Before you listen to a word I say, please read this.

Bloggers have the blessing and curse of being in the public eye. It’s a blessing because you get to share your heart in such a way that can be helpful to others. But it’s a curse because it makes you vulnerable in a unique way.

The reasons I love blogging are twofold: One, I enjoy processing through writing. Two, I love to communicate in meaningful ways with others.

When I’m not blogging, I miss it dearly and I am continually drawn back to it. So I keep on doing it, with all its implied positives and negatives.

So before you continue reading my posts, here are some things you should know:

Blogging is a two-way street.

It may seem like blogging is one-sided (me typing out advice to you), but in reality blogging is very much a mutual endeavor (I’m actually learning from you too). When I have blogged in the past, some of my favorite parts have been hearing from my readers, developing relationships with those who frequented my social media pages, and gaining perspective from other writers in the field.

The purpose of this blog is to share with you and learn from you. I want to pass on what I have found most helpful in my homeschool journey, but I also hope to find wisdom from other homeschooling parents along the way.

Blogging is like opening up my home to you. I’m inviting you in for coffee and conversation– and I want to learn from you too!

I am human.

It seems silly to even have to say it, but here I am saying it anyway. I am human. I am fallible. I make mistakes every. single. day. I don’t always live up to my own ideals.

Some days I do crafts, poetry tea time, and nature walks with my kids. Other days I’m having a meltdown by 8:30 in the morning and threatening them all with public school. (Fellow homeschoolers will understand.)

I am not Susie Homeschooler. I try my best every day. Some days are great and some days are hard. That’s real life.

I have feelings. Your comments mean something to me. They can lift me up or tear me down. They can keep me awake at night. They can encourage me to keep going.

I am not perfect and I won’t ever pretend to be. Just keep it in mind.

 

I am in the middle of homeschooling.

“I can’t ever read a blog post from someone in the middle of what they’re writing about. They don’t have perspective yet.”

A good friend told me this years ago, and I have to say, I totally understand the sentiment. Why read a parenting blog from someone who only has a two year old? Why read a money-making blog from someone who just made their first $100? Why read a homeschooling blog from someone who is in the middle of it?

I am in the middle of my homeschooling journey. I’m just over half a decade in, with many, many years to go. However, just because I’m in the middle of it doesn’t mean that I don’t have valuable insight.

I’ve been a mother for 10 years, but I still love hearing from younger women who have just had their first babies. It keeps me fresh. It helps me to remember how far we’ve come and helps me to keep sight of what’s important. It is also a striking reminder of how very fast it all goes, and to slow down and treasure it as much as I can.

I truly believe the same can be said for homeschooling writers. We can benefit from hearing a variety of perspectives- the viewpoint of the person who is in the thick of elementary homeschooling, drowning in manipulatives and younger siblings underfoot. The parent who has 2 teens scrambling to get ready for college applications or their first job interview. The retired homeschool mom who has seen her kids grown and starting their own families. Why can’t we learn from and celebrate with them all?

I respect my children’s privacy.

If I talk about my children, I will do so generically, or without naming names. I recognize full well that they are growing up in a digital world, and whatever I post here can interfere with their privacy and autonomy. While they may be relatively young still, I don’t ever want to compromise them publicly. If you do see something about my children shared here on the blog, that means that I have asked their permission to do so, and I have done it with a lot of thought about how it could affect them.

I will always be honest with you.

I will do my very best to keep my writing, my social posts, and my communication earnest and transparent. Sometimes my Instagram squares will be beautiful, and sometimes they will be less than picture-perfect. Sometimes my posts will be inspiring and helpful; other times they will show my weaknesses. Keep in mind that it’s really not possible to share every single emotion and moment from my life- nor would I want to- but what I do share will be forthright.

I appreciate you!

You are the only reason this blog exists. Without your readership, I might as well be typing on a word processor and keeping the printouts under my pillow. I truly appreciate that you are here. I value you more than you know.

So please, tell me what topics you’d like to hear more on. What do you need help with? Is there a discussion you’d like to have about homeschooling or family? Could I create a free resource that can serve you and your family? Please let me know in the comments, or by emailing abi at wovenhomeschool dot com.

I am SO looking forward to getting to know you. Let’s stay connected.