HOMESCHOOLING TWEENS!

 I thought I’d talk about this topic, INDEPENDENT LEARNING, after chatting to a few moms recently about their frustrations of homeschooling tweens.

Although I mostly focused on the Foundation Phase,  for many of us, our "little babies" are heading into a different phase and with that comes a new territory of homeschooling PLUS parenting!

So without going into too much detail, it boils down to this: a child naturally gravitates to independence.
(Fast track and watch a video about HOMESCHOOLING TWEENS HERE.)

When they feel confident they “let go” and start “walking by themselves”. Now, just like it was in the early stages of development, each child starts to walk in their own time. It has continued this way as they’ve learned new skills and gained confidence. Yes, it comes with much praise and encouragement from us as parents but it does happen.

Academic skills are no different. They are working towards doing things independently but if they haven’t “let go” yet, it means that they do still need you at their side. Sometimes it’s just that: just to sit next to them.

It will happen, that they start to work independently but rather let it be from a point of readiness and confidence than insecurity and self- doubt. Trying to force the matter just causes frustration for both parent and child, wasted time & a strain on relationships…not to mention a real disdain for school work.

Do we stop encouraging independent work? NO.. but it’s how we do it that makes the difference.

Yes, it does take effort!! I know - but compared to the wasted time of going back & forth over incompleted work, there has to be more productive ways of going about it!

What I’ve noticed, homeschooling my own boys, is that when I listen to what they are asking and respond quickly, then there’s this cooperative momentum on both our parts that creates an environment for more independent working. It also comes from their side but I’m not “out of the picture”, I’m homeschooling with them, but they are gaining confidence to do more on their own & they are proud of their achievements. This is what we want, right!?

I’ve certainly also gone the other route of nagging etc. which doesn’t produce any good fruit in anyone…so I know the difference!
I don’t get it right all the time. I am trying to be more “aware” and thought I’d share my “findings” with you.

Be encouraged, it won’t last forever! One day they will be flying on their own without looking back BUT it takes seasons like these to get there.

Enjoy this time together, it’s so precious and worthwhile.

For more tips, specifically about HOMESCHOOLING TWEENS, watch these videos.