center! There will be many opportunities for us to get to know one another. Visit me and Mr. HomeScholar at Booth #**104 and in the following workshops:

Friday, June 17th

Session B, 11:00 – 12:00

Room 2, Homeschooling High School

Let me show you why you don’t need to be afraid to homeschool high school.
We’ll discuss the keys needed to ensure success!

Saturday, June 18th

Session A, 9:30 – 10:30

Room 2, Making a Transcript

Transcripts are a hassle, so why bother? Because they are the love language of many colleges and a key to college admission and scholarships! Come learn the “why and how” of making a transcript!

Register for my giveaway gift. Trust me, it’s always people who “never win” that win my free giveaways! We’ll also have lots of information at our  booth about our Parent Training Tools, including our new Parent Training A la Carte!

Conventions are also fun because it gives us a chance to meet all of our long-distance homeschooling friends that we normally just get to connect with through email, telephone consulting, or Gold Care Club webinar events. Please come ready to say hello because we would love to see you!

For more information on the WHO Convention workshops, be sure to check out their workshop schedule.

See you in Puyallup!

I am now the Seattle Homeschool Examiner.  You can read my homeschool articles here

Dear Homeschool Parents,

Other parents feel the same fear that you do.  I have shared my own fears before, and I know I’m not alone.  Fear of failure is inherent in parenting.  Please read these words and tell me if you have ever had these feelings: overwrought, fear creeps in, meltdown, wonder about my own abilities, doing a lackluster homeschooling job, becoming more and more nervous, need moral support, family is NOT supportive, fear failure and future bitterness from children.

Now it’s true, we don’t ALL feel this way ALL the time.  But I’ll bet that MOST of us feel this way SOME of the time.  You’re not alone.  I felt that way and I succeeded.  Other parents had those feelings and they have succeeded.  You may feel that way now, but you can succeed too!  Read about Heather’s feelings to know that you are not alone.

Lee,
I’ve just found you and am trying to be encouraged by your newsletter, etc., but fear creeps in whenever I read success testimonies of homeschooling families and former homeschoolers. I do cheer each of them and even let my kids know about the testimonies, but they also cause me to wonder about my own possibly lackluster homeschooling job. I’m a single mother (of children with no involvement from a father), so I am in it alone. I don’t even have a support group. (There’s just not one anywhere near me, sadly.)

We even dedicate our school to God and pray for Him to take His rightful place as the head of His homeschool, and still I am more and more nervous about whether I can lead my children–especially my engineering-aspired son–through their college-prep educations. I fear failure and future bitterness from my children.

I know I shouldn’t worry, but the time is growing so short. My children are 15-1/2 (10th grade) and 14-1/2 (9th grade), and this is our third year homeschooling. I don’t know how to get enough information about “where they are” and “where they should be” to feel confident that I’m at least on the right track. I hope something you’ve written can help.

Thanks,
Heather in Colorado

Dear Heather,

Don’t worry.  The biggest thing I hear from parents when they are done is Shock and Awe.  With a 10th and 9th grader, there is nothing you could have done that would make you “behind.”  Instead of thinking about everything you could be doing, think about it one step at a time.  Read this blog post for encouragement: Homeschool High School: A Step-by-Step Guide. Then watch a short video called “How do you know you can homeschool high school”

I just wrote a blog post about a mom who was CONVINCED she had messed up – until she saw her homeschool transcript.  I do have another few posts that might encourage you, though. Encouragement from The Other Side Homeschooler Wins Full Scholarship – Plus Some More! (By the way, this Renee didn’t even think her daughter would get IN to college, must less get ANY scholarships.) Those blog posts should give you some encouragement for right now.

I think the thing that will help you avoid panic in the future is learning more about high school.  It’s the unknown that we tend to fear.  If you learn more about high school, you’ll be the resource that other parents turn to for encouragement!  You might want to get my video for beginners, Preparing to Homeschool High School, or join my Gold Care Club and watch the video online over four months.  You can read about all the ways I can teach you here:  http://www.thehomescholar.com/parent-training.php

Take a deep breath.  And take it one step at a time.

Blessings,
Lee

Lee,
I can’t thank you enough for your encouragement (and KNOWLEDGE!) Yes, you may use my name and question. Hopefully, you will feel the need to edit it, as I was a bit overwrought when I wrote it and probably rambled.

