Ms. Rodriguez is a former public school teacher who transitioned to homeschooling after witnessing children being left behind when they struggled, and schoolwork that could not be individualized. A YouTube video that explained how children — whether public schooled or homeschooled — are always being discipled and influenced was the turning point for her decision.

She believes parents need to spend intentional time with their children. Faith is the cornerstone of her homeschooling environment, and she firmly believes in tailoring learning to each child. Above all, she emphasized that parents must become confident in their own abilities to teach.

How can you tailor homeschooling to your child's learning style? How can you become confident? Ms. Rodriguez offers these practical starting points:

• Discover their learning style
• Don't be rigid
• Modify the work and curricula to fit them
• Navigate away from one set curriculum if needed
• Spend time outside with your family
• Grow as a homeschool parent

First, discover your child's learning style — use our resource on the different learning styles. Ms. Rodriguez also suggests leaving the public school structure behind. She had to "unlearn" the public school way and resist becoming rigid, because rigidity simply didn't work. Take it slow and easy.

Next, modify the schoolwork to fit your child. Find different curricula that work best for your family — use our curriculum database to help. Navigate away from one set curriculum if needed; Ms. Rodriguez uses multiple curricula including Ambleside Online, Christian Light, and others. She implores parents to know their family well — you know your child better than anyone. Stand firm in that confidence.

Ms. Rodriguez also takes family walks several times a week. Her kids love it, and she suggests it for other families. You can build nature study around the walk and take in quality family time. Finally, she encourages parents to continue growing spiritually and mentally — read the Bible, listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos, and read books. She also participates in book clubs to connect with other homeschool moms.

Ms. Rodriguez shared several additional tips to make homeschooling easier as a whole:

• Use her homeschool planner
• Use her journal
• Incorporate heritage studies easily
• Develop thick skin
• Connect with other homeschoolers on social media

Ms. Rodriguez created a homeschool planner and journal for homeschool moms (see the Helpful Links section below). She also has free helpful items on her website. The planner and journal can help you feel more organized and motivated throughout your homeschooling journey.

To create a cultural experience, she recommends adding heritage studies throughout the school day — play ethnic music, eat ethnic food, watch educational YouTube videos, or simply speak a different language around the house. She recommends weaving it in naturally throughout the day.

Regarding homeschool prejudice or backlash — she says time has helped her develop thick skin, though it's been hard. Her children are tested annually and have grown exponentially, so she recommends supporting your decision with evidence. Her family has also grown closer, which shows her the choice was worth it.

Finally, Ms. Rodriguez appreciates social media for helping her connect with local groups and homeschool moms across the United States. She highly suggests using it as a tool throughout your homeschooling adventures.

If you are facing backlash or wavering in your decision to homeschool, Ms. Rodriguez's message is clear: you are equipped as a parent. You know your child, and you can do this.

There are both great beauty and hard moments throughout homeschooling. For her personally, she sees the fruit of it in her family — her children have grown academically, and they continue to bond as a family.

Remember to individualize the curricula to your child. Don't become rigid, spend time outside as a family, and lean into your faith. You are capable. You can become confident.

Explore Ms. Rodriguez's resources to support your homeschooling journey: