Want your child to be successful? Get involved!
Most parents want the best for their children. Homeschooling parents are no exception! Many times curriculum and test scores are held up to the most stringent standards for success. But do those things really equate to being successful? Here’s what I’ve observed in my many years of parenting in the homeschool, private school, and public school world.
Putting aside the obvious tailoring of the curriculum to the child as in homeschooling, to the race to score well in both private and public schools shares one glaring commonality. Parental involvement!
When parents are involved, students are more likely to enjoy learning, retain more of what they learn, and overall have a favorable academic experience. When parents are not involved, the opposite is generally the result. Students are more likely to be unfocused, frustrated, and easily give up.
While this sounds like common sense, I have met a few homeschooling parents who have simply checked out. Aside from burnout, needing help teaching a subject or two, or having a self-sufficient student, your involvement is still needed!
Please don’t think I am unsympathetic to seasons of illness, underemployment, or even burnout. I understand the pull of checking out when things are stressful and overwhelming. I’ve been there myself! It is imperative in these situations to ask for help! Many moms are shamed or made to feel less than adequate for needing to ask for help and as a result, remain silent. This happens for a variety of reasons, peer pressure, spousal displeasure, or just plain pride. But at the end of the day, it is necessary to look at the whole picture. Please ask yourself, “Is my checking out helping my child learn?” If you answered with a resounding “no”, it’s time to change strategies!
If it’s peer pressure, I would strongly suggest changing your circle of support! If your support system is built on silence or suppression, it’s time to change your support circle or call in backup. Backup can include supportive friends, pastor, or other homeschool leaders in your area.
If it’s an inability in an area of instruction, networking to find a suitable instructor is definitely in order. You are not alone! There’s someone out there with a class or another family who’s deficient where you are able to help. Why not consider trading classes?
If you are blessed with a child who is self-sufficient and needs very little oversight, they still need your support and involvement. You’ve done an amazing job getting them to learn on their own. Continue to be present within their schooling day to make sure they finish strong. You’ve come too far not to finish the race!
No matter the stage or educational philosophy, your children need you to be a present presence in their educational experience. Their success and desire for learning depend on you!
Check out more homeschooling resources at Rainbow Resource Center!
