The Homeschooled Multiples FAQ You were afraid to ask!

Have you even had questions about homeschooling that you were afraid to ask? Have you ever wondered things about a homeschooling family but never asked them? Well here are some frequently asked questions about homeschooling that might answer your curiosity. There are answers to common myths, homeschooling multiples, and How to homeschool questions. If your questions are not answered here please visit The Homeschooling Information.com Site. It has more FAQ that might provide answers to your questions.

2. What about socialization? Isn't your child lacking that since they aren't at school with other kids?
"Aren't homeschoolers sheltered and don't get to socialize from being at home all the time?"

3. What about Laws? Don't you get in trouble for having your children at home all day?
"You can just have your kids at home all day, that's dangerous you can get in trouble for it!"

4. How do you prove you homeschool?
"What if someone asks me while I'm out during the day with my child why aren't they in school?"

5. How do you know what your child should be learning?
"I'm afraid I wont teach him everything that he needs to know, teachers know all this stuff I don't"

6.What about Extra Curriculum stuff like sports, yearbooks, dances, proms and clubs?
"Won't your child miss out on the fun stuff?"

7. How do you get transcripts and records for college?
"Will homeschoolers be able to go to colleges without transcripts from public or private schools"

8. How do you teach your child without having a teaching degree?
"How can you know how to teach your child without having a teaching degree?"

9. What are the financial obligations of homeschooling? How do you do it on one income?
"We don't have enough money to homeschool"

10. Why are you homeschooling anyway?
"Why homeschool? Our public school is great besides I don't have the time."

11. How do you handle being with your kids all day? Don't you need a break?
"I need my break away from my kids to get things done, and for my personal time!"

12. What if there is something you cant teach them?
"I'm not smart enough to teach my kid(s) I can't possibly teach this new advanced stuff."

Homeschooling FAQ Focused on Multiples

1. How do you handle having 2 or more different kinds of learning styles?

2. How do you know if they are both learning and not just saying and doing what the other one does?

3. Isn't homeschooling multiples easier since they both are the same age?

4. What do you do if One "gets behind" How do you track your kid's progress?

5. How do you homeschool if you have special needs multiples?

6. Isn't your schedule hectic with multiples?

7. How do you stop yourself from comparing them?

9. How do you handle cheating if they do?

How to Homeschool FAQ.

1. How many different kinds of homeschooling styles are there?

2. How do you choose a curriculum?

3. How do you make a schedule?

4. do you need a schedule?

5. What age do you start officially homeschooling at?

6. Curriculums are so expensive, where do you get the money and find resources?

7. What do I need to get started?

8. Is there any Free Help available?

9. What are the basic things a beginning homeschooling parent should know?

10. Can and how do single parents homeschool?

What will you do when your child is ready for college and you are the only teacher they have had?
Most homeschooling families do not stay home all day. Homeschooling families have parents as prominent teachers, however like all people, they learn from every person they meet. The parents will not be the only teachers a homeschooling child has. Homeschooled children and many other children have different teacher such as Sunday school teachers, swimming teachers, coaches, librarians, dance teachers, and any other extra curricular activities the child is involved in. Also other relatives are teachers. Back To Top

What about socialization? Isn't your child lacking that since they aren't at school with other kids?
Homeschooled children are at an advantage to socialize with all ages not just peers their age. Children who are placed in an atmosphere where they can only interact with others their own ages are in a limited society daily. This is not a realistic environment of the every day world. Homeschooled children have the advantage and opportunity to interact with the world outside of the 8-3 schedule. Most children in public schools are not allowed to socialize during class. Socialization is only allowed to take place at certain times with out being reprimanded. Socialization in homeschooling is future enhanced by Homeschooling groups, 4-H clubs, church activities, girl’s scouts, boy scouts, community youth programs, volunteering and more. Back To Top

What about Laws? Don't you get in trouble for having your children at home all day?
Homeschooling is legal; each state has their own laws concerning homeschooling. In some state homeschooling is treated as private schools. This means that they do not have to register. Some states require testing and homeschool registration. We encourage you to seek out the homeschooling laws in your state.Back To Top

How do you prove you homeschool?
If asked these parents may provide proof by homeschooling ID’s provided by the Homeschool groups, they may show organized records of grades and lessons. Some states require testing and homeschool registration.Back To Top

How do you know what your child should be learning?
Most parents can see if their child is learning by simple communication. Communicating out side of "teaching" can show if your child is learning. You may also test your child on what they have learned.Back To Top

