The secret truths about homeschooling

When you start homeschooling there are certain truths that no one warns you about - these are the hard lessons I've learnt.

1) Glue sticks and sellotape become more valuable than contraband - I have to hide my stash in my underwear drawer because it's the only place the kids won't look.

2)Sick days no longer exist - even when I'm in bed suffering with a vomiting bug the kids still clamber on asking for 'lesson books' to be read to them.

3) Documentaries become your best friend when you are ill - pop them on and pass out on the sofa with a smile on your face knowing that the kids are least learning something.

4) Everyone you meet when you are out with your kids during school time will have an opinion about home education - they may think its good or they may think its bad but they WILL share their opinion.

5) Your printer simultaneously becomes your best friend and the most hated appliance in your home (especially when it runs out of blue ink in the middle of a black and white print run)

6) If it doesn't involve glitter or play-doh (yes, even when they are 12) you may as well give up now.

7) Birthday, anniversary and Christmas presents become less about a new perfume or shoes and more about that guillotine you've had your eye on or specialist art supplies that weren't in your budget. 

8) Your memory goes to pot, don't get me wrong - random facts like capital cities and melting points of chemicals will still be there but remembering to book or attend a dental appointment - not gonna happen.

9) Kids will pounce on any mistake you make in lessons - they will take great pleasure in telling you exactly why that fact or information is wrong (and what book you should have read before doing the lesson so you could get it right).

I've probably forgotten loads (see point 8) so feel free to share any I've missed.