Homeschool Parenting Discipline:

A Balky Child

Part I

Homeschool parenting discipline is in order when a youngster becomes "balky." At some point, it happens to almost every child. He just does not want to study.

Initially, take the stubbornness in stride but stick to the schedule. Assume that the sudden balkiness is a fluke. It's very natural to just not wish to go along with the agenda each and every day. Maybe he is tired, a little under the weather or interested in something else. (What!! Not interested in learning?) It's normal. We adults don't always want to do what we should do.

Be calm and breezy. Show that this little blip is just part of the day. Everybody has an off moment, and it will not cause a disruption. Do not act upset, disappointed, discouraged, frustrated, etc. Use homeschool parenting discipline for these problems.

Simply state, "Oh, Honey, I know you don't want to do your math. I understand. But it has to be done. So let's get going. I'll set the timer for 45 minutes." Then move on with home education.

Note: Each parent knows his child as no other. Therefore, rely and have confidence in your decisions.

Regarding schedules, I may be at odds with some homeschoolers. I know others will take a day off to enjoy whatever, and as I said, for their families, I'm sure that is the right choice.

But not for ours.

Unless circumstances are extreme, I do not deviate from a school day. Why?

• The child's education is extremely important and cannot be set aside. This priority (his lessons and, by association, the child himself) cannot be overemphasized to him. "Gosh, Mom doesn't let anything in the way of my learning."
  

• I don't want to set a precedent; "Oh, it snowed! Let's take the day off!" "Macy's semi-annual sale! School's out!"
  

• It's unrealistic and may lead to self-indulgence. Homeschool parenting discipline reminds us that feelings are important, but they cannot be allowed to rule our lives.

  Parents can't take time off from our daily duty. Learning is a young person's role right now. Dad can't decide one day that, because he doesn't feel like being a husband, father, provider, he will skip off and "do his thing."

  We Moms can't either. During the school hours, we have to forego--for the present--store sales events and friends' lunches, working out at the gym, and other activities that some take for granted. But that's OK. Teaching our children is our duty right now... and it brings peace and the excitement that results from knowing that we are following God's will to the best of our ability.
  

• As the youngster advances, the classes are intense and information can't be skipped. In order to be finished in May, each day's work has to be completed. This avoids the discouraging thought of getting behind. Others don't mind having school in the summer, but the traditional vacation is important to us.
  

Now this doesn't mean a family has to skip the joys of nature--or any other joy for that matter. Homeschool parenting discipline--homeschooling techniques lead to possible solutions:

Build in several flex days a year (like a regular school's snow days).
Rearrange the school day--get up earlier, work at little later.
Use lunch time, weekends.
Take the books outside.
Rearrange classes so that the unexpected experience is used for study.

We did this for the pine cone bird feeders. A beautiful fall day beckoned. So we all piled in the car in search of plump pine cones. We gathered up armloads and returned to the backyard. There we proceeded to assemble and hang the gooey feeders. It was the quintessential homeschool experience...and it counted for one hour of arts/crafts!

Be creative. Engage the youngsters. Believe me, they will devise a suggestion or two!

Always remain focused. Homeschool parenting discipline can be fun and exciting. Consider it a challenge and an opportunity.

Balky Student--Step II

Discipline Ideas

The Importance of Order

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