What about Extra Curriculum stuff like sports, yearbooks, dances, proms and clubs?
Some of the extra curricular activities such as sports may not be a high priority in a homeschooling family’s life, however there are many that have their children in these activities. Children can join many programs offered by their community. The YMCA, private organizations, volunteer efforts, 4-H, dance teams, little league, piano lesson gymnastics, ballet and other activities are available in most cities. If your child expresses interest in these areas seek out your area options there are many available.Back To Top

How do you get transcripts and records for college?
Some children can take an equivalency test or an entrance exam. Kids entering into college usually have to take the ACT or SAT. Parents can keep record of scores, and tests. Some Parents encourage their homeschooling child to take their GED. "My older daughter took her ACT’s just like any other senior in high school would, and when we applied to the university we informed them she had been homeschooled. They accepted her ACT scores…. She was accepted at all the institutions she applied to and was given a full scholarship to attend the state university of her choice based on her ACT scores." –P.J.Back To Top

Additional Supportive Information The Wall Street Journal confirms that many colleges are adjusting their admissions policies to home schoolers: Many colleges now routinely accept home-schooled students, who typically present “portfolios” of their work instead of transcripts. Each year Harvard University takes up to 10 applicants who have had some home schooling. “In general, those kids do just fine,” says David Illingsworth, senior admissions officer. He adds that the number of applications and inquiries from home schoolers is “definitely increasing.”-The Wall Street Journal, May 10, 1994 Suggested Reading Visit the "College Admissions and Financial Aid Center" at HSLDA.orgBack To Top

How do you teach your child without having a teaching degree?
Practice, learn study and be willing to change and over all be dedicated to your children. Most parents do not realize they are teaching without a degree every day. A teaching degree does not make you a teacher. It does for a profession and career but not an every day life teacher. From birth we are teaching our children and we did not require a degree for such. After these early stages teaching continues. In fact teachers in schools give assignments, manage and control just like homeschooling parents. Homeschooling parents do not have to learn how to deal with large amounts of students and learn the various ways of controlling classes. We can teach our children on an individual, caring and more enhanced way. Homeschooling parents also learn from their children in different ways.Back To Top

What are the financial obligations of homeschooling? How do you do it on one income?
The financial obligations depend on your choices. If you choose a curriculum, that is a cost obligation, if you choose to enroll your child in online classes that is a financial obligation. It is up to the parents to make the choices in what they can afford in homeschooling. You do not have to have just one income to homeschool. Parents can work and homeschool. Some work opposite hours, others have home businesses, which is a perfect experience for homeschooling children to learn from. Others simply budget and sacrifice. Sacrifice is a big part of homeschooling that is well paid off. Homeschooling can be done with very little expense. Parents may buy used books, curriculums, and they may also re sale their old curriculums.Back To Top

Check out these books On saving while homeschooling
Homeschool Your Child for Free: More...
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Why are you homeschooling anyway?
There are many reasons to homeschool. Parents homeschool for religious reasons, and other factors. Parents want to be able to do more things with their children to avoid missing out on things. Parents choose to homeschool their children because they feel that the schools are not providing the best education for their child. With increasing class sizes, elimination programs, and labeling parent are becoming dissatisfied with what the public schools are providing, teaching and treating the children. Parents of multiples are often faced with comparison issues. "My children can get a better and more well-rounded education at home that is tailored to their individual learning styles." –"Zakity" Back To Top

How do you handle being with your kids all day? Don't you need a break?
Homeschooling parents enjoy their children and don’t want to send their children to a facility for 6-8 hours a day. Homeschooling parents get joy out of seeing their children learn. Although we homeschool our children, we do need a break from life in general not just our children. Some parents do work; some hire a baby-sitter, go shopping or simply use the time the children are studying for a break. Also parents can take time for themselves when children are busy with their extra curricular activities.Back To Top

What if there is something you can’t teach them?
Parents can read up on a lesson or subject they feel that they may not be able to teach. Some incorporate tutors and others that know the areas that need to be taught well.Back To Top

Homeschooling Multiples Focused Questions

How do you handle having 2 or more different kinds of learning styles?
You can learn their learning style by reading about it and identifying it. Parents use routines, discipline and take advantage of opportunities as they are presented to further explore specific interest or problem areas. You may also think of using different resources such as computer games, books, videos, board games and other kinds of resources to assist in satisfying your child’s learning style. The more you know about your child’s learning style the better you can teach them.Back To Top

How do you know if they are both learning and not just saying and doing what the other one does?
Watch and listen as they interact with you and others separately. If they are always together separate them to spend time with them on an individual basis. Some states require testing which will reveal if they are learning on their own. "They all do their own work and if you are observant, you can tell when a child has a concept swept over their heads." – Christie Graham, Alabama Back To Top

