There are a lot of misconceptions about homeschooling:

"You must be so smart!"

"You probably hate the school system."

"Your kids must be so weird!"

OK, no one says that last one (but they're thinking it).

Maybe it's because homeschool happens behind closed doors, but it seems as if no one really understands what it's like. So here are 10 homeschooling secrets exposed.

1. It can take a while to figure out

Switching from public or private school to homeschool is a big change. You spend more time together, you take on different roles and you're learning about this learning process, so it takes time to get in the groove. Not only that, but as your kids grow and develop, your teaching and learning processes will have to evolve as well. It's a challenge to figure out homeschooling, but that's partly why it's so great.

2. There isn't a right way

One of the amazing things about homeschooling is the freedom. You have the flexibility to teach in a way that works for both you and your children. This means there is more than one "right" way to home-school. This can be stressful for some parents who find satisfaction in doing something correctly. However, it's an excellent opportunity to work with your strengths in a way that benefits your kids.

3. Academics aren't the most important part

In public and private schools the focus is on academics. With all those students, it makes sense that test scores and grades are the priority. However, home school affords the opportunity to focus on other (more important) aspects, such as developing talents and building character.

4. School is over more quickly

When you don't have to juggle the needs of an entire classroom, you are able to get things done more efficiently. This means you can cover the same amount of schoolwork a public school does in less time, freeing up your kids to be involved in extracurricular activities without the stress.

5. It will change your marriage

Home schooling will affect every part of your life because it really is a lifestyle change. When you're homeschooling, you run out of energy for other things - like your marriage - more quickly. This means you are going to have to put more effort into keeping your relationship strong.

6. You have a lot of resources

Home schooling isn't just a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of deal. There's financial assistance for tutors and supplies, lesson plans, even virtual classrooms to help your children. Not only that, but your kids get to learn from field trips or educational films (like those found on Dove Channel) that are all tailored to how your kids learn best.

7. People will disapprove

It's surprising how many people oppose the decision to homeschool. It's possible to even get backlash from friends and family, and they may never come around. If this is your experience, remember the reasons you made this choice for your family.

8. You get to see your kiddos learn

How beautiful it is to be a part of the process of your son learning to read his first book or to see your daughter's delight in completing a science experiment. You get to play a pivotal role in their discovery and accomplishment.

9. You develop relationships

Spending so much time together gives you and your children the opportunity to deeply develop your relationships with each other. As you prepare lunch together or go on a geology hike, you will have the opportunities to talk and learn about each other. Not only will this deepen your relationships with your kids, but it will develop their relationships with each other, making them not just siblings, but friends.

10. It will change you

Not only is homeschool going to make a difference for your children, but it will make a difference in you. Of course you learn about the facts and skills you're helping your kids to develop, but the experience changes your character as well.

If you're homeschooling, you want the experience to be the very best for both you and your children. Subscribe to the Dove Channel to get access to documentaries and dramatization that are an entertaining and educational supplement to your kids' schooling.