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Is Homeschooling The Right Thing To Do? by Shirley M.R. MinsterIs homeschooling still the right thing to do? Were we right in bringing our child home from school? Questions that focus on a child’s education can be the most difficult to answer. Parents worry that what they do today will have an effect on their child’s future. Self-doubt creeps in and whispers, “Did we do the right thing? What happens if we were wrong?” Let’s start by looking at the reasons why you began homeschooling your child. First of all, you were concerned about the change in his behavior. If he believed that his schoolmates did not like him, his self-esteem took a big hit emotionally, physically, and mentally. The emotions began to overshadow everything and depression became the norm because of his sadness and utter loneliness. As time progressed, intense sorrow and a feeling of desolation were played out in frustration because he tried to make the others like him and if they did not immediately respond in what was a favorable way to him, anger then began to erupt. This anger was a mask that effectively hid his embarrassment and sadness so that weakness couldn’t be seen. You tried to help him focus on his education, but that was becoming increasingly difficult for him. If your child is gifted, she may have begun having attentional problems as she thought about her relationship with others rather than listening to the teacher. Her desire to please her teachers and her fellow classmates took priority. When she realized that she had missed an important assignment or directions, she may have covered up her embarrassment by pretending not to care or by playing class clown. You took the correct action in homeschooling your child. The child you had once known, the one who disappeared once school began, has now emerged. You enjoy working and learning with your child. To continue this enjoyable form of education and to silence your self-doubts, take time now to renew your commitment to homeschooling. Realize that a stimulating experience in your homeschool is not always evident. You must look at the whole picture, not the daily routine, to see evidence of progress. If the educational experience is getting stale, think about your child’s interests. If he's interested in aviation, hunt for as much information as possible in the form of books, movies, magazines, and museums. Think about people you know who are pilots or work in the aviation career in some way. Your son will enjoy seeing and talking with men and women in the professional world of aviation. Your son can use the subjects of reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and other areas through this topical study. If your daughter wants to learn more about fashion design, there are many catalogs with appropriate pictures displaying clothing. Make an appointment with a dressmaker to discuss how one goes about fashioning clothing as a career. Visit a wide range of stores from high-end to lower-end to see how clothing items are displayed. As you will see, economics, reading, math, and history are easy to build into this topical study. The above suggestions should encourage you to broaden the learning experience. When you first began homeschooling, you most likely chose books and materials that were more traditional. Now as you continue the homeschool mode of education, branch out. Your child will be continue to be more successful as he realizes that his interests are important to others and that you want to know what he’s thinking about. You are validating your children when you show that you are willing to travel down a new road and go where they want to explore. Enjoy the trip. It will never be regretted when someday you reflect back on it. About the author: |
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