Becoming Homeschoolers: Give Your Kids a Great Education, a Strong Family, and a Life They'll Thank You for Later

by Monica Swanson, Sarah Molitor (Foreword by)

Overview

Monica Swanson helps you navigate your real-world concerns about school, culture, and what it takes to create an amazing homeschool experience that you and your kids will never regret!

If you've ever wondered whether you have what it takes to homeschool your children, look no further. Parenting author, podcaster, and homeschool mom Monica Swanson is here to tell you: you can do it. In fact, it can be the most fun, family-unifying, character-building, life-equipping experience you and your children will ever have.

Becoming Homeschoolers tackles your legitimate doubts and fears about homeschooling, as well as the questions you want answered before you commit—questions like where to start and how to choose a curriculum, build social skills, teach what you're not good at, and prepare for college. With humor and encouragement, Monica weaves her own story of homeschooling her four boys with step-by-step, practical advice on how to:

• Assess whether home education is right for you and your children
• Establish a foundation of faith in your everyday homeschool routine
• Find socialization opportunities such as sports and extracurricular activities
• Care for yourself and your marriage even as you spend more time each day with your kids
• Tackle the practical side of homeschooling, including standardized tests, transcripts, college readiness, and navigating education requirements

It's time to trade fear for empowerment and insecurity for confidence as you live out your own story of becoming homeschoolers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310367628
Publisher:	Zondervan
Publication date:	05/07/2024
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	114,991
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Monica Swanson is a popular blogger (www.monicaswanson.com), host of the Monica Swanson Podcast (formerly the Boy Mom podcast), and author of Boy Mom and Raising Amazing.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Monica graduated from Pepperdine University and earned her teaching credential from Linfield College. Monica has a bachelor's degree in sports medicine and has spent much of her life as a personal coach and trainer. She and her doctor-husband, Dave, have one college graduate son, one son in college, another son surfing professionally and taking college classes online, and a twelve-year-old son homeschooled by Monica. The Swanson family enjoys growing tropical fruit at their family home in the country on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.

Editorial Reviews

'As a second-generation home schooler, I've read a lot of homeschool books. Becoming Homeschoolers stands out from the crowd. Reading Monica's words felt like sitting down with a friend for coffee as she shared with me what a typical homeschool day looks like, answered questions about teaching my preschooler or preparing my teen for college, and most of all, helped me believe in the value and beauty of homeschooling. Wherever you are in your homeschooling journey, you'll find the wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice you need in Becoming Homeschoolers.' Greta Eskridge, second-generation homeschooler; author, Adventuring Together and 100 Days of Adventure

'By sharing her experience and wisdom as a veteran homeschooling mom, Monica clears the fog that many parents may experience as they consider homeschooling their children. She helps them prioritize, simplify, and begin to see how doable homeschooling really is. After homeschooling my own eight kids over the last thirty years, I can't recommend Becoming Homeschoolers highly enough!' Durenda Wilson, author, The Unhurried Homeschooler, The Four-Hour School Day, and Raising Boys to Men; host, The Durenda Wilson Podcast

'Homeschooling has been one of the most joyful, fulfilling experiences of my life. I deeply regret that I didn't do it sooner—but perhaps I would have if someone had given me a resource like this! Becoming Homeschoolers is the perfect introductory guide to what parents need to know. It's just the right mix of big-picture and detailed information that you need to start (and continue) your journey.' Natasha Crain, speaker; podcaster; author of four books, including Faithfully Different

'Homeschooling is the best decision our family has made. I thought about writing a homeschooling book, but I don't have to; Monica wrote everything I would have said. Simply cannot recommend enough. Buy it. Read it all.' Jessica Smartt, author, Memory-Making Mom and Let Them Be Kids

'Like a lot of families, we were thrust into homeschooling during the pandemic. We're still grateful we made that decision, but can I be honest? We weren't ready. I wish we would have had this excellent book to guide us. It's a gold mine of wisdom that will equip you to homeschool at every stage.' Drew Dyck, author, Your Future Self Will Thank You and Just Show Up

'Monica is offering exactly the wisdom and encouragement so many are looking for. And the best part: it's joyful. Reading this is like spending time with a friend who makes you feel more energized about what you're doing. This book will be a blessing to a lot of families.' Brant Hansen, author; radio host; dad of homeschooled kids; host, the Brant and Sherri Oddcast podcast

'Monica is sharing with the world her homeschooling experience and its impact in raising her amazing young men, and clearly she should be acknowledged as a hands-on pioneer and expert in her field. Monica isn't merely a researcher sharing her findings. She has lived this journey! She knows what she is talking about. Anyone interested in moving into the homeschooling realm, or already has jumped into it, would benefit greatly by gleaning from Monica's insights.' D. Melissa Brown, author; speaker; founder, Lifeways4living.com; homeschooling mom of seven incredible humans

'Monica Swanson has uniquely captured the essence and motivation of homeschooling that allowed us to enjoy our kids and to create a culture our family has loved. We homeschooled all seven of our children. Our kids are all grown now, and after all these years, I wondered how there could be yet another book on why to homeschool, but Becoming Homeschoolers is definitely different. This book will keep you inspired to live life to the fullest, with adventure, flexibility, joy, and vision. If you're considering homeschooling, Becoming Homeschoolers will help you work through the mindsets and reasons to go for it. We did it, and you can do it too.' Ann Dunagan, author, Mission-Minded Families

'Monica Swanson helps parents overcome doubt, trust God, and teach their children with confidence. Becoming Homeschoolers is a motivational guide full of revolutionary insights and practical tools to homeschool well.' Ginger Hubbard, bestselling author, Don't Make Me Count to Three and I Can't Believe You Just Said That; podcast cohost, Parenting with Ginger Hubbard

'Monica's gone-before wisdom is a balm for the anxious homeschooling mom's heart. This book combines practical answers to questions every homeschooling (or would-be homeschooling) mom wants to know with can-do encouragement rooted in God's Word.' Abbie Halberstadt, author, M Is for Mama

'Monica's newest book provides a clear, organized, delightful overview of most everything you'd need to know to step on and stay on—joyfully—the homeschool trail. With insight and humor she provides the real reasons to educate your children at home, as well as practical tips that will help you navigate through changes and challenges as your children grow through different stages. This is not just a read-it-once book but an I'll-visit-this-every-couple-of-years kind of book. Get it. Buy it. Read it.' Andrew Pudewa, founder and director, Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)

From the Publisher