Homeschool Support & Coaching
- Mar 24
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 26
You may wonder, "Why should I invest my hard earned money in a homeschool consultation? How will it benefit me and my child? Do I really need it or can I do this on my own?"
These are all valid questions. Yes, of course you can do this on your own. You can do the research and learn through trial and error. You can immerse yourself in the online homeschool community and ask your questions on the various homeschool platforms.
As the parent, you are the expert on your own child.
The reality is that the homeschool landscape is very hard to navigate when you are just starting out and you may find it confusing and overwhelming. You may receive a lot of contradicting information from other well meaning homeschoolers, because what works for one child may not work for another. You may also receive biased and one-sided information if the person advising you is a service provider and are selling you a product, not because it is the best fit for your family or necessarily in the best interest of your child.
For me, I place a high value on knowledge, skills and experience. Where you do not have the reinvent the wheel, but learn from those with expertise in the area and stand on their shoulders to reach higher. There is wisdom in the counsel of many, and it takes time to find your feet when you start homeschooling, to build your new skillset, gather all the information you need, gain experience and confidence, as you figure out how it all fits together. Also children change as they move through their developmental phases, and their educational needs may change too. The way you homeschool primary school may look completely different from the way you homeschool high school. Some children may also have support needs, neuro-differences and learning differences.
There are so many wonderful homeschool philosophies, approaches and ways to home educate your own children. So many matric pathways, different school exits, homeschool curricula and service providers to choose from. Homeschooling should always be individualized and child-centered, and you now have the freedom to let the curriculum fit the child and not the child the curriculum; for most of us that is the reason why mainstream schooling did not work in the first place.
It is like "Alice through the Looking Glass", once you step through into Wonderland, it is a whole new fantastical world that you did not even know existed before. It takes a lot of bravery to step through to the other side, you may be faced with criticism from friends and family, and you may find the weight of the responsibility of your child's education a heavy burden to bear. You may not even feel that you really have a choice because your child is just not thriving in a traditional school and due to a variety of reasons. That is why support and community is so important, to empower and strengthen you on your journey.
Here are few questions to consider when you are looking for homeschool guidance and support:
Is this person a Homeschool Consultant that is neutral and objective; or a Service Provider trying to sell you a product?
Does this person have "lived experience", in other words are they homeschooling their own children?
Does the person have the knowledge, skills and experience to advise you? Are they an experienced veteran homeschooler of at least 5 or more years? Have they successfully homeschooled their own children from preschool through high school?
How long has this person been actively supporting the homeschool community and will other homeschoolers recommend them? Do they have an online presence and are their services accessible and transparent?
What services do this person offer? Are they professional in their service delivery and focused on empowering you as a homeschool parent?
Is this person also a professional with specialized training that may offer expertise to your family? E.g. a Social Worker, Teacher, Occupational Therapist, Wellness Practitioner, Therapist, etc?
Do they offer additional services and screenings, e.g. Personality Profiling, Career Guidance, Learning Styles, etc?
Lastly, the most important question is, do you need support? You may not need any support at the moment and that is okay. There may come a time in the future when you feel you may benefit from homeschool support services and some guidance along the way.
Benefits of Homeschool Support & Coaching
A homeschool consultant, also known as a homeschool coach or advisor, is an experienced professional in the homeschooling arena that offers individualized homeschool support and coaching. These consultants offer personalized guidance and support to parents and families embarking on a homeschooling journey. They have a comprehensive understanding of different homeschooling philosophies, curriculum choices, and teaching methods. Their purpose is to equip homeschooling parents with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to create a successful and enriching educational experience tailored to the specific needs and objectives of each child.
Whether you are new to homeschooling or looking to improve your current method, a homeschool consultant is an invaluable resource. Their tailored insights and expertise ensure that your homeschooling experience is both fulfilling and effective.
Personalized Guidance
Homeschool consultants and coaches are adept at providing personalized guidance. They evaluate your unique homeschooling circumstances and customize their advice to fit your family's specific needs. This tailored approach is crucial for enhancing your homeschooling experience.
