How to Be a Homeschool Parent

Raising children is hard work, but when you make the decision to take charge of their education yourself, you enter a completely new world of books, lessons and plans. Being a homeschool parent is more than a job; it is a way of life. Even if you are the parent who is not actively teaching, you will contribute.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Support the teaching parents by taking an active part in reviewing your child's lessons for the day and suggesting new activities to supplement the current studies.

2. Show support for the non-teaching parents by stressing the importance of family life outside of schooling. Reinforce the role of the parents/providers and include them in decisions that affect the family.

3. Recruit outside help if you are a single-parent homeschooler. Check with your state's requirements on who is allowed to help teach your child, and consider allowing a grandparent, uncle or aunt to help (if permitted). Alternately, join a homeschool cooperative where a few of your child's schooling hours can be filled, leaving you more time to oversee the progress when you're home.

4. Stress the importance of individual activities. Homeschool parents need time to be people in their own right. Plan activities apart from the kids to keep your life in balance.

5. Educate on the go. One of the great things about homeschooling is that you don't have to sit at a desk, staring at a blackboard, to learn. Load up the kids, books and supplies and take your homeschool on the road.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.