Do you have a child who doesn’t want to be homeschooled anymore? Read this for some encouragement and practical steps to take that will help you move forward! (And find more homeschool encouragement here!)
Do you have a child who isn’t thrilled with the idea of homeschooling? If your homeschooling experience has been met with a lot of frustration and you’re just about ready to give up and let your child have their way, read this first!
Big decisions about your child’s educations shouldn’t be based on their emotions and frustrations — especially if your child is young and doesn’t know quite yet what is best for them educationally, long-term.
If you’re trying to find a way to move forward, here are some ways that you and your child can have a compromising and successful homeschooling experience!
When Your Child Doesn’t Want To Be Homeschooled
Find the root of their frustration.
If you still plan on pressing forward with homeschooling, it’s important to understand why your child doesn’t want to be homeschooled. There is typically a need that is not being met, and if you can meet that need, a lot of times the problem will fix itself.
Many times, it’s a very simple need like wanting to socialize with friends, have a teacher besides their parent, or simply ride the school bus. There are so many reasons why kids want to go to public school, and there are creative ways you can still meet those needs while homeschooling!
Their needs matter, too.
While your child might be aggravated with you for not changing your mind on homeschooling, it’s important to make sure they know their opinions still matter and their voice is being heard.
You and your child can meet their frustrations and needs head on with great options, so that homeschooling becomes more appealing to them. Come up with ideas together that will make the homeschooling experience more exciting for them!
The grass isn’t always greener.
Sit down with your child and create a pros and cons chart for public versus homeschooling education. Highlight the pros — like the flexibility and freedom that a homeschooling schedule provides. The cons about homeschooling will most likely be needs that you can meet without going to a public school.
Stay in contact with friends.
Most kids fear that they won’t see their friends anymore, or won’t have any friends if they stay home for schooling. Make it a priority that your child stays in contact with and regularly gets together with their friends. Help your child realize their social life is not over.
Find ways of making it special.
Try and find the things that make homeschooling so unique and set it apart from public school. Have a reward during the week that they are really looking forward to if they cooperate while homeschooling. Taking them out to breakfast or going on a picnic is a reward that they wouldn’t get to experience at public school.
Field trips can still happen.
Learning is not always hitting the books, especially when it’s just creating boredom. Take a break once a week and go on a field trip — something public schools only do a few times per year! They might learn better through experiencing their world in this way.
Take breaks when possible.
Trying to teach your child when they’re frustrated or to the point of tears will not get you anywhere. Take breaks throughout the day to make learning easier and more tolerable. It will save your sanity, too.
Go to the park.
After lunch, take a break and head to the park. Your child can play with other children to get the interaction that they need, along with some fresh air. Recess does not have to be just for public schools.
Don’t forget about the extracurricular activities.
Your child might be frustrated about not having clubs after school, gym class, or computer class anymore. Get them involved in clubs and sports so that they can still spend time with children their age and enjoy extracurricular activities.
Take a bus.
Does your child really want to ride that big school bus? Try taking them on a city bus where they can experience going somewhere on a bus.
Get involved with a co-op.
Co-ops provide great opportunities for homeschooling and solutions to a lot of those needs that aren’t being met.
In a co-op, your child has multiple teachers (other homeschooling moms), learns many different subjects, and interacts regularly with other homeschooling children!
This allows your child to have other great role models teaching them besides just mom. Plus, your child’s learning might take off quicker with another perspective on teaching from another mom. And that’s ok, especially because it provides a break for you!
These are just some of the ways that you can reach your child’s needs with homeschooling, even if they are reluctant to the idea. Have you ever tried any of these successfully?
More Homeschool Encouragement:
- What To Do When You Want To Quit Homeschooling
- How to Homeschool When You Don’t Feel Smart Enough
- Homeschooling Through Challenges
- 5 Clues to Inspire a Love of Learning in Your Homeschool
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