What is a parent to do when they are attempting to homeschool a child that pushes back? In the particular case I am referencing, the child is truly happy that he or she is being homeschooled, but does everything in his or her power to avoid the work. They repeatedly ask the parents for days off, and want to be involved with everything going on in the home even when they are supposed to be working.
There are several possible issues at hand:
- The child could need a break, especially if they are recently liberated from a regular traditional school. While they may be happy for the change, they may need some time to adjust to the change without having the same responsibilities that they had in school.
- The child may need a different approach. Many new homeschoolers may succeed in changing the scenery, without changing the program. If the child is doing exactly the same thing they did in school, they may become disappointed and stop making progress. You need to find a program that is different from what they did in school, but still academically rich. Get to know your child’s learning style and gear their education toward that.
- Your child may be distracted. If your home is constantly buzzing with activity, then your child may not be able to concentrate. You may need to create a block of time when your home is more relaxed and conducive to study. Many new homeschoolers have found that it makes sense to turn off the television, turn away visitors, and to not answer phone calls so that their children can concentrate. Some have even found it useful to leave the home to homeschool. A quiet corner in the library may be just the thing your child needs to help them focus on schoolwork.
If you find that your homeschooled child is not completing assignments and is always requesting to do it later you should:
- Have a conversation with them explaining that homeschooling is a partnership and that the two of you must work together, with them keeping up their end of the bargain.
- Lay down some rules whereas there are consequences for your child not doing what is expected of them.
- Create an award system where your child is rewarded with a special activity when the work is completed.
- Be flexible, there will be days when “schoolwork” is not something your child is able to concentrate on. Talk to your child and determine the reason for the distraction. They may just need to take a day off. Even better yet, give your child 10 coupons for “no schoolwork days” that they can redeem each year. This way they will feel a bit more in control about taking days off and will learn over time to use them wisely.
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
*Want to know more about homeschooling? Start with the 2006 homeschool blog in review!
* Have you seen the homeschooling curriculum glossary?