Homeschool Myths
Over the years as I have had many people as me, "Where do your kids go to school?" When I tell them that I homeschool my children I have noticed that many of the responses are the same. As a happy homeschooling mom, I would like to dispel some to the myths that surround homeschooling. It is more accessible than many can imagine and it is the joy of my life. So, here are the myths/truths that I have experienced. I hope this helps you to see homeschooling in a brand new light! It can be the best experience of your life!
Myth #1
I could never homeschool. My kids wouldn't listen to me.
Reality: When I hear people say this, it makes me because I can see the frustration and hurt in many of their faces. THere are so many issues that surround this statement, but let me start with this. There is hope! Your children can change. They can be taught to honor and respect you as their teacher.
To see how this can be done, we must first look at the sources of the disrespect or disobedience. First: the children are dropped off at school where:
-they are placed in a class of the same age students. Most of their lives are filled with media and music that is disrespectful of adults and parents.
-They are bombarded with a worldview that tells them there is no right or wrong, that everything is relative.
-They come home to music and TV that is filled with harsh language (MTV and others), disrespect and vulgarities.
-Then when parents spend their time with them there is conflict over their behavior.
-The next day we have the same thing all over again, dad after day, year after year.
If should come as no surprise that the children are disrespectful to their parents. You will see that as you strip away the causes of the negative behavior their attitudes will start to change.
It is also important that we as parents begin to model the behavior that we expect from our children. If we don't want them to say please and thank you, then we must say please and thank you, etc. Begin to model your own behavior into that which you expect from your child.
Praise their good behavior and punish the undesirable actions. Praise goes a long way with children of any age. They desire your approval; they desire your respect as well. I like to use the method of "Praise - Correct - Praise."
Ge back to basics-simplify your life and get rid of distractions such as video games, TV, etc. These things take away valuable time that you could be spending together.
Whether you homeschool or not, you are a teacher to your children. They model much of their behavior from their parents. Spend time with them. Read good books to them, even when they are older. It's amazing how loved someone feels when you sit down together on the couch and read together. I especially like ready older books to them that were written before 1960. There is a goodness and wholesomeness that doesn't seem to exist today. It is good for the kids and for parents alike to hear it.
By reducing or eliminating certain electronics you can also reduce the pressure of life for kids. You will be amazed at how their behavior changes.
Comments