The role encouragement plays in home schooling

Encouragement is an often overlooked but very crucial part of home schooling for both child and parent. The old adage "two heads are better than one" applies also to encouragement . Parents as well as children need regular words of comfort or inspiration from others around them. Who doesn't like to hear a few words of kindness to keep us focused and productive every so often. Have you ever found yourself feeling discouraged, weary or just plan tired of the daily rituals? After awhile things can become repetitive, a going through the motions if you will. And just when you thought you couldn't stand it another minute someone gives you a few words of appreciation and encouragement that brighten your day. You can't run a car off of air or wishful thinking so the same applies to each of us as well. We don't need gas to go but we do need thoughtful words and a little compassion from those around us to give us the desire to do our best.

When it comes to home schooling a child no matter what the age in order to get their best the parent must understand the important part encouragement plays. With small children in grades K-3 repetition is key in learning no matter what the subject is you are teaching them. As an adult it is easy to forget that because we have already learned well beyond what we are teaching their minds have yet to completely grasp the concepts. Also lets not forget that school work even when done in a home environment is still school work to any child. We all remember how quickly we became tired and dread filled us at the thought of another science report or history assignment. With all the planning and at times chaos that can go on during the year don't miss an opportunity to say a few words to inspire and complement your child. Thankfully there are several ways to encourage your child and they are a fun and easy. One great way is to find a trustworthy home schooling website just for home schooled children.

There are usually chat areas (safely monitored) where they can talk and share experiences with other kids just like them. There are also great educational games to play and articles to read written by other home schooled children. Another highly suggested idea is to be apart of a local home school group, one that meets several times a month so your child can learn as well as play with others in this unique setting. The best way to encourage any child is always from the parents mouth. Remember your child is an investment and you will always get out what you put into them. If all you put in is frustration, complaints, or irritating sighs guess what your child will become discouraged and less productive as a result. You are sacrificing so much to be at home and teach your child an outstanding education why would you hurt that with a negative attitude. When you tell your child "Great Job, your doing an awesome job today or wow! I'm so proud of you" your not just helping them to stay determined but they will also begin to become your encouragement as well.

Finally don't forget that just like children need encouragement so does the parent especially since there is usually one primary parent who does most of the home schooling. Some days seems like they run together it's been so long since you've left the house and feeling like your stuck in a rut doesn't take long. We all need an outlet and a fresh breath of air sometimes so don't deny yourself this necessary comfort . It is much easier to be a source of strength for your children when you yourself are being up lifted by others. A simple way to recharge your outlook is to be a part of a home schooling group on the internet. Cafemom.com has an outstanding site just for home school moms with new postings daily from encouragement to advice.

Also dependable friends to go out with and talk to are always a great comfort. Getting involved with a local home school or supportive church group can be a just what you need. The old proverb " two are better than one, when one lies down the other keeps them warm" is so true and puts the important focus of the other spouse's roll in home school setting. If one is doing most of the teaching the other should be breathing inspiration and strength into there partner. There is no doubt home schooling can be very demanding and seem repetitive at times. Which is why a few simple words of kindness or a choice to take a deep breath before speaking can bring new strength and inspiration into each day.