Homeschooling and Dads go together very naturally. While the mom in many homeschooling families is the primary teacher, there are many opportunities for dads to jump in and support the homeschool effort. What do homeschool dads do? Depending on their availability, desire, and interests, homeschool dads can be very active in the homeschool day or provide support when asked.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
(Proverbs 22:6)
Curriculum Planning
When it comes to curriculum planning, both parents can be involved. Homeschool dads and moms can sit together and go through magazines, catalogs, and websites to find the resources that will work best for their family.
Once decisions are made, homeschool dads can personalize the curriculum for their children. They can help pick out books for reading lists. Homeschool dads can gather math supplies and conduct science experiments. They can lead life skill courses in car maintenance or cooking.
Homeschool Dads and Grading
A fantastic way to stay directly involved with what their children are learning is by grading their work. Whether they take on the sole responsibility of grading the work or just grade assignments here and there, fathers will see what is being taught and learned. This also provides support for the homeschool mom so she can focus on other tasks.
Teaching
One of the biggest ways to be involved in the homeschool lessons is through teaching them. Whether homeschool dads teach an entire class themselves or a lesson or two, they can connect with their children in a special way every time they become the teacher. There is great joy in teaching your own children and seeing the lightbulb moment happen during a math, reading, or science lesson.
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
(Deuteronomy 6:6–7)
Emotional Support
Sometimes one of the most important ways a homeschool dad can support his family is through emotional support. He can lift up his wife and children when the days are difficult or stressful. Sometimes all a child needs is to know that Dad cares about what they are learning about. A dad cares about their interests.
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
(Ephesians 6:4)
On days when lessons are difficult or the children can’t sit still, a homeschool dad can provide his wife with additional support. Whether that means taking the children outside to burn off some energy or handling the discipline, he can provide the support his wife needs. Just knowing that dad supports mom in the homeschool tasks is important.
Dad as Role Model
Homeschool dads can be role models for their children in all that they do. Honoring the Lord, obeying His commandments, and instilling this desire in their children is just one way. When Dad demonstrates his fear of the Lord, he will provide his children with a worthy role model.
“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.”
(Proverbs 14:26)
In addition to being a positive Christian role model, dads can also demonstrate the skills needed to be a willing learner. By continuing their own lifelong learning process in areas that interest him, dad shows his children that learning never stops. Learning is important to living. And he can involve his children in his interests and bring them along on the journey.
Do homeschooling and dads go hand-in-hand? Yes, they certainly do!
HomeschoolingFinds.com Author
This article has been written by Kristen Heider. She is the Business Building Team Manager and the Social Media Manager of The Old Schoolhouse®. She shares more about her family’s homeschooling journey at A Mom’s Quest Teach.