Most homeschool families I know have the mom at home teaching the children. Dad goes to work and provides for the family. That’s how it is in my home. Most of the time dads don’t really bother with the homeschooling except to ask what was learned or how was the field trip. I know, for us, my husband really isn’t involved a lot when it comes to making curriculum decisions, field trip ideas, and the general business of homeschooling. It’s not that he isn’t interested but he works and does so many other things to help us.
I’ve come up with some ideas on how to get dad more involved in homeschooling. Some of the ideas might not look like homeschooling but we count just about everything as homeschooling here. I mean, helping with the housework is home ec, right?
First, have dad read to his children. This is important because if children see their father reading, it encourages them to read also. I have all boys and they want to do everything that my husband does. I try to get my husband to read to the boys so they will see him doing something educational.
Another thing I see my husband doing is getting our children involved in home projects. We are currently fixing our home up to try and sell. There are many things that need to be done and they go out in the garage and help him as much as possible. Just last week they were learning about angles because we put up some crown molding in our master bathroom. They’ve also learned how to paint a wall, put up drywall, put in light fixtures, fix a leaky faucet, and plunge a toilet. I count this as homeschooling because they are basic skills that need to be learned.
My husband also includes my children when he works on our vehicles. We do almost all of our vehicle and home maintenance ourselves. My husband is very handy at these kinds of things. When something is going on with my van, he fixes it and has the boys hand him tools while he answers their questions. If the oil needs to be changed, they help. We are training our boys to be men who take care of what they have when they grow up (and now).
My oldest son has taken a huge interest in yard work and mowing the lawn. He isn’t quite tall enough to drive the lawnmower by himself just yet. So, my husband works the pedals while my son drives the mower. My husband gets a kick out of it. My son absolutely loves it. My younger two will eventually be trained to drive the mower as well. Again, this is just a part of life but we use it as an opportunity to teach them a life lesson. Take care of what you have. It involves my husband and that’s what is most important. Time with dad.
Although my husband trusts me with curriculum choices (I do discuss them with him but he knows I know what I’m doing), I still want him involved in teaching our boys certain lessons. Some of the lessons I can’t teach my boys. Like the car stuff. Thank goodness I have a very smart and intelligent husband who can fix anything. My boys have a great role model and teacher.
Whether dad is involved greatly with homeschooling or just a little, it makes a big difference. Children want to do what their parents do and having dad more involved gives them a different perspective than just mom all the time. Dad can also teach them some things that mom can’t. It’s a great balance and it shows how much children want to learn when you see them watching a parent with intent. Bring them alongside you while you do life. Count it as homeschooling too!
