Michael P. Farris, Esq.
Chairman &
General Counsel

Encouragement for single parents

Volume 57, Program 19 Airdate: Thursday, January 13, 2005 Originally Aired: March 26, 1998

Does homeschooling work if your family situation isn't ideal? Today on Home School Heartbeat, Chairman and General Counsel of Home School Legal Defense Association Michael Farris tells single parents that homeschooling is both positive and possible for their families.

Michael Farris:
One reflection of the broadening of the homeschooling movement is the increasing number of single parents choosing home education. It is ideal for each child to have two parents, and while it's true that a single homeschooling parent faces unique challenges, single parents should by no means think that homeschooling can't work for them.


The first step for these parents is to get support. A good support group, homeschooling friend, family member, or even another single mom will prove invaluable to you.


Secondly, it's important to find a creative way to balance work hours with school hours. Many single homeschool parents have jobs with flexible hours, or they work out of their homes, or they do their homeschooling in the mornings or in the afternoons. Remember, home education eliminates a lot of time wasted in the classroom.


One of the biggest benefits of home education is one-on-one time with your children, and children from single-parent homes need this especially. Many single moms have testified of a child with attitude or discipline problems who significantly improved when he was brought home.


Of course, you will face some hard days. But I think you'll find the benefits for your children far outweigh the sacrifice you'll make. This is Michael Farris.

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