Homeschool Encouragement

Through Family Fun

Homeschool encouragement can be found in unexpected ways.

When life seems a rocky and a little gloomy, sometimes we need to just step back and re-assess how things are going. This is especially necessary if a child seems unhappy or angry.

One of the best ways to resolve issues is through time spent one-on-one. In other words, when the first reaction is flight or to get away, we may need to recommit and dig deeper.

The child craves his parents' attention and thrives when he receives it. It is many times the best medicine for any and all ails. Oddly enough, even with homeschooling, when one is with the child all day long, it is possible for benign neglect to set in. Distractions, responsibilities or always being with the entire clan can cause one to ignore an individual without even realizing it.

When this occurs, it's time to hunker down and focus intently on the child. Time spent relaxing and enjoying each other's company provides homeschool encouragement to all because it nourishes love and appreciation. It touches hearts and changes attitudes. In other words, a major cure for tough times is to have fun together.

Suggestions:

• Go shopping. I once heard a psychology doctor remark that shopping cures a lot of a teen's ails. I thought to myself, rather smugly, "How crass...and materialistic."

  Oops! I discovered that he is right. Trooping through stores, looking at and discussing interesting items, then spending a little money on the son/daughter is refreshing. A connection is made that heals tiny hurts and a chance to look at each other again with renewed appreciation. Indeed, shopping can give homeschool encouragement!

• Lunch together. Same principle...

• Share a daily cup of tea with your daughter. When one of our daughters was a sophomore, we began a ritual which was greatly cherished. Every morning about 10 a.m., after the younger children were settled into their assignments, she and I would study the faith over cups of herbal tea. It was a highlight of our day.

• Have a family night. Sharing fun is an excellent way to cement relationships. Plan a favorite dinner and game. Play backyard baseball, badminton or even just go for a walk.

  If time is short, choose a board game. Clue only requires about an hour at the most...or Bingo, always a favorite. The youngster may grimace, but just try it. The competitive spirit soon kicks in and he will be playing in earnest. If the child is younger, Candyland or another simple game delights the heart.

• Be spontaneous. Tell the child to get in the car (or that you're all going for a walk). Don't tell him where. Then how about packing up the ingredients for 'smores and roasting them on a grill at a nearby park--in the dark?

  Make-up a scavenger hunt for the entire family. It could even be at night by flashlight. Conclude with silly prizes. ...or instead of a hunt, make-up a code (easy enough to be broken), hide the hints in sequence, with the final one directing the child(ren) to the cache of silly/inexpensive items.

• Always read together. Find a book that is lighthearted and enjoy it as a family (or just Mom/Dad and child). Continue reading together--even through the teen years. A positive guarantee for homeschool encouragement...

  Dr. James Herriott is a sure bet or check the literature lists:

  Family

  8-12 years

  13-16 years

  Time together touches hearts. This is essential for homeschooling, and besides, who doesn't find homeschool encouragement and joy in exuberant play?

  Inspiration

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