Homeschooling doesn’t have to be just the mother or father of the children doing all the teaching. There are so many other resources and people that can be a valuable component to homeschooling. We live very close to family on both sides (we are extremely blessed in this way). I like to take advantage (in a good way) of this situation.
My mother-in-law just happens to be a retired reading specialist and my father-in-law is a retired college professor. They are both bible-believing Christians and are homeschool warriors. Actually, all of their grandchildren are homeschooled (my husband has one sister with eight children). It’s such a wonderful gift to have my in-laws so involved in the education of my children in a positive way.
One way that they are involved is by doing reading assessments for my boys. My mother-in-law has given me so much help with teaching my boys to read. She’s offered advice, given them lessons, bought numerous books, and so much more. Her knowledge and abilities have given me the confidence to teach reading, phonics, and comprehension with ease.
If I ever have questions, she answers them joyfully. My boys love to read to her and tell her all the books that they are currently reading. She has even met us at the library to help find books on their levels. She has taught me so much about reading and how each child is unique in their abilities and to not compare them to each other. That has helped me so much in our homeschooling journey.
My father-in-law is extremely intelligent and helps in many other ways. He loves science and math and gives us advice when needed in these areas. He’s also very knowledgeable about gardening and nature. We’ve gone on many hikes and nature walks with him as he points out each plant, flower, tree, insect, and bird. He also has such a kind way with children. He knows how to teach them on their level without making them feel stupid for not knowing something.
Getting grandparents involved with homeschooling can knit those relationships together more closely. Since my -in-laws are so interested in what my children are learning and help when needed, it’s given my children a greater love and appreciation for them. They don’t think of them as some elderly people who visit once in a while and have no interest in them. They know their grandparents as loving, supportive, attentive, intelligent, and caring.
Even if you just have your child read to a grandparent once in a while, it gives them the chance to show off their skills and get to know them better. Ask your parents or in-laws to become more involved and kindle those relationships so they grow deeper and stronger. Grandparents are an important part of life. They have a lot to offer and love to help when needed.
