Homeschooling Boys:

A Joy and Privilege

Homeschooling boys is an honor and of tremendous importance. It is also a challenge and joy.

We have three wonderful guys who were homeschooled from K-12.

One is now completing his fifth year of seminary studies (studying for masters in theology and Church history). Our second boy (fourth child) is finishing his sophomore year at the University of Dallas with a political philosophy major and pre-med concentration. Our youngest is finishing his senior year of high school and will be heading to Dallas in August.

(2008--Update on our boys: oldest is now in his seventh year of seminary, our second is a college senior and our youngest is a sophomore, both at UD)

Rearing boys is a wonderful, gratifying, elevating experience. Alas, it also has its share of heart-stopping and heart-rending moments.

God bless all little boys who look like Puck,
With wide eyes, wider mouths and stickout ears,
Rash little boys who stay alive by luck
And heaven's favor in this world of tears.
Blessings on Little Boys

Below are ideas for homeschooling boys:

• Pray, pray, pray for your son. Even if all seems lost, it isn't. Keep the faith. God will hear you. Remember St. Monica?

• Banish any and all negative influences.

• Recognize that boys are boys. Expect roughhousing, ball-throwing, messes and maybe even broken bones. Do not try to change them; guide them.

  Guys are built to fight. God made them to lead, provide and protect. To do so, they need the inborn assets of aggressiveness, determination and physical strength.

  If we want and need (and we do) leaders who are not afraid to stand for that which is right and good, then we parents of boys must not try to weed out the very characteristics which enable them to become courageous and noble men.

• Channel all that energy.

  Consistent physical activity is essential. Homeschooling boys includes making provisions for your son's participation in sports and/or manual labor. Whichever route you choose, be sure the bodily exertion is regular and thorough.

  For example, baseball is a great sport. But, by itself, it does not offer enough exercise. Boys require more activity. Mow the yard...chop wood...shovel snow...play competitive sports year round...help with all the physical chores around the house (vacuum, move furniture, etc.). Then encourage them to assist with all the manual labors for neighbors, friends and fellow parishioners!

  Note: Our oldest boy, who is now 25, recently stated that playing baseball was one of his most valuable experiences. He said that it was a "guy thing," a shared experience that encourages a bond among strangers. It is also an ice breaker in which friendship and trust can begin.

  Our three sons swam competitively year round, played baseball and basketball. Then we filled in with lawn mowing, snow shoveling, vacuuming and car washing.

• Expect your boys to be noble and virtuous. Teach them manners and respect for other people, especially women, elderly and younger children. Set a good example and provide opportunities for them to practice chivalry.

  In just daily living, a young man can open doors, carry packages, offer his seat to another, help out grandparents, let girls get in line first...

  Homeschooling boys must include introductions to saints and heroes. Fill your son's head and heart with illustrations of true manhood. The perfect example, of course, is Jesus.

  There are lots of invaluable books and movies which reinforce the idea of true manhood. Take advantage of them.

• Admire your young man. Let him know that he has a special role in this world. Encourage him. Overlook his little faults. Gently groom him. (not comb his hair, the other groom!) Give him space to discover himself, his strengths and weaknesses. When homeschooling boys, we must understand that he needs quiet time and his own little corner (or room). He has to be part of the family, but he also needs to gradually learn to stand on his own.

  

• Discipline your son, of course, but with care. Always hold the good out in front of him.
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  One of my very favorite examples is St. Peter, the Chief Apostle. He was always (sincerely) gushing of his great love for his Master, but then would inevitability goof up and fall. Sinking in the sea and denying Jesus three times are prime instances.

  But after his disappointment and chagrin, Peter would bravely and humbly pick himself up, beg forgiveness and march on. Today his name is still read and invoked millions of times daily around the world.

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  Let your son understand that if he sins or makes mistakes, he can and should quickly repent, make amends and find forgiveness. Our homeschooling boys can emulate St. Peter and many others in this regard.

• Recognize that a guy looks to his Father more and more. We Moms don't need to crowd him. Direct him to his Dad. Dr. James Dobson addresses this natural progression toward the Father in his book, Bringing Up Boys.

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  Other men of character can also play subsidiary but important roles...his older brother, his pastor, coaches, tutors, scout leaders. (I assume that you have thoroughly checked out anyone to whom you give authority over your boy.)

Homeschooling boys is a responsibility and an honor. We are raising the future leaders of the Church, our country and the world.

Homeschooling Boys II: Teenage Sons

Books for 13-16 Year-Olds

Physical Education

Teen Activities

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