Homeschool dads can be an integral part of your homeschool life. From teaching the subjects near and dear to their hearts to supporting the family spiritually, emotionally, and financially, many families would not be able to homeschool without their homeschool dad. Whether they join in on hands-on history lessons, lead science experiments, or help with the daily read-alouds, homeschool dads can be very involved in the homeschooling process. They are a blessing to homeschooling families.
Leading the Homeschool Family
Homeschool dads are the spiritual leaders of their families. They can lead by example by leading prayer time, picking the Bible and Apologetics courses, and following Scripture themselves. “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, ESV).
By providing love and encouragement for his wife, a homeschool dad reflects the teaching of the Bible. A strong and loving marriage provides an excellent example to children as to how God wants them to shape their lives.
Supporting the Homeschool Family
Many homeschooling families are one-income families. So, the financial support of the homeschool dad is very important. Homeschool dads work hard every day to ensure that their family can educate their children in their own homes.
Helping with Education
Every man and woman brings different strengths to their marriage. This carries over to homeschooling. If the homeschool mom enjoys and excels at teaching some subjects over others, her husband, the homeschool dad, can step in to teach or assist with the other subjects. In my own household, my favorite subjects to teach include history, reading, and writing. My husband often helps with our science experiments—especially those that require us to do things outdoors—and going over wrong math problems.
If you are a homeschool dad looking to help with the homeschooling load or perhaps you are the primary homeschool teacher, SchoolhouseTeachers.com has the course just for you! In twenty-four articles in the course Homeschool Dads: Leading the Charge, homeschool dads can read about specific ways in which they can help their family and be a blessing on the homeschool journey.
Blessing Homeschool Dads
How can we show our appreciation for homeschool dads every day? We don’t have to wait till their birthday or Father’s Day to celebrate them. The littlest members of our homeschool family up to and including those who have already graduated can bless their dad each and every day.
The simplest way is for children to honor their father and mother. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land’” (Ephesians 6:1–3, ESV). Listening well during homeschool lessons and any other time our children interact with members of the family or community exemplifies this. Following the rules of the house, being respectful, completing chores, and even doing extra work (like washing the car) without being asked are all wonderful ways children can bless their homeschool dad.
Of course, homemade and store-bought gifts are another way that we can bless homeschool dads. Pictures drawn by a preschooler, a necktie sewn by a middle schooler, or the engraving of a favorite quote during a woodworking class by a high schooler are memorable homemade gifts. And what homeschool dad wouldn’t love a small snack (like beef jerky!) purchased by their children as a gift just because? Many times, homeschool dads don’t treat themselves. So, it makes it all the sweeter when their children can buy them their favorite candy bar or snack food as a surprise.
Families are blessed when dads are present and involved. So, how can you bless the homeschool dad in your life? Please let us know in the comments.
HomeschoolingFinds.com Author
This article has been written by Kristen Heider. She is the Business Building Team Manager of The Old Schoolhouse® and the Social Media Manager of HomeschoolingFinds.com. She shares more about her family’s homeschooling journey at A Mom’s Quest Teach.