Written with all the grace and encouragement of a homeschooling mom's who's been there-and not on the "picture-perfect" side of the fence either-- Homeschooling for the Rest of Us is the book you'll want to read if you're just starting out, getting burned out, or on your way out of homeschooling due to the weight of expectations on your shoulders! Filled with reminders of the core elements you, as parents, are striving for, her relaxed style of homeschooling filters through each page; testimonies from other parents dot the margins; and anecdotes from her own life communicate the principles she espouses with clarity, vision, and a good dose of encouragement. 172 pages, softcover.

Homeschooling parents are under great pressure. Besides trying to balance teaching responsibilities and family life, they often face unrealistic expectations from relatives, churches, other homeschoolers, and society at large. Even parents considering homeschooling sense the need to be perfect. Sonya Haskins doesn't want any more families to give up on homeschooling. In this book she shares affirming stories and practical ideas from dozens of everyday families who successfully deal with cluttered schedules, academic struggles, sibling squabbles, and other real-life issues. Instead of learning a one-size-fits-all approach, readers will discover how to evaluate their own family's strengths and weaknesses and set their own goals for success.

Sonya Haskins is a veteran homeschooling mom of five children and an active homeschooling consultant and advocate. She is the author of several books, including The Homeschooler's Book of Lists, and her articles have appeared in Homeschooling Today, Educational Dealer, and other magazines. She lives in the Tri-Cities region of northeastern Tennessee with her husband, Chris, and their children.

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Author: Sonya Haskins
Located in: Jonesborough, TN
Submitted: July 25, 2009

    Tell us a little about yourself.  Sonya Haskins has five children, whom she teaches at home. The author of several books, she contributes to magazines including Homeschooling Today, Guideposts for Teens, and Decision. An active homeschool advocate and consultant, she has served in leadership positions for the homeschooling community on a local, regional and state level. Sonya and her husband have been foster parents for several yeras, hosting more than 60 children in their home. She and her family live in Northeast Tennessee.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  I had seen so many parents become frustrated because their house isn’t clean, they can’t get enough done, their child isn’t doing well in math… Yet, these same parents really are doing a terrific job! They are frustrated because they are trying to live up to an impossible model – perfection. For years I have encouraged parents to stop comparing themselves to others and find their own path. I recommend that they focus on the basics – love for God and others, obedience, and reading – and the rest will come. Parents began coming back to say the advice defined their homeschool environment and IT WORKS. I wanted to share this with others. Even though I do make recommendations, the main thing I emphasize to parents is that they should do what is right for their family, for a specific child, in a particular circumstance at the right time. Based on these factors, they can follow their own path and be confident with their choices.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  It is my hope that they will find their own path in regards to homeschooling (books, curriculum, teaching style, manipulatives, relaxed method, scheduling, etc.) and be comfortable with their choices.

    How were you personally impacted by working on this project?  First, I really enjoyed talking with all the families who completed interviews. That's always a lot of fun. Second, I do pay attention to what I write and it helps me remember to keep my own priorities in order. When it's a beautiful day, enjoy it at the creek! When a child is excited about something, go see what it is and be excited with them. I used to tell people that "we only do written schoolwork when it's yucky outside." This is still true and the book reminds me that all the other days, we're still LEARNING about life, relationships, obedience, and the blessings all around us.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  Honestly, the parents I see and talk with every day who are having a difficult time are my inspiration. They inspire me to continue to write because it encourages them and helps them continue during times of stress. I really like to talk with other homeschoolers and I'm thankful that the Lord has given me an opportunity to help in some small way.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  I would encourage readers to visit my website - thehomeschooladvocate dot com - and e-mail if you have questions. It's always great to hear from other homeschoolers or people who are considering this educational option. I would encourage every parent to carefully consider all educational options for their child and if you decide to homeschool, then consider all your options in regards to curriculum, teaching style, scheduling (or not), etc. Figure out what works for your child and your family! If that means changing books in the middle of the year, then just do it. :) And remember that it's easy to think that others are doing a perfect job while you're a total failure. No one is perfect except Christ and it's easy to feel like a failure when we can't see the big picture and today was a horrible day, but you are making a difference in lives that will last for an eternity (the big picture!) so just keep your chin up and remember that tomorrow is a new day!

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