Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Farris:
Dear Mike,
At the last home schooling conference in our area, my wife attended the session on “The Father’s Role.” She was really impressed and hasn’t stopped talking about it since!

Needless to say, this subject has been on my mind lately and after much thought, I’ve pinpointed some of the significant contributions that I make to our children's education.

My primary involvement is in physical education. I am an avid sports enthusiast and I try to pass this along to my children.

Our PE program includes a variety of exercises. We work on expanding our diaphragm by cheering heartily when our team scores. The kids practice running timed obstacle courses and relay races for snack refills at commercial breaks. And during half-time we work on coordination by having pillow fights with the couch cushions, or launching a rubber band war.

Sports also teach cooperation. Usually the kids do pretty well, but sometimes they do need encouragement. All it generally takes is a firm “sit down and shut up” to remind them that P.E. is an important part of their education.

Of course this isn’t the only way I help my wife with home schooling. I’ll write again as soon as I have time, and fill you in on the great way I’ve found to encourage the kids to read. Right now, though, there is a Sox and Orioles game starting and I’ve got to go round up the kids for P.E.

Your friend and fellow home schooling father,
Lyman Waistbinder