Time-Saving Solutions & Resources
One of the main advantages of working with a homeschool expert is the time-saving benefit. They assist in optimizing lesson planning, choosing appropriate educational materials, and offering effective strategies, allowing you to spend more quality time with your children.
Reducing Overwhelm
Homeschooling can occasionally feel daunting. Consultants serve as a vital resource by tackling typical homeschooling issues and offering emotional support. They assist you in confidently managing the most challenging times.
Curriculum and Resource Expertise
These experts possess a thorough understanding of educational resources and curriculum choices. Their knowledge guarantees that you select the optimal materials to improve your child's educational quality.
Tracking Progress & DBE Registration
Monitoring your child's progress is essential, and homeschool consultants can assist you in doing it efficiently. They aid in developing a system to record progress and make well-informed educational choices. They will also provide you with information on how to register with the DBE for home education in South African and how to meet their requirements.
Strengthening Confidence & Empowerment
Collaborating with a homeschool consultant can greatly enhance your confidence as a homeschooling parent and empower you. Their support boosts your self-esteem and teaching skills, enriching your homeschooling journey.
Preventing Burnout
Even if you're handling things well right now, homeschooling can be challenging. Collaborating with a consultant can help avoid burnout by equipping you with tools and strategies to maintain a healthy balance. This proactive method secures your long-term sustainability as a homeschooling parent.
Community and Support
Consultants frequently have connections with homeschooling families. By interacting with them, you can join a supportive community that enhances your homeschooling experience. Exchanging experiences, resources, and ideas with other homeschooling parents can be extremely beneficial, even if you're not currently encountering any challenges.
Enhancing Your Child’s Potential
Each child possesses distinct talents and potential ready to be discovered. Homeschool consultants are experts in recognizing and fostering these abilities. By engaging them in your homeschooling process, you guarantee that your child's skills are acknowledged and fully developed.
How Eunoia Consulting can Empower You
Drawing from my own unique experience, including an 11 year-long homeschool journey, homeschooling my own 2e children from preschool through high school, I offer support to other homeschool families. I am also a qualified Social Worker, Art Therapies Counselor & registered Wellness Practitioner. I understand that homeschooling is a highly personal journey that should always be individualized and child-centered. For more info on my knowledge, skills and experience see https://www.eunoiahomeschoolacademy.com/mystory
Neuro-affirming: I offer homeschool support services to all neuro-types, including neurotypical and neurodivergent families. I also offer psycho-education for neurodivergents, see https://www.eunoiahomeschoolacademy.com/neurodiversity
Child-centered Curriculum Solutions: I am not affiliated to any service providers but remain neutral and objective with my recommendations based on your child's unique needs and profile. I believe the parent is the expert on their own child and my aim is always to empower and support you to find the right fit for your family.
Personalized Homeschool Coaching: I am committed to helping families make informed decisions about their homeschooling approach, curriculum and service provider, in the South African context. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your methods, I aim to provide personalized guidance that aligns with your family’s goals and values.
Ecometric Screenings: I provide psycho-social services as a qualified Social Worker and registered Wellness Practitioner & I use standardized Ecometric Assessments {I am not a Psychometrist}.
Neurodivergent Wellness Counseling: I offer Wellness Counselling to neurodivergent teens and adults, it is a safe space in which to explore and understand their neuro-type and living and thriving as a neurodivergent person in a predominantly neurotypical world. My approach is strength-based and neurodivergent-affirming; I aim to encourage, empower and equip neuro-spicy people to embrace their authentic selves and to hear, validate and follow their own inner guidance.
Blog: Empowering families through knowledge & love to cultivate a sound mind that can thrive and reach its full potential in a world that often overwhelms. As I forge my own way, my hope is that my knowledge and skills, as well as the milestones and markers I found along the way may also proof useful and helpful to you. See https://www.eunoiahomeschoolacademy.com/blog
FREE Online Training Courses: I offer various free online training courses to empower and equip you on your homeschool journey, see https://www.eunoiahomeschoolacademy.com/onlinetrainingprograms
FREE Homeschool Curriculum Directory: There are so many wonderful and delightful homeschool curricula and resources available. See https://www.eunoiahomeschoolacademy.com/curriculumdirectory
You are welcome to explore the available support services:
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