Teaching is a part of parenting. Those first handful of years of life children learn many new skills and gain an immense amount of knowledge. The majority of parents do a pretty good job of being a teacher. They observe their children, learn the most effective methods to interact with their kids (i.e. learn the words and actions to ‘motivate’ their child to do what they should), and provide them the environment and materials to thrive as a young developing child.
Parental teaching doesn’t have to take second place to institutional teaching. In fact, one of the common reasons for homeschooling is to provide children with an education that is custom and effective. This cannot be achieved in a mass education environment, even with the school system Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Effective Teaching is the Reason for Homeschooling
Guiding children to their full potential is done most effectively by a parent who knows them best. Not only does a parent have the advantage in teaching academic lessons throughout childhood, but they also have the upper hand in guiding their children in the high school years — a time when preparation for adult life is a major focus. When a teenager has the time and space to linger on topics of interest and more freedom to get training and experience in specific areas, the parent can better equip them for adulthood than any guidance counsellor or school teacher can with the limited personal knowledge they have of students.
Another vital advantage a parent has in teaching their children is also another common reason to homeschool — strong relationships. Sibling and parent-child relationships can thrive to their full potential when the majority of the day is spent together. The main influence is the parent and there aren’t conflicting values for a child to internalize and possibly take on. The bond between parent and child develops as it should without interference from the agenda (the schedule and influence) of an institution. From birth to late teens, parents are the experts of their children and therefore are the best teachers.
Teaching Can Be Learned
A feeling of many parents considering homeschooling or just starting out is that they lack the knowledge to teach. This is one of the easiest barriers to overcome because parents can learn what they need to know about teaching just like they learned the skills for a line of work or to parent! And they don’t need the same knowledge that teachers in a school system have.
The homeschool parent can do a much better job of teaching their own children because of the close bond they have. As good as some school system teachers are at their job, they don’t have the ability, or the time, to cater to the individual needs of every student. Everyone will benefit from having their education tailored to their learning style and personality. The vital part of teaching is honouring these unique traits in a child.
A parent is already skilled at providing a high-quality education because of the in-depth knowledge they have already acquired by caring for their ‘student’ since birth.
Teaching is an Extension of Parenting
So, what does a parent need to know about teaching? That depends on the choice of curriculum. For some, the teaching is already provided. The parent just follows the teacher guide, which only takes the skill of reading and comprehending. In this situation, parents are definitely qualified to teach their own children. In fact, parents are the best educators for their children because of the love they have and the desire to do the best for their kids. Everything else is easily learned as the child grows.
Parents are the best teachers for their own children and the rewarding responsibility of educating is an integral part of parenting. The best guidance, instruction, and education decisions are from a loving parent. The reasons for homeschooling are many, but the most important is because parents provide the best learning environment and guidance where children can thrive.