Thank you for all of the links. I will visit them all. And I will visit Facebook too. (I’m pretty sure I “liked” you just yesterday.) I sure wish I had found you 3 years ago, or 4 actually, when I was seriously researching and considering homeschooling. I’ve downloaded or ordered every free thing I could get my hands on.

I think one of the meltdown catalysts for me was my thinking back to being a straight-A student all through school (until college, when I went crazy) but when I graduated, I did not receive one academic scholarship! (Nor did I receive help from parents to find any money, or even colleges, for that matter.) I was even vice-pres. of National Honor Society, in Y-Teens, volunteered a lot, had job experience since age 11, had lots of creative experience, etc., etc. and nothing!  I was never awarded a scholarship. Last night, I was thinking ahead to next year (when my son will hopefully be taking a college course in chemistry at a comm. college) and wondering if there were scholarships for that (dual credit/early college credit), and then I just jumped into fear about his college entrance being so near (as well as my daughter’s).

I also know that if I were in a support group, it would help, but there just isn’t one near me. I really need moral support, especially because my family is NOT supportive, to put it mildly, and I don’t have a husband. But thank YOU so much for YOUR amazing help. (I’m sorry I made this so long. I rarely do that.)

Have a wonderful day and SHALOM,
Heather

Dear Heather,

A lot of my clients consider the Gold Care Club to be their personal support group.  I remember one member said “Hey, it’s cheaper than therapy!”  If you’re asking about college admission, that’s one of the biggies that I help homeschool parents with.  I also have two DVDs that may help.  You can find them all on my Parent Training Tools page, but look specifically at  Finding a College and Getting the BIG Scholarships. Hang in there!  You’re the best high school guidance counselor for your children, and you CAN be successful!

Our monthly newsletter comes out on the first of every month.  Sign up for your free monthly newsletter here.

Sometimes I think the hardest thing about homeschooling is not how hard it is – it’s how hard people SAY it is.  Honestly, if experts didn’t make it sound so terrifying, people would not panic and bail, right when the homeschooling starts to pay big dividends!

Read what my Facebook friend wrote to me, so you can see what I mean:

Last night was my first Homeschool Workshop with our local accountability group. It was pretty laid back.  The speaker was talking about record keeping for all levels of school. I was the only one there with high school students.

After almost EVERY statement she made about record keeping during the elementary and middle school ages, *she said (with sternness) “EXCEPT HIGH SCHOOL”.  Every time she said that, I slumped a little more in my seat, but all the while thinking,  “Lee would never be this harsh and scary!” *

I couldn’t help but feel so inadequate when it came to my older children because I don’t have everything together, but I’m getting there (somehow).

Our oldest is a Junior and I haven’t even registered to take the SATs yet or even really gotten much info on it. I feel like a bad homeschool mom because I’ve slacked, wasted time and just utterly feel lost.  I know that there is still time to get my act together, but at the same time, I know that its running out.

Now I remember why I wasn’t jumping up and down about joining a local group. I constantly see my shortcomings with no solutions.

I will be speaking with my husband to purchase your program because I know that you give step-by-step instruction without making the educator feel like a total loser. LOL

Thank you, Lee, for the encouragement that is so needed.

Blessings,
Kela

Dear Kela!

First of all, I would NEVER be that harsh and scary! And secondly, it’s those sorts of experiences that make people needlessly fearful of homeschooling, and some even quit. It drives me batty!   There is no reason to make high school seem intimidating like that!

I have a website devoted to homeschool record keeping.

But it sounds like you are ready for the Total Transcript Solution. It has a nice long class about real-life record keeping in high school – nothing scary at all! And yes, I really DO make it sound easy, and provide simple step-by-step instructions.

Have you seen my article on Junior Year?   The 9 Keys to a Successful Junior Year. Maybe that will help you.  Since it’s January of your daughter’s junior year, there are just three things to do.  Take the SAT or ACT, choose a couple of colleges to visit, work on your transcript, and you’re back in business! Easy-peasy!

Everyone sees their own shortcomings. Once you see your CHILDREN in black and white on a transcript, you’ll be amazed at what you’re able to accomplish in high school, short comings and all!

Attention Gold Care Club and Silver Training Club members!  Today is January 20 and you have NEW content on your membership page. Make sure to log in and see what goodies I have for you there!

