I have been home schooling my kids since the spring of 2009. Yes we pulled our kids out mid year to start this grand adventure. Often people look at me like I'm a crazy and that's ok. They don't know about homeschooling from experience so I get asked a few questions, pretty much from everyone and the top one is, "How do you get the kids to do anything?" Personally in my head I always think, "Why can't you get your kids to do things?", but that's not socially safe to say or any of my business so I give our how. Our everyday routines, rewards, fun curriculum and discipline. Bla bla bla... The usual book style answer people expect to hear but the truth is though all of those things are important there is one thing, one thing that tops them all, Us. It's not about forcing them to learn it's about inspiring them to learn.
Meaning of Us: Our immediate family, our families and friends.
This is where the true inspiration comes from. We do not just tell them what to do, we practice what we preach. Since 2009 my husband has acquired several certifications as well as a college degree. I have also done some online schooling both for business and other subjects acquiring certifications and credits here and there. Our families also have helped to inspire our children to learn. From the 20 somethings finishing up college, the single mom one college degree done and another being worked on, to the oldest set regularly going to science lectures and astronomy courses. Not to mention our adult friends who have jumped into art classes, karate classes, continued education programs and college to change careers.
We surround our kids, ourselves, with people who all see learning as a part of life, a good part that should never end.
Attitude is everything and when people who make comments that undermined the need and want for education it sucks the motivation right out of your kids. Comments such as:
-
"So glad I don't have to do that anymore!"
- "Why would you go back to school?"
- "I know what I need to know, no reason to go back to school."
When your kids see grown ups of all ages they respect continuing their education, reading, going to museums and lectures they absorb the importance of continuous learning. This is something we as the parents need to think about and consciously do. For instance we do days out that include activities and trips where we are learning right there beside them. Not only for ourselves but for them. It doesn't need to be big activities by the way. Seeing a parent read instead of watching TV will inspire a child to pick up a book. Grabbing some Pinterest directions and making something with the kids, both of you for the first time, or watching a documentary.
Comments
Post a Comment