Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
Vicki Bentley is with us again to wrap up our week on how to start homeschooling in the middle of the school year. Now Vicki, do you have any good tips for helping a child deal with the transition from public school to homeschool in the middle of the year?

Vicki Bentley:
Mike, the transition is not only academic, but also emotional and spiritual. His familiar routine, his security, has changed. He may miss his friends, or activities, or even his teachers. So invest some time to become reacquainted with your child. Pay attention to his passions, his interests, his areas of strength, areas of need. Have a plan, but hold it loosely and make adjustments along the way. On the social front, local support groups are a big help in that area, but don’t get overwhelmed with extracurricular activities.

By the way, not all kids are thrilled to be homeschooled—whether it’s a midyear decision or not. One of our girls, at age 14, became unhappy with our decision. I told her I was sorry she wasn’t happy, but as parents, it’s not our job to make our children happy—it’s our job to do what God has called us to do with them. She went on and graduated as a homeschooler, sent us a thank you note for sticking with it, and now writes curriculum and homeschool blogs, and she homeschools their three little girls. Do not grow weary in well-doing, for you will reap a harvest if you don’t give up.

Mike:
Thanks so much for your good advice, Vicki! And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.