Homeschool Discipline: An Integral Part of Home Education

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Homeschool Discipline

homeschool love and discipline

Homeschool discipline can be viewed as simply getting your child to want to do what is right, ie. training the will. The earlier you begin with this the better, but it's never too late.

Children must learn to obey...and once they do, then they are much more open to Truth and beauty and all that is noble. (...not to mention getting their math and English finished!)

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We can look to the Holy Family as a model. Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

We are all familiar with the story in St. Luke (2:41-51) which occurs when Jesus is twelve years old.

He is in the temple with the Jewish teachers discussing matters of faith. Meanwhile, Joseph and Mary are frantically searching for Him. When they finally find Him, "And is mother said to him,'Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold, in sorrow thy father and I have been seeking thee.'

And He said to them, 'How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?' And they did not understand the word that He spoke to them.

And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them."

Jesus, God, was obedient to his parents, his creatures! In addition, there are many reference to raising a child in both the Old and New Testaments. In fact, an entire Commandment speaks to it.

Our Lord values the virtue of obedience very highly. It is our duty as parents to instill this virtue in our child. Neglecting or giving up discipline are not options. We have the authority and commission from God. From Proverbs, "Instruct thy son, and he shall refresh thee, and shall give delight to thy soul."

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Practically speaking, homeschool discipline is absolutely crucial in a family that educates at home. How can one teach if no one listens, if there is constant talking, if instructions are not heeded? Education cannot occur in chaos. So we must establish order. How is the question!...through positive and coherent discipline.

This is especially challenging for parents who are home schooling a child with disabilities. Such parents will find ideas, encouragement and inspiration from an uplifting book about a pioneer teacher in the field of special education, Miss Teach: Handwritten with Love."

Read all about it on the website, Miss Teach.

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Rearing a child with homeschool discipline is very possible and, ultimately, very rewarding.

First, set the stage for success. Then, correct misbehavior immediately. Restated, homeschool discipline consists of two steps (I) Explain the rules and (II) then Act when necessary.

"The Preventive System" avoids lots of problems. By taking precautions and thinking ahead, many unpleasant possibilities simply don't arise. Eliminate the negatives, then accentuate the positives. The trick is to set the rules, know your child, and always be vigilant and consistent.

Contrary to popular opinion, discipline problems are not normal. In fact, they are a very recent, unfortunate development.

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In sixth grade, many(!)years ago, I was in Miss Jansick's class, along with 54 other children. She was elderly and stood 5'3" tops. Some of the boys were nearing 6'. However, when she taught one could hear a pin drop. No one even dreamed of not doing class assignments. Everyone had three hours of homework nightly...and we learned. Believe me, discipline was not a problem.

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Today, however, the great news is that once homeschool discipline is established with the first youngster, everyone else more or less falls in line. In fact, the older ones are a real help. For example, when a younger child asks if he can get or do something, the older child will barge right into the conversation saying, "I could never do that, so don't even ask." You didn't even have to open your mouth!

A second bonus you receive after homeschool discipline is established is that the teen years are just wonderful. People sometimes are shocked when, if asked, I respond that we have three teenagers. And that, actually, these are the most enjoyable years. The youngsters are intelligent, interesting, and fun.

Be assured, all of the tremendous efforts you exert in establishing homeschool discipline will be truly rewarded.

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