K is for kindergarten. You know, that arbitrary deadline that everyone asks you about as soon as you mention that you’re thinking of homeschooling your little one.

Many people consider that first day of kindergarten, when the big yellow bus comes for your 5-year-old, to be an important milestone in your child’s development. They can’t imagine your child not getting on that bus.

Their concern is something that you should expect and have a polite answer for, once you’ve made the decision to homeschool. And don’t expect them (including those closely related to you) to always understand why you would make this choice for your child. It may take years before they can see why you would do this. So be prepared for their possible disapproval; it comes with the territory.

Looking for a free guide to teaching your children to write? You’ll find it here.