While my oldest child is currently in mainstream preschool, we do a lot of homeschooling activities at home. He is currently on the cusp of reading. We started doing extra stuff at home because of his interest in learning and the fact that we're not quite sure how much we like (or, rather, don't like) our local school system. The preschool is fine but the elementary/middle/high school is... not.

mommatomany; do you have any tips for starting a successful homeschooling venture? What were the issues that caused you to homeschool your older kids and, now, your 5 year old? How did homeschooling help them? (I ask with sincere interest, no judgment. So answer freely.)