Want to know more about my Gold Care Club?  Discover how you can get 24×7 homeschool high school support!

Trying to convince your spouse about homeschooling? Let the data set you free!.

Dear Lee,
Happy New Year to you! I wrote you last year about homeschooling our 16 year old son. He is still attending public school. School just started this week, and he hates it. My husband and I are trying to ask him what is going on, and he said, he is lonely, and dealing  with some comments from other friends/teens. He is an active, happy teen, and when it comes to school, he hates it!   Can I homeschool him in high school? How can I convince my husband that our son is struggling?  HELP!  hee hee…
Thanks,
Debbie in Alaska

Hi Debbie,

Yes, you CAN homeschool – even starting now (depending on your state homeschool law.) I have a blog post for beginning
homeschoolers.

And if you and your husband take this homeschooling webinar I made with Jay Wile, you’ll immediately know how great it can be!

I hope that helps!

I’ve recently been connecting with friends on LinkedIn.  I invite you to send me an invitation if you want to connect with my business.

My husband was looking through his old homeschool file and found a poem he had written long time ago.  Guess which child this was about?

The Boy Who Had No Need of Ears

I know a boy of eleven years
Who has no need of his two ears.
He speaks all morning, noon and night,
When he plays and when he fights,
And when he speaks all stop to hear
This wise old boy of eleven years.

But never once during his day
Will he stop from work or play
To simply listen to the song
(He can’t, of course, with both ears gone)
Or the yellow chickadee,
Or of his brother, or mom or me.

So we who did his christening,
Now do all the listening.

I wonder one day if he’ll pause
Just to rest his tired jaws.
And rediscover his  two ears
Can serve a purpose, it appears.
For if he does, he will rejoice
That he can hear his lovely voice!

by Matthew E. Binz

Who do you suppose?  The quiet engineering son, or the political science major?  That’s right.  The talker, Alex.  I’m mentioning this just to illustrate one important fact.

They grow up.

My son Alex is now a Certified Rhetorician, with lovely wall certificate and everything.  In case you’re wondering, a Certified  Rhetorician means he has been certified as a talker.  Like James Bond has a license to kill, my grown son has a license to talk.  Just like he has always been a talker.

I’ve recently been connecting with friends on LinkedIn.  I invite you to send me an invitation if you want to connect with my business.

Homeschoolers can get a diploma from a great online supplier, HomeschoolDiploma.com.  They provide diplomas for individual homeschoolers and for groups graduating together.  Parents can order a cap, gown, invitation, and diploma.  There are optional fun things as well – “bling” as my son says.

When my son graduated from the university, he had all sorts of bling.  White tassel for his Rhetoric minor, brown tassel for the School of Business and Economics.  Two orange cords demonstrating that he was Magna Cum Laude, Red Stole indicating that he was a University Scholar, and a Medallion on white ribbon because he was a member of Ivy Honorary National Honor Society.  It seemed like every graduate had some sort of bling.

“I was looking at a website that offered graduation items for home schoolers. There were medallions for Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Honor graduate, etc. My daughter will be graduating all of these since we are home  schooling. Can you comment on this? What do others have to say.  Thanks, Leslie”

It’s a fun option.  When my children were involved in sports, some teams would have a huge to-do about everything.  Team jackets, team bat-bags, enormous trophies, and even towels with the team logo!  Others teams…. didn’t.  Having bling is a fun option.  If it’s  meaningful to you, and makes your child feel special, then there is not harm in it.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian are honors given for students who speak at a graduation ceremony.  My children didn’t speak at their graduation.  We had our graduation in the back yard. My husband said a few words, blessed them, and handed them their diploma.   For that reason, I would only consider that for students who will be speaking before a group, but maybe that’s just me being particular.

When we graduated our children from homeschool, they had already achieved a year of college through CLEP exams, and a year community college dual enrollment.   I didn’t want to spend extra money on the “bling” because I was planning a large graduation  party. My boys wanted to keep things as manly and macho as possible, and I had a hard time even talking them into wearing a cap  and gown for their graduation party. I did put the “honors” sticker on their diplomas.  I’m not sure my children actually looked at their diploma, or read the sticker, but it was very meaningful to me.   I knew they had graduated with honors.  Since it meant that  much to me, it was worth it.

