Nowadays, many parents have decided to choose to homeschool for their kids. This set-up is ideal for parents who keep on traveling because of work or for those who are too busy with their businesses to the point that they cannot commit to enrolling their kids to a regular school. “Teaching toddlers to read at home is the silver bullet for school reform,” says J. Richard Gentry Ph.D. Fortunately, this kind of set-up has been validly recognized by the State as a valid means of acquiring an education. Therefore, homeschooled kids can still get their diplomas and gain knowledge for all subjects included in the curriculum.
If you are one of the parents who has decided to choose to homeschool for your child, then you are probably aware of the challenges that come with it. The reality is that homeschooling can bring a lot of issues in a marriage or family life. You may end up having arguments with your husband about it or even get criticism from the people surrounding you. We understand how these issues can be stressful for a busy person like you. As such, we are going to share some tips and tricks on how you can handle them the right way.
Here are some of the ideas to keep in mind:
Talk To Your Child
Before you enroll your kid in homeschooling, it is imperative on your part to make him understand this choice. According to Jessica Koehler, a school psychologist, “Suggest that your kids continually ask about the hows and whys of why things work as related to whatever they are studying at the time.” Let your beloved kid know why you want him to stay at home for his studies. Remember that such a setup can be complicated for him, as he would not get a chance to do the regular things that other kids of his age do in a traditional school. At the same time, you must never forget to talk to him regularly even if he has already been into homeschooling for years. If your child gets anxious often and asks ‘what is anxiety frequently,’ talk to him about anxiety and other mental health issues that homeschooling might cause.
Open Up With Your Spouse
If there are some problems in the relationship brought about by differences in views about homeschooling, the best thing to do is to talk to your partner about it. As much as possible, be honest in starting a conversation with him to avoid some bruised feelings. Aside from this, it is also best to act nice when your husband is opening up to you about the problems that you have. Remember that the only way to solve the marital conflict is to discuss it at the right time.
Ask Advice From Others
Another thing that you can do is to seek the advice of parents who are also in a similar situation as you are. Let them know about your questions so that you can get the correct answers. Make sure to avoid making assumptions because it can only complicate things for you and your homeschooled kid. If possible, have an open mind in receiving comments or suggestions from other people. Do not take it against them if they point out some things that you have been doing wrong. Instead, be grateful for their concern because they only want the best for you.
Homeschooling can be fun and exciting as long as you know how to handle it. As what Dona Matthews Ph.D. stated, “There are many homeschooling styles, models, and approaches.” Always think twice before you take a step when it comes to your child’s education. What you do today can affect his future.