Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Homeschooling is a big undertaking, and in most families the primary teaching responsibility falls on mom. But dads can and should help their wives. Join us today on Home School Heartbeat as Michael Farris, Chairman and General Counsel of Home School Legal Defense Association, outlines some ways dads can support their wives and help them avoid burnout.

Michael Farris:

Men love to talk about the virtues and wonders of homeschooling. But while we do the talking, too often we leave all of the work to our wives. Let me offer a few suggestions on how you can help.

First, you can help by assuming some of the teaching responsibility. I realize that not all fathers can teach on a regular basis, but if you can, take over a subject entirely. I have taught a variety of courses to my children, usually at the secondary level. In some years I've taught math or history for 35-45 minutes each morning before going to work. Now I'm teaching literature. I read the books as I travel, give written assignments, and have a discussion period at the end of each book.

Secondly, there is the whole area of housework. Take over one part entirely. Your consistent help in this area will mean more to your wife than you can possibly imagine.

Dad, you must relieve your wife's load. Homeschooling burnout rarely affects fathers or children. It's the moms who burn out.

The specific tasks you help with isn't nearly as important as the fact that your wife understands that your actions prove that you believe that homeschooling is a team effort and that you're committed to being a real part of its success. I'm Michael Farris.