Learn the SECRET to getting your student placed at the TOP of the stack for college admission consideration as well as one of those MASSIVE university scholarships.  Get the Comprehensive Record Solution!

Sometime a student will request to be withdrawn from public high school and begin homeschooling. If that is the case for you and you can support them, I would encourage you to do it and not look back. You CAN pull your students out anytime you want to. If you want to get their high school grades first you could wait until the grades are released and then pull them. If they aren’t getting good grades, then you can pull them out BEFORE they get their grades, and then they won’t ever be on their transcript. Just a little high school tip

If possible, I really recommend my beginning “Preparing to Homeschool High School” crash course. I find that starting at the beginning, and learning about homeschooling high school all at once is easier, to get you quickly up to speed. Some people watch the video, and then call me for a one-hour appointment or join the Gold Care Club so they can get additional consulting.

The biggest concern for parents puling their kids out at a high school level is often the transcript.  You will need to have the current public school transcript, if possible, so that your homeschool transcript includes BOTH schools – homeschool and public school. It doesn’t have to be an accredited transcript, but you do need a transcript so you know the exact course title, credit value, and precise grade in each class. As a homeschool parent, you become the academic clearing house for every educational experience.  I  have an entire chapter about that in my book, “Setting the Records Straight: How to Craft Homeschool Transcripts and Course Descriptions for College Admission and Scholarships.”

You can do it!  Homeschooling is really fun!  I have transcript help available with the Total Transcript Solution.

If you are curious about providing a great homeschool education for your gifted child, check out my audio training, “Gifted Education at Home.“

Looking at an online accredited school for next year? Many of them may actually be an accredited organization with a classroom mentality – which means that you have extremely limited flexibility with your homeschool. Let me go over one advertisement for you point by point:

- A Free Homeschool Portfolio Review — Students transitioning into (this school) receive a free homeschool portfolio and/or transcript evaluation.
That means they are going to judge you on whether you have been “good” or “bad” as a homeschool parent.

- A Well-Written Homeschooling Curriculum — (this school) courses are accompanied by high-quality textbooks and course materials. Our broad array of courses complements other curriculums and homeschool programs. You have the option to enroll in a full four-year program or in individual courses.That means you can’t use what you have already been using that works, and that they have limited options for curriculum – they have to be approved by them.

- Valid Transcripts — Credits earned at (this school) are accepted by major colleges and universities. (Students can earn a (this school) high school diploma by successfully completing 21 course credits, but all credits do not need to come from (this school) .) This is trying to convince you that your own homeschool transcript is somehow NOT valid. That’s not true – my homeschool transcript was accepted everywhere my kids applied. The truth is that YOUR transcript is valid too, and it is also accepted by major colleges and universities.

- Autonomy and Independent Study — Students set their own schedule round family, work, and community commitments. That doesn’t mean you can set your own yearly schedule. You have to finish by a certain month or you “fail” and you can’t just drop classes – at least that is what I have heard from other clients.

- Teacher Support — Our certified teachers are subject matter experts so parents don’t have to be the experts when it comes to things like complex Chemistry equations. That’s trying to tell you that if you homeschool regularly that you DO have to be an expert, but that’s not true. We don’t want to be “teaching” our children, we want them to learn how to learn. Completely different.

- An Affordable Program — The (this school) Family Plan makes it affordable for families to enroll more than one child. They have GOT to be kidding, if they think THAT is affordable, LOL!

All of these accredited programs are choices that parents can make, certainly. I worry that they are being pressured with untruths (like those implications above.) I worry that parents will look at these and think they are “more than” what they can provide at home, which they aren’t. I worry that parents will think these are a perfect solution, when there really IS no perfect school, and everything will have it’s pluses and minuses.

In my opinion, these kinds of programs can limit the flexibility of homeschooling, imply inadequacy to parents that can harm their confidence, and can cause a “failure” in the homeschool that parents will attribute to homeschooling itself, instead of an attribute to the program they signed up for.

Judgment, Limitation and Failure – Where do I sign up??

Here is an article about accreditation.

Here is my husband’s article about the different options available.

Confused about “Parent Partnership Programs”?  If so check out an article I wrote here.

Homeschooling is NOT the same as being in a parent partnership programs.  There is LOTS of freedom with independent homeschooling!  My Gold Care Club will give you all the help you need to succeed!