Category: Work

Homeschool Myths: Working or Single Parents Can't Educate Their Kids at Home

1/23/2016

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © fabola; Flickr.com

As a veteran homeschool mom, I have been asked pretty much every question in the book about educating kids at home. One thing that comes up often is the subject of work. Can working parents or single parents successfully educate their kids from home?

Is Homeschool Even an Option for Working and Single Parents?

The first reaction for many might be "No way!" However, that answer can be quite inaccurate. It's definitely possible to operate a home school even when parents or guardians have full time jobs. It's even possible for single parents, who may have to hold down two jobs. There are many options that could allow for this. Some working parents may hire a homeschool tutor or work from home. Others might assign their kids schoolwork and just have another adult supervise to make sure they get it done. Another method is to work school around the work schedule. That's one of the benefits of homeschooling. You can do it at any time of the day necessary and in any method that works for all involved.

Is it Better for Homeschool Parents to Stay Home With the Kids or Work?

This question is very broad because the answer will depend on who you ask. There is no right or wrong way that covers everyone, so there is no better or worse option. Just like any other method that you consider, think about what's best for the students and the situation combined. Parents who stay home are not better than those who don't and vice versa. The most important factor is that the kids are learning. If education is going on and it's working, then you've made the right choice.

Should Working Parents Educate Their Kids at Home?

The bottom line is that while it’s possible and works for some, whether a family should choose this option actually depends on the family and many other factors. Just like choosing other educational options, the success rate on this happening does not depend on the method, but on whether the method is a good fit for each student and each family.

How Can I Tell if This is a Good Choice for Me?

Can your children work well independently? If so, are they of age to do so on their own? If they require adult supervision due to age or maturity levels, is there a trusted adult available during your work schedule? If the above does not work, is there enough time for the children to study after you get off work? These and other factors will help you determine if this is the right homeschool method for your family or not.

More Homeschool Myths

Cultivating Career Skills in Tweens

11/13/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

In order for tweens to be ready to start their first job as teens, they need practice. Without actually being able to work, how can tweens get that practice? As a parent, there are a variety of ways I help cultivate career skills in tweens. From household responsibilities, to volunteering, playing games, and more, get proactive in developing your tween's career skills today. They will grow to love these methods and thank you in the future.

Get tweens involved in activities and clubs.

This is a simple way to teach your tween the teamwork it takes to succeed in their future career. It also can teach organizational and leadership skills. Recreational sports, dance, drama, band, choir, science, and other educational clubs and activities are available in most areas. Check with your child's school or homeschool group first. If the programs don't exist there, private organizations and churches often offer many activities.

Volunteer programs can help encourage and enhance career skills.

From helping the elderly, to feeding the homeless, caring for animals, and more, tweens can get involved in many volunteer programs. Call around to various organizations in your area to see who needs help. Remember to ask about age requirements. Not all organizations or opportunities are available to minors. Some also may require that an adult volunteer along with the tween. This can actually be good, as it gives you and your child some rewarding time together. Teaching kids to volunteer not only gives them valuable career experience, but also helps encourage compassion.

Let them take charge of certain things at home.

Responsibility starts at home. Chores and other household tasks teach your child important career skills that can be used throughout life. I like to treat my kids as team members and let them help in certain household decisions. Although this is not a job, it does help kids prepare for making choices in life, which strongly applies to career-related skills. Deciphering choices that lead to certain outcomes is a much-desired trait in the workforce, as is the ability to be part of a collaborative team. Being a 'mommy's helper' and watching over younger siblings and even pets is one way tweens can take charge. Just be sure they know the rules and also have proper supervision.

Family field trips geared toward interest can help cultivate skills.

No matter what your child is interested in doing as a career, there is always a related destination. Even if your child changes career thoughts often, it's still possible. For instance, if your tween wants to be a firefighter, visit the local firehouse. Some cities even have firefighter museums. If your child wants to work with animals, visit local shelters, zoos, and wildlife reserves. The main idea is to enrich your child's life with various activities and destinations that may enhance her career choice. Even if your tween changes her mind about career directions, the field trips will still add to overall experience.

Educational books and other media are useful.

Surround your child with opportunities to read books related to his career and life interests. If books are easy to access, even kids who do not prefer to read will eventually start picking them up. Also offer a variety of educational computer games, movies, and TV shows to show from. While it's not a good idea for a child to watch TV or play on the computer all day long, in moderation, these things can be good. When a child enjoys doing something, it can be easier for the knowledge to sink in, which is always a good thing.

*I originally publised this via Yahoo Contributor Network

LAST UPDATED 7/31/2022

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Homeschool Myths: Working or Single Parents Can't Educate Their Kids at Home

Cultivating Career Skills in Tweens

Heart 'N Mind Homeschool Journal

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