10 Ways to Achieve Success as a Homeschool Parent

Are you new to homeschooling or feel stuck as a homeschool parent? Maybe you feel like your creative flair dried up ages ago, or you’re not sure how to teach your kids at this point. Perhaps you want to pull your child out of school. Whatever the case, we want to recommend a few ways for success as a homeschool parent. 

David and I recently spoke with Jessica Lovett, who is a homeschool mom and advocate for homeschooling. Currently, she is the Creative Director for Texans for Homeschool Freedom and the cofounder/Executive Communications Director of the Homeschool Freedom Coalition. As a homeschool mom, she has been involved in homeschooling for 15+ years. She recommended the following 10 steps for homeschooling parents: 

• Deschool (if new to homeschooling)
• Pay attention to your child.
• Ask yourself, “How does my child learn?” Or “What do they like?” 
• Cater to their learning style. 
• Don’t be rigid or staunch.
• Encourage multigenerational contact. 
• Let other teachers play a role in your child’s education. 
• Network in your area.
• Don’t put grade-level pressure on your child.
• Let them learn at their own pace.

Definitions

Most of these recommendations are fairly straightforward. However, I want to explain each one, so you understand how Ms. Lovett recommends a homeschooling parent practice them. 

Deschool (if new to homeschooling) = If you want to start homeschooling or have recently started, take time to relax and spend time together as a family. Don’t jump into a rigid, public school-like schedule. Learn to live together and learn. Go to the park, the library, or the local ice cream shop. Relax before beginning the homeschool process. 

Pay attention to your child = Pay attention to their interests and learning habits. This will help you figure out how they learn and what they enjoy. 

Ask yourself, “How does my child learn?” Or “What do they like?” = Look for cues and signals. Be attentive to what they like and how they learn. 

Cater to their learning style = Structure their coursework around their learning style. If they learn well through reading or listening, use reading or auditory materials to help them. 

Don’t be rigid or staunch = Don’t become focused on a strict schedule. Some scheduling is good, but don’t feel chained to it. Let their learning lead, and don’t force them to sit at the table for 4+ hours a day. 

Encourage multigenerational contact = Encourage your child to speak to people of all types. Get involved locally at your church or in different groups. Let your child work through the fear of social speaking, and this will create an individual who can speak confidently. 

Let other teachers play a role in your child’s education = Take your child to music lessons, Spanish lessons, or other types of classes so they can learn from teachers besides you. This will help them understand different teaching methods/structures.

Network in your area = Use your area to form homeschooling connections. Ask your local librarian or church for help, so your child can find friends. 

Don’t put grade-level pressure on your child = Don’t force your child to stay at or work to a certain grade level. Maybe you feel that they seem a bit behind. It’s okay! They will catch up and learn at their own pace. 

Let them learn at their own pace = Encourage them at their own speed. It’s not slow or fast. It’s all wonderful, no matter the pace. Let them learn freely, and everything will happen at the right time for your child. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, homeschooling is all about freedom. Let your child move at their own pace and learning style. It’s all okay, even if it looks a little different. You’re doing a wonderful job, and remember to encourage your child. Learn together and become flexible, not rigid. You made a beautiful choice for your child and stand firm in that. You can do this, and we’re here to help you! You can achieve success in homeschooling.

To See More About Learning Styles, Click the Link!

- NxtEra

Written by Bethany (@thebookwormgirl_bethany)