Help for the Harried Homeschooler By Christine M Field

I must admit I did not enjoy this book. It’s a bit disappointing because I really did try to like it. It would have seemed to be a resourceful book based on the subject matter. It simply reads very slow paced, and I struggled with boredom. The subject matter covered deals more with issues surrounding homeschooling than actual homeschooling itself. For example, discipline is covered in detail, which is not necessarily an aspect I was interested in during my search of learning about homeschooling.

I felt like the tone of this book was more of a downer than other homeschooling books. When I read other books, I felt so excited and inspired. This book gave the impression that homeschooling is so difficult, stressful, and sacrificing. I just don’t view homeschooling that way. This book just seemed right in line with our modern societal thinking in that parenting is so hard and stressful. Quotes like “it takes a village” and “parenting is the hardest job you’ll ever do” sets the tone for society. I don’t really agree with this thinking that seems so pervasive in our culture. Now, the book does not use these exact quotes to the best of my recollection. This is simply the impression I was left with after reading this book.

This book is also very religious. God is mentioned all the time. So, faiths other than Christianity may also find this book difficult to relate to or even become annoyed that God is mentioned so many times. It personally doesn’t bother me, but in an effort to give an accurate review, I feel this should be mentioned.

The author does try to cover a wide range of topics in this book. However, I found it difficult to relate to the things she was saying. Nothing said really resonated with me. I can’t even find one sentence that I would consider quoting (and if you’ve read other reviews, you’ll notice how much I like good quotes!). There just wasn’t advice that I would apply to my own family nor any ideas that made me interested in continuing to read this book.

All in all, a fairly disappointing read. I would not recommend, which is sad because I do so love books. I just don’t like finishing one and feeling like I wasted my time.