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How do you guys talk to extended family members about homeschooling, particularly the ones who have some preconceived notions about the whole thing?
For us, it helps to know our “why.” We’ve discussed our clear reasons as a couple, and from there, we like to allow extended family a voice, but not necessarily a vote. In other words, we’re always open to discussing our reasoning in a gentle, firm and confident manner. There are a myriad of “whys” it works for us – flexibility and freedom, travel schedules, new ways to challenge young minds with opportunities that wouldn’t necessarily be available within the 4 walls of a classroom. And when the concept of socialization inevitably comes up, I always like to quote the ironic reminder of every public school teacher I’d ever had: “You’re not here to socialize!”
;)
Hi there! This answer was helpful for me as well. Going a step further, I’m curious on advice to explain homeschooling to my son. Hes 2 1/2. We’ve read a lot of books with characters that go to school, and now my son associates school with getting on a bus and being in a classroom with a teacher around friends and classmates. Any advice on how to explain to him that that is not the route we’re taking with him?
Hi Emilie!
When our daughter was your son’s age, we talked a lot about how every school is different, and how there are a number of methods for teaching! Are there any organized activities he’s involved in that could be creatively labeled as school? For instance, our daughter (now 6) is immersed in a theatre troupe on Saturday mornings and she visits our friends from Taiwan every Tues/Thurs for informal Chinese lessons. We call both of these different versions of school! (She even gets to pack a backpack with books and lunch for her visits to our friends’ home on T/Th.) Because most 2-3 year olds are hyper-aware of sames and differents, I wonder if it might be helpful to find some commonalities between his day and an average school day. Maybe let him enjoy “recess” at a playground or pack a lunch bag to enjoy his snack in the backyard. Or, you could see if your local library offers free programs or storytimes for a “class” experience! From my understanding, it’s not school most kids are after, but the props of school – the backpacks, the bus, the dodgeball games. ;)
I’ve also heard great things about this book, should he want a clear vision a different path!:
https://amzn.to/2UTOPu7Hope this is helpful for you, Emilie!!!! :) Please keep us posted on what you find to be working well for your little guy!
Hi Everyone! I’ve been LOVING Erin’s workshop videos this week which have given me an extra boost of confidence to start this year and am working my way through the reading list!! I have a question – Erin, you cite a lot of different studies in your workshop videos. Do you have the links or places where I can locate these? My husband is very supportive of homeschooling, but admittedly a little suspicious of its effectiveness. He’s in the medical field and I’d love to show him the research that supports it.
Hi Beth Ann!
TOTALLY, and I 100% hear you. Here are a few interesting pieces:
Predictors of Student Achievement, and What Children Need from Parents:
What Research Says About Parent Involvement
The New Science of Child DevelopmentBenefits of Delaying Formal Education
PISA Worldwide Ranking Scores
Mental Health Benefits for Delaying KindergartenAlso, my husband Ken LOVES talking to dads about this kind of thing, b/c he was a skeptic and now is SOLD. Feel free to email if you ever want to connect with him!: hello@othergoose.com. :)
Thank you so much, Erin! I thought I had replied to this earlier and just realized now that I hadn’t. Thank you for these wonderful links and for the support :)
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