I spent the day painting a mural in a playroom. I took my daughter with me to do the job. The home where I was painting had another girl her age that was also homeschooled, using an online program. They sat together and homeschooled separately on their individual programs, at their own pace. She also was able to witness me at work and was able to absorb how to go about being a professional artist.
When you homeschool your kids and work from home like I do, every day is ‘take your child to work day’. In fact, your business can be an integral part of your child’s’ homeschooling experience.
Here are some important lessons your child can learn when everyday is take your homeschooler to work day:
Good work habits: If you have good work habits, your homeschooler will also develop good work habits. Having your child observe you at work will not only foster good habits by example, but will also keep you accountable as you will know they are watching.
Prioritize relationships vs. work: Chances are, if you work from home, then home is your first priority. Having your children witness, this will cause them to have the same values.
The value of money: You can pay your children to help you with tasks within their abilities. By paying them for their time, and having them manage their own money and personal expenses, they will learn the value of money.
How to negotiate: Have your kids listen (and watch, if possible) when you negotiating contracts and prices. The earlier a child will learn to negotiate, the better he will do in business.
In addition to painting the occasional mural, I also write for a living (but you probably already figured that out). I make it a point to let my children witness me work, and even see how much I make. It inspires them to do odd jobs for money, and to look forward to working for a living themselves.
Read: The business of homeschooling
Bad Work Habits: Get Rid of Them!
Happy New Year! Time to create habits!