So, you’re the proud mom to a child that’s an independent learner. Congratulations! So, that means you are done, right? Wrong! While your involvement isn’t as intense as in the early years, you are still very much essential to your child’s education!

Whether you mourn or celebrate your child becoming a more independent thinker, there are ways to stay connected through this next educational chapter.

Just like parenting changes as your child grows, so does your role in their education. By now, you know your child’s strengths and weaknesses. So be prepared to help them in the areas they struggle in and let them soar in their strengths. Just because they are learning more independently does not mean they can do it all themselves.

Be prepared. Whether it’s having the literature in audiobook form or reading ahead in the textbook they are using, always be ready to help when needed. It’s less stress on both of you if you have some preparation under your belt. If it’s a subject you know you won’t be able to offer much assistance, try to have a resource or another homeschool parent in place to help when the time comes. The internet is filled with great resources. YouTube, Khan academy, virtual tutoring are all available if an in-real-life version is not.

Help their writing skills by being their editor. Considering that even professional writers have their own editors, there’s nothing wrong with being your child’s editor. Provide them with honest but loving feedback. Not only does this help them build confidence, but you are also showing them a valuable skill that will take them into their college and adult years!

Make sure to meet with your child regularly. Especially in the early days of independent learning, you’ll want to have daily meetings to make sure they understand their assignments and know deadlines. This is also their time to let you know any areas they are having difficulties in and hold them accountable. As they get older and move into their high school years, meetings can be scaled back to once or twice a week. These meetings are similar to staff meetings they may experience out in the workforce. By making these a regular happening, you are helping them to gain responsibility and give them a voice for the subjects and assignments they need more help with.

How do you stay connected to your independent learner?

You can check out the many homeschooling resources at Rainbow Resource Center!