Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
The tricky thing about homeschooling is that you are both the educator and the parent. But viewed rightly, this is a great chance to grow closer to your children—through the times of learning and discovery, as well as by working through the challenges that may arise.

Nurturing healthy relationships with your children may look different now that you’re together so much. Don’t let school time together replace quality time you’d spend together otherwise! It’s still important that you’re available and actively interested in your children’s lives outside the classroom. While homeschooling will definitely increase your involvement in your children’s academics, let them work on their own as much as they're capable. Of course, you should still keep them accountable by the quizzes and tests you administer. As long as your student shows the virtue of self-discipline, let him do reading or other assignments with minimal interruption. Space and responsibility are both essential elements for older students.

Spending time at home together with your children is great. But variety can be beneficial as well! Take time for field trips, as well as for days to study at the park or the library, so that you don’t get collective cabin fever!

Like all of life, homeschooling is about balance. Occasionally, we all lean too far to one side of the tightrope or the other, but you can make it—if you keep your eyes on the goal!

Until next time, I’m Mike Smith.