Isn't homeschooling multiples easier since they both are the same age?
Homeschooling multiples can have it’s own challenges. Twins can be more of a challenge because they may have different learning styles. Although they are twins they are individuals and may learn differently. Back To Top

What do you do if One "gets behind" How do you track your multiples progress?
Children will learn at their own speed. If your child is not grasping a concept don’t label him as "getting behind" this can cause discouragement. Instead work with your child until the child picks it up. Do not move on until they do. Homeschooling is not like public school. Our children do not fall behind. It is a totally different concept of learning and teaching. You may track the progress of your child by setting goals, recording grades, and record progress through out the year. You may use a grade book purchased at education supply places. Back To Top

How do you homeschool if you have special needs multiples?
Every child has a special need. Some have more than others do. Some children get lost in the public schools because of the need for tailored attention and teaching. Homeschooling is a great benefit for special needs children. Speak to people in the profession that care for special needs children. You can search resources and implement what you have learned. Remember children learn at their own speed and each child has their own weaknesses and interest. There also some homeschooling groups that deal with special need children. If you have children with special needs take time out to learn your options. Homeschooling can be a great benefit for your child. You can homeschool even if your child has special needs. Back To Top

Isn't your schedule hectic dealing with multiples?
Yes, and no. You can form your own daily schedule to prevent a hectic day.Back To Top

How do you stop yourself from comparing your multiples?
Multiples seem to be compared more than singleton siblings are. Keep in mind that they are individuals. Although siblings may be compared at some time or another in their life, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Comparisons happen everyday. With multiples it’s almost automatic. Healthy comparison is recognizing the weaknesses and strengths with the goal of helping them learn better. Highlighting their strengths for praise is great. Providing praise and encouragement help them learn in their weak areas with joy. Comparing them to see who is "better than" is harmful and strongly discouraged. We as parents will see our children’s weaknesses but it is up to us to encourage them to do well. Comparison can help children know who they are, and realize they are not clones of their sister. They have individuality. Point out good areas and encourage them to practice their weak areas with love. Back To Top

How do you handle cheating if they do?
Each family handles cheating differently. It is up to the parents on how they view this if it occurs. It is rare in homeschooling that a child may cheat. If they are attempting to do the child may not be grasping the concept of the lessons. Try different avenues of teaching the lesson or discontinue until they show interest. Back To Top

How to homeschool FAQ.

How many different kinds of homeschooling styles are there?
There are many different kinds of homeschooling styles. Each family has their own style that fits their families. Back To Top

How do you choose a curriculum?
Research and review! Know what your child likes, know what you like. Learning styles are important here again. Talk to others who have used curriculums. There are so many out there. Figure out what you would like before you go looking. Back To Top

How do you make a schedule?
You can sit and figure out if your child works better in the mornings, afternoon or evenings. Depending on when they learn the best you may try to schedule around the learning time, family time, dinnertime etc. Remember it is your schedule, it fits your family. There is no right or wrong way. If it is working for your family it is what is right for your family.Back To Top

Do you need a schedule?
Each family is different. Some prefer not to have a schedule. Some do. It depends on how well you do with schedules. If you feel the need to follow one, if not go with what works for your family.Back To Top

What age do you start officially homeschooling at?
We start homeschooling at birth. Public schools provide education at the age of 4 for preschoolers. You may start homeschooling whenever you feel your child is ready for it.Back To Top

Curriculums are so expensive, where do you get the money and find resources?
You can find used curriculums. Search the Internet for free lessons. Some people can swap out curriculums. Use the library. You may sell the used material you have to buy more materials. Some parents don’t use curriculums. They get lessons from Internet sources, and books.Back To Top

What do I need to get started?
You need to make a choice to be dedicated and determined. Educate yourself about homeschooling. Read up on the laws, review curriculums, visit homeschooling groups and read about other homeschooling issues. A good place to start is our "getting started page" it will take you step by step on getting information about homeschooling.Back To Top

Is there any Free Help available?
Yes! There are many resources available for free. Search the Internet and go to your local library.Back To Top

What are the basic things a beginning homeschooling parent should know?
Parents need to know how to read and comprehend things well enough to teach them. Knowing a child’s learning style, being comfortable in asking for help, know the state and local laws, how to relax and be KNOW they can do it.Back To Top

Can and how do single parent’s homeschool?
Yes single parents can homeschool! It can be done. Contact a single parenting homeschooling group. Many single parents have home businesses or work hours that they can implement homeschooling. Some have family support. It can be done. If you are a single parent looking into homeschooling search out options on the Internet. There are many forums and discussions for single parent homeschoolers.Back To Top