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5 Tips for Homeschooling Your Children

MOM + DAD ARE THE TEACHERS NOW

Article by Becka Corbitt

Photography by Stock Photo

Many moms and dads just recently took on a new role with the Covid-19 outbreak. Shelter in place forced many to take on the new role of becoming teachers. All of a sudden the decision to homeschool our kids was made for us. I can remember actually wanting to try the homeschooling route when my twins were growing up. It only ever stayed this fantasy of thoughts for me, and looking back, I am relieved that my twins got to experience going to school with their peers.

But, what happens when an unexpected moment in time occurs, when everything about our everyday changes and we have no choice but to act and do? We just do it!

I’ve spent time over these last several weeks wondering what I would have done. I’ve also had the opportunity to watch my daughter raising her three girls and homeschooling her oldest daughter. I would like to share five ideas/steps you can consider putting into place as you experience this new season.

5 Steps to Consider When Taking on This New Role:

Step 1 Chill Out! You don’t have to be perfect. You won’t be perfect. So, start every day realizing that simple fact and chill out.

Step 2It’s more about quality time and less about quantity of work done. Your kids will always remember the moments and memories made more than they will remember your performance and perfectionism. Think of the time you have been given. See it as a gift that will come to an end and cherish these moments you are making memories with your children. You’ve been given a gift!

Step 3Let them play! Give them space and time to be creative and play. Kids are also stressed out during this time we are facing. They are wondering what has happened to their world and routine. Give them space to pretend, create and relax in their environment. The bonus is you get a break too.

Step 4 – Let others help you. When would there be a time when grandmothers, granddads, aunts and uncles, and friends could pull together and share in teaching virtually? Try it; you may love it. I have had the opportunity to meet with my granddaughter weekly on FaceTime and teach her a bible class. Her other grandmother is teaching her a sewing class virtually. Take advantage of all the tools we have and give your child something they could never get at a conventional school. Plus, you are giving someone else a gift during this time, as well. Another bonus: you get a much-needed break.

Step 5You don’t have to fit it all in. Remember you aren’t trying to teach your child everything they need to know for their entire life in these next few weeks or month. Have them do the assignments they are receiving through their schools, the additional activities you create, maybe a virtual class taught by family or friend. Then allow them time to chill out, rest and adapt to what is going on around us.

Bonus thoughtOutside time. Our kids all need way more vitamin D. So, here’s your time to give that to them. Playing outside releases stress and gives them much-needed relief from the unknowns they too are facing.

Hang in there, Mom and Dad. This too shall pass, and you will look back at this time as a wonderful gift you gave your children and a wonderful gift you received. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You only have to be there, experience this time together with your child, and be careful—you may just learn something new from your children.

“Children are not casual guests in our home. They have been loaned to us temporarily for the purpose of loving them and instilling a foundation of values on which their future lives will be built.” –James Dobson

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