One of the benefits of homeschooling our children is to raise them and shape them into the best versions of themselves. We need to help them find their strengths, teach them to show compassion and kindness to others, and show them the tools to deal with everything life may throw at them as they grow. But we're not only raising our kids, we’re also their main educators. It’s important to teach (and show) them that tough stuff is going to happen, and they can handle it!
Here are six things we can do as parents, and teachers, to raise extraordinary human beings, who recognize their own strengths and know how to use them:
Show them your love is unconditional. It’s important for your kids to know that no matter what they say, what they do, or who they decide to become, you’ll always love them. You don’t always have to love their choices, but sometimes letting them choose their own choices is just a part of life. Each child is special and unique. Each of your children has their own strengths, weaknesses, and personality. Don’t compare them to their siblings or other kids. Allow each of your children to be themselves and show them it’s ok to have their own strengths that help make them who they are.
Teach them that challenges are good. Challenges can be seen as things to overcome. Life brings many challenges to us at different points in our lives, and the sooner we teach our kids to view challenges as reality and something that can be overcome together, the better. Challenges aren’t all negative – they are just another roadblock to learn from.
“Life is not a challenge to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” – Soren Kierkegaard
Use positive language. Studies have shown that using the power of positive thoughts can actually create and shape positive behavior. Use “can” instead of “should or could.” Use “get to” instead of “have to.” As you teach during the day, use these words to give them confidence in trying things on their own and your children will have fewer doubts about their life choices.
Build on their interests. This is the whole idea of unschooling, Even if you don’t use the unschooling method, expose your kids to different interests and let them explore what interests them. It just may help them find their passion in life.
Teach your children to communicate effectively. This doesn’t only mean how to talk to others, but how to effectively listen as well. Much of society thinks that homeschoolers cannot socially communicate “in the real world” when in fact, many homeschooled kids are better communicators than kids that go to a traditional brick-and-mortar! In fact, just the other day, my 17 year old son took my daughter to her hiking event with her gym because I couldn’t take her. After they came home, I received multiple texts from parents and the coach commending my son on his respectfulness, attentiveness to his sister, and how outgoing and well-communicated he was with the whole group. In fact, he even got a job offer after that afternoon! I believe that’s because many homeschoolers have learned how to communicate and interact with people of all ages – with respect and ease. Oftentimes, traditionally schooled kids are afraid to speak to adults because the only constant exposure they have to adults is in a “teacher-student” setting where they are to listen and not openly talk or challenge the views of others. “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know, but if you listen, you may learn something new.” – Dalai Lama
Look for opportunities to give back. By making “giving back” a regular part of your lifestyle, and even a part of your curriculum, it becomes a lesson in learning compassion, tolerance, and gratitude. You’re teaching them to be well-rounded kids who will turn into well-rounded, community-serving adults.
Homeschooling can be hard. Sometimes even we as adults need to learn from others to be able to effectively teach our kids. This is where Homeschool Coaches come in. Each of our Homeschool Coaches has a wealth of knowledge and is eager to help you navigate the challenges homeschooling brings in order to make your experience less stressful, less confusing, and to reduce your learning curve.