"'Homeschooling,' insists freelance writer and home-schooling mom Bittner, 'is parenting in its highest form.' In this down-to-earth and practical book, she guides interested parents toward confidence and success in this venture, from the preliminary stages (convincing self, spouse and family that home-schooling is possible, dealing with its legal aspects, finding support groups, gathering supplies) through experimentation (finding the best pedagogical methods, understanding children's different learning styles) to mastery (teaching reading, composition, math—even if, long ago, you flunked algebra—history and science as well as 'values, religion, electives'). Her advice is sensible and direct: find out what your state requires the schools to teach at each grade level; if there's no computer at home, use the public library's. For parents worried about the 'icky stuff' in science, remember that 'older children frequently enjoy doing things their parents consider disgusting.' Bittner also suggests answers to what she calls the 'stupid questions' (Will the kids be properly socialized? What about prom?) and faces up to the 'bad stuff' ('Some days you and your children will be sick of each other'). Designed to empower the novice toward home-schooling success, this book is friendly, reassuring and endlessly supportive, and, like a very well-informed neighbor, Bittner shares everything from family anecdotes to sample school-day schedules and lists of supplementary resources."

"Bittner, a freelance writer, began homeschooling her three children 12 years ago. In this honest and commonsensical book, she encourages parents to try what she terms "family" schooling because of the enormous commitment required of the entire family. Though homeschooling can be accomplished by ordinary people--with or without degrees--it's not for every family, she asserts. Bittner concedes her own shortcomings, which include some learning disabilities and a lack of organization, and begins by helping readers overcome lack of self-confidence and the criticism of others, then proceeds to offer sound advice on legal issues, lesson plans, curricula, testing, teaching values, preparing for graduation, and college. Throughout each chapter, Bittner posits and answers questions she anticipates readers will have. But she is most effective at eschewing the notion that you need to be a supermom (or superdad) to homeschool your children. This is an encouraging and helpful resource for parents considering homeschooling their children."

“'Homeschooling, Take a Deep Breath…' is a homeschool resource book full of information, advice, and pearls of wisdom from a veteran homeschooling mom. There’s not a better person to write a book like this than one who has “been there, done that” and can assure those just getting started they can do it too! I remember very vividly what it was like for me 6 years ago when we started to homeschool…I felt overwhelmed and would have loved to have this book in my hands to help me out.

“Everything you need to know from organizational skills to lesson plans is packed in a generous 312 pages. There is plenty of great reading here, and the book will not only make a perfect gift for “newbies” just starting out, but it also has all the nuts and bolts to help us oldies but goodies stay the course.

“The author has included ample additional book lists and websites to help the reader on their homeschooling journey.

“A great resource book well done.”

"Terrie's book is a must have! It's a must have for those considering homeschooling, those who are new to homeschooling and even those who have been homeschooling for years. Terrie deals with difficult issues with honesty, humor and grace. Terrie manages to present the myriad of homeschooling options without falling into the trap of deciding what is best for another's family. This book is easy-to-read and informative, perfect for the new homeschooler who has yet to traverse the sea of homeschooling lingo.

"Terrie provides gentle guidance to parents needing extra support, including single parents and parents who may not have spousal support. This isn't a book you will put away on a shelf, no, this is a book that you will frequently refer to through the years. This book is a winner! Take a deep breath, you CAN homeschool your children, and you CAN do it well!

—Meg Grooms,

Homeschooling Editor for Bella Online

"Terrie's book is a great help for parents who doubt their ability to homeschool. She's right—you CAN do this! Even if you are perfectly ordinary parents with foibles, strengths and weaknesses. As she points out, you really need only two traits: mostly patience with children and a willingness to be flexible, and not to throw in the towel, sending the kids back to school the first time there are tears when something doesn't go right. And your homeschool days won't always be ideal. Terrie knows that some days, especially around holidays, kids will feel they are missing out on school parties. She talks to you like a friend who has gone the way before, giving you encouragement, whether you are homeschooling one child or several, or trying to teach older children while there is still a baby in the home. Some planning is key to success, but don't feel you have to adhere to a minute-by-minute plan. A daily and weekly routine will do. Best of all, Terrie points out that it is easy for homeschoolers to plan in plenty of activity into our days! No need to sit for hours each day! Learning can be fun and sort of silly at times. Relax! You CAN do this!"