Homeschool Bravely: How to Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child with...

Erickson is not someone from the outside trying to give insights nor is she one who is merely compiling resources from others. Erickson is a former teacher who made the decision to homeschool her own children. Those years of experience have given her the ability to offer insight and encouragement to other homeschooling parents through her books, articles, and blog and if numbers are an indication, 50,000 followers suggest that she is a notable expert of the field. Therefore, Homeschool Bravely, as a book that seeks to help others find their passions for homeschooling, at the very least merits consideration. The author has a gift for writing, softening her practical approach with elements of humor that make for an engaging book. Through that ability to write, she excels at several aspects within the book. First, she orients homeschooling parents towards a future mindset by urging them to identify/recognize a long-term goal. This mindset allows parents to teach towards that goal and admit that no parent possesses the capability and time to teach all there is to know. Second, Erickson has formed a book that is practically theological. She rightly places homeschooling in the context of theological positions (such as identifying it as an act of worship) without being overly dogmatic. In doing this she offers rebuttals to many of the major criticisms about homeschooling (like confronting the concept that children will not be socialized if they are not in public school) but neither does she assert that homeschooling is the only option to be considered. Finally, her insights are creatively functional. Recognizing that each child is at a different level with varying types of motivators, influences, and enthusiasm, Erickson gives suggestions but allows parents to operate within a level of adaptation. As a result, Homeschool Bravely is a resource that offers solutions to those uncertain about homeschooling but not without a level of flexibility. Perhaps the one area of struggle is with the author’s definition of calling, which she stipulates as simply dealing with what you have been handed. In one sense, this is not untrue. Yet, she utilizes this to write that if a person is currently homeschooling that it is God’s will for his/her life. This mindset does not take into account the seasons of life in which things may change (for example, homeschooling may be good at the moment but may not be appropriate later on) or to account for the circumstances that lead to homeschooling (perhaps there was pressure on a parent that forced them to make a decision they would not have otherwise made). Therefore, it is important to allow a level of personal circumstances and convictions that make each situation unique. Homeschooling is a tremendous responsibility and has the capability to generate fear in parents. Homeschool Bravely is a great resource to guide parents in those areas of uncertainty. There is wisdom in knowing that homeschooling is not for everyone; there is wisdom in knowing how to adapt based on a child’s needs and this book will help parents at whatever point they may be in. Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher at no cost to me for the purposes of review. However, my review was not influenced by the author, publisher, or anyone else associated with this book and is the result of my own reading of it.

This has to be the most encouraging book regarding homeschooling that I have ever read. Her words resonate deep within my heart and act as a bold reminder of why I love homeschooling so much. “God didn’t call you to homeschooling because you could handle it. He called you because He could handle it.” I almost feel like this book should have been titled Homeschool Boldly because Jamie constantly reminds us that this IS our calling. Jamie starts the book by “checking the wrong box.” What a perfect introduction to such an intimate journey. It's probably fair to say that nearly every seasoned home educator has had a moment or season when we had fear, doubt, insecurity not necessarily about why we homeschool but about how well we've done. Jamie provides the reminder that “if left unchecked, those fears can begin to suffocate and rob you of the many gifts of homeschooling that were the very reasons you chose this unconventional path in the first place.” Jamie continues that “in my own might, I would fail her; that’s true. I’m only human, after all. But He would never fail her.” I love that she constantly weaves bit of Bible-based encouragement throughout the book. She constantly whispers that with God at the helm, we will not fail. With raw honesty, Jamie relays the difficulties of homeschooling and reminds us that the “real challenge is finding your vision and passion for it and then firmly grabbing hold of that vision so the shaky days don’t break you.” Jamie bravely proclaims, “He called you to it.” Homeschool Bravely encourages those to make a firm commitment and anchor your homeschool in God's calling because as I've told many before, it's hard work and half-commitments just won't suffice. Jamie also dives into the topic of social media and poignantly points out that we are not meant to keep up with the elusive Joneses. She states, “No matter how hard you try to mirror the educational journey of someone else, you will never see the same outcome. What you’ll end up with instead is a life of discouragement….My homeschool isn’t supposed to look like yours, and yours isn’t supposed to look like mine.” How often do we compare ourselves, our curriculum, our kids to others. That can be the biggest detriment to ones homeschool. Jamie calls it like it is by saying that social media is simply “smoke and mirrors.” Jamie encourages readers to find their own awesome and focus on that. However, she drives the point home by saying, “The truth is, you will never learn to homeschool bravely until you take your eyes off social media, set them on Christ and the awesome He has given you.” I love that Jamie points out that, “sometimes your days will be homeschool and sometimes they will be homeschool.” There absolutely is a difference between the two and one day's lesson is not necessarily better than the other. Mark Twain said, “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” The book continues to say that, “Like an anchor threatening to pull you under, borrowing from “real” school can ruin your homeschool. If you’re to survive, and better yet thrive, you’ll need a new way of looking at teaching and learning at home.” When I first saw this book, I thought it was going to be another book for those that are considering homeschooling or those that are fairly new to it. We are 7 years in. I didn't expect to get much from this book as I've found contentment with our curriculum choices, our routines, etc. I was blown away. I would absolutely recommend this to any home educator regardless or how seasoned or new they are. Jamie beautifully weaves God's words and encouragement throughout the entirety of the book. It is beautiful.

🙌🏻 THIS BOOK! 🙌🏻 This is one of the BEST books on homeschooling that I have ever read—and I have read quite a few over the years. This book is encouraging, uplifting and inspiring! It is like sitting down with a close (and very wise) homeschooling friend and having her impart her wisdom and courage to you as you visit! I usually use colored sticky tabs when I read to mark areas I want to be able to reference again, but that just did not work for this one! I would have had stickies sticking out all over the place! I ended up using a highlighter and was tempted to highlight the entire book! It is THAT GOOD!!! I ended up writing notes in the margins and I never do that! This was SO MUCH MORE than just a book!!! SO MANY TIMES it was as if the author knew me and was writing to me specifically!!! Isn’t it NEAT how God can do that?!?! This book is DEFINITELY God-inspired! Whether you are considering homeschooling, just embarking on your homeschool adventure or a veteran of many years in home education this book is for YOU!!! It applies to every age and stage! It is like having a best-homeschooling-friend that one can keep close by for needed encouragement and support! I am sure to return to this book AGAIN and AGAIN!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH, Jamie Erickson, for allowing God to use you to write this book! It has BLESSED me SO MUCH and I am certain it will do the same for SO MANY others!

Well written & encouraging without overselling homeschooling. She writes about the good, the bad, and the ugly

Wow, this book has been a timely discovery as we begin our home education this year. It literally voiced ALL my worries and concerns and put them to rest and helped me to remember exactly why we were choosing the 'road less travelled' for our children. Highly recommended for any home edders having a bit of a wobble or who just need a reminder to refocus on the big stuff. A very light, reassuring and often amusing read. Have been recommending it left, right and centre!

This is a book to have on-hand for any questions you may have regarding homeschooling and life in general. Her books are easy to understand and very uplifting! I keep it accessible so I can reach for it when I need some advice!

On behalf of my wife: this book was such an encouragement to me as I started my homeschool journey with my daughter. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is homeschooling, no matter the stage they are in. Whether they have been homeschooling for years or are just starting to consider it.

Lovely book,

Encouraging book and good reminders for all homeschooling families