Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
These days, more homeschool fathers take on some or all of the teaching at home. But in many homeschooling families, the mom teaches at home while dad works outside the home. Families are designed to have both mom and dad involved—so how can dads work together with their wives in their children’s education? Let’s start with how we dads can support mom.

First of all, we can be sympathetic and encouraging to our wife. We need to be sensitive to our wives’ sacrifices and to understand the pressures they experience in homeschooling. We can set aside regular time for dates alone with our wives. When our marital relationship is healthy, we can provide a healthy family atmosphere for the children.

Husbands also need to get actively involved in their children’s education. We should become the principal of our school. Our role involves being a tutor, a guidance counselor, vocational counselor, prayer counselor, and protector. We can talk to our children and be interested in their day. Remember, children learn an attitude toward education based upon their parents' attitude toward learning.

We may need to make courageous choices about our job and how much time we spend there. Make a decision to value family over work and people over things.

Next time, we’ll talk more about practical suggestions for dads. Until then, I’m Mike Smith.