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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 21 "Just because you start with one curriculum doesn›t mean you have to stick with it forever… They were doing the work, checking the box, but I felt like I was losing them in the process and that they weren't actually retaining it." Turner says. What works for one family might not work for another, but no matter where you are in your homeschooling journey, Blunkosky reminds parents to be patient and to take the time to adapt to their new educational approach. "Homeschooling can feel overwhelming…It took me three years to feel at ease with homeschooling. So, give yourself a couple of years to adapt and get used to this very new thing," Blunkosky says. Even with the challenges homeschooling can bring, one of the key advantages is the ability to create a flexible learning envi- ronment both inside and outside of the home. The Turner family initially set up a dedicated schoolroom but soon found that the children preferred doing their work in more casual settings, like on the floor or at the kitchen table. Homeschooling also allows them to incorporate travel and real-world experiences into their education, and she encourages other families to do the same. "[Homeschooling] is not going to look like traditional school, so stop trying to put that pressure on yourself," says Turner. "The beauty of homeschooling is that you can do it wherever and whenever it suits your family. Take advantage of the opportunity to travel and have those experiences with your kids that you might not otherwise have because you're bound to a normal school schedule." Despite some bumps along the way, Turner found that home- schooling brought her family closer together. "There's so much more to gain from homeschooling than just the academic part," says Turner. "My kids and I have grown clos- er through it, and we're closer as a family just from having so much more time together.All in all, I'm really grateful for these times with them." For parents considering homeschooling, Turner offers these encouraging words: "I always said I couldn't do it, and here we are, going into our second year," she says. "You don't have to be a teacher to take it on. We're all learning together." 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Curriculum for Your Child 1. Understand Your Child's Learning Style Take time to observe how your child learns best. Do they pre- fer hands-on projects, visual aids, or listening to stories? Understanding your child's learning style will help you choose the right curriculum and teaching methods. 2. Match Your Homeschool Style with Your Parenting Style Your homeschool approach should complement your par- enting style. Whether you prefer a structured schedule or a more relaxed approach, align your homeschooling methods with your natural parenting style for a harmonious and effective learning environment. 3. Do Your Research Start your research at the library, a valuable, free resource for homeschooling families. Most reference librarians can help you find books, resources, materials, and even curricula that match your child's inter- ests. 4. Be Flexible and Don't Be Afraid to Switch It Up Flexibility is one of the main advantages of homeschool- ing. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to change it. Whether it's the curriculum, the teaching method, or the daily schedule, find what works best for your family. 5. Give Yourself Time Homeschooling is a significant change, and it takes time to adjust. Don't expect everything to fall into place immediately. Give yourself and your child time and space to adapt to this new way of learning.