Some parents hated school and maybe didn’t even complete school. Others endured their education but didn’t enjoy it. The public school system hasn’t really improved over the years, or there wouldn’t be so many parents choosing home schooling. How do you home school a child when you didn’t enjoy school? Obviously you probably want a better model of learning for your child than what you had. Here are some suggestions for being a great home school parent:
1. Educate yourself. Read books and articles about home schooling. Talk to other successful homeschoolers. How do you know they are successful homeschoolers? Do you enjoy being around their children? Then they have probably done a pretty good job of teaching and relating to their children.
2. Get a support system. Sometimes a good support system can consist of a supportive spouse and a few good home schooling friends. Sometimes you need a home school support group or home school cooperative to get the support you need. Each person is individual and needs a different amount of support. You will need to decide that for yourself. If you join a home school support group, make sure you are able to stay focused on the home school materials you are using.
Sometimes when you hear about what materials others are using, it can be easy to be swayed and switch curriculums just because someone else is using it. Some groups are better than others. Just make sure you evaluate that the group is giving you the support you need without compromising your values. Support groups run best when everyone does their part. Contribute to the group, but don’t burn yourself out either.
3. Watch your children. How do they play? What do they like to do? Do they prefer filling out workbooks or creating their own books? What is their learning style? Do they like to be read to while they play or would they rather read the book themselves? Do they need to be shown how to do something or can you just tell them how to do something and they understand? There are many other questions you can ask yourself along these lines that will help you to evaluate how your children learn best and then work with them accordingly.
With the right attitude and support, anyone can be a great home school parent. You know and love your children better than anyone. Sometimes when people had a bad experience in school they are even more determined to provide a great environment for their children.