Anyone Can Homeschool: Overcoming Obstacles to Home Education

by Nicki Truesdell

Moms and dads, you have all that it takes to educate your children, whether your circumstances are ideal or not. Nicki Truesdell, blogger, mother of 5, and second-generation homeschooler, shares her stories of home education through many ups and downs, and how she learned to adapt to every situation. In this book you will hear from real people who are doing it, even in the most difficult of single parents, grandparents, families with chronic illness, children with special needs, working parents, and many other situations. This book is the product of many discussions, both in real life and online, where frustrated and desperate parents expressed a desire to find an alternative to the public schools. Like so many, they automatically assumed that homeschooling was only for those families who had neatly organized lives, complete with a large income, a school room in their house, a college degree, and obedient children. A must-read for every parent who is desperate for an education solution.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2020

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a veteran homeschooler - entering our 17th year - and oh how I wish I had this book way back at the beginning of it all! It covers every area of concern that I can think of with helpful insights and stories from other homeschoolers. I think every parent with kids still at home should read this book. Nicki Truesdell lays it all out so it is clear to see that Anyone Can Homeschool.

[Bambi Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for new homeschoolers. And if you’re “on the fence” be prepared to get knocked off. This book is a blessing to Christian parents.

[Danica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for anyone who is considering homeschooling, is just beginning homeschooling, or is seeking to homeschool under more challenging circumstances (single parenting, special needs, no finances for supplies, etc).

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone can homeschool is a Christian based feel good book. Its primary purpose is to give you confidence that you can homeschool, it gives a good starting point but little information on where to look to find more.

I picked up this book because I was looking for information and it was available with my existing amazon subscriptions. We recently decided that we were going to homeschool because of the issues with the Covid virus.

This book has good information in if you’re just starting to research homeschooling. It’s laid out by chapter, and it’s well edited. What it is missing is the “How” If your looking for a guidebook on overcoming obstacles this book is primarily anecdotal. Most of the pages are taken up with other families talking about what they over came to homeschool without a lot of information on how.

Many sections tell you what to research not where to find answers. Being a Christian book in many stories the “how” is attributed to “God providing” which is an issue if you’re looking for a “how to” style book. Even believers will tell you that you must be willing to meet God halfway. Answers don’t fall into your lap because you want them to.

It’s a solid read. it won’t solve all your problems, but it will show you a list of people who faced similar problems and overcame them. It will give you an idea on what to research and help shake the feeling that you need to mimic a public-school environment for your children to learn. It puts it on you to continue to do the work but reassures you that you are capable regardless of your situation.

If like me you’re just starting this journey this book is a good place to start. The section on rethinking school alone helped settle a lot of my worries. (That was chapter 1)

I have only one true critique. I prefer informative books that are more objective. I find the amount of the authors religious views in the book off putting. That’s my personal preference. It in no way diminishes the value of the book.

[Kassie R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would have given this book more stars if I had read this before I started homeschooling. I skipped over some chapters that I didn’t need to read because of that or chapters that simply don’t apply to our life. I appreciated this authors thoughts on how grade levels don’t really matter when it comes to homeschooling because that’s really just a government/public school thing that started after the 1800s... think about it... in smalls towns kids of all ages used to be in one class room learning at different levels. I also appreciated the author’s encouragement on what to do when you feel burned out (because it will happen) and a handful of other things for when are in the thick of it. All around a good read, but more so for the parent who is thinking about starting this journey but is somewhat hesitant.

[MommyMet · Rating 5 out of 5]

encouraging!!

Appreciated Nicki addressing specific needs and concerns of those interested in homeschooling, as well as practical ideas. Her confidence building encouragement was great too. I’m a long time homeschooling parent and I read it for refreshment as well as being able to direct others to this book.

[Marie Angus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I highly recommend it... Especially to parents who are considering homeschooling or new to it.... Or still not satisfied with how it's going...

I'm NOT sure what to think about the parts I'm chapter 14 where she discusses vouchers and participating in activities through the public School...

Other than that, I think I agreed with almost everything!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super encouraging read for anyone who is considering homeschooling but has some questions still.

[Katrina Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book to build confidence and overcome doubt around your ability to homeschool your children.

My favorite thing that kept being reiterated was that you know your child better than anyone and your dedication to them is more than any teacher could possibly have. Also, up until kindergarten you have been their sole teacher in everything from walking to talking. So of course you have the ability to keep teaching them past the age of 5.