They're proud of it. And that's enough to warrant Dad's attention any day.
If you're kids are anything like my kids, they love sharing what they're learning. Most of the time our youngest can't even wait for me to get done with work before she's upstairs beaming about her schoolwork.
Allow me to offer a few tips on how to share in your child's excitement over their schoolwork.
First, learn to ask questions. Lots of questions. Even if you aren't really interested in a particular project that your child has done, you'll let them know that both they, and their work, are important to you if you can learn to ask questions.
Time is critical here. The longer you talk with them about their project or schoolwork, the more important they'll feel it is (within reason of course). Ask questions from all angles to really try to find out everything you can about their schoolwork. You'll make them feel important and, just as important, you'll show them that learning is exciting and doesn't stop when you get... old.
Second, ask your wife about the kids' schoolwork when you get home from work. If possible, do this in front of the kids. You want them to know that what they're learning is important to you. Of course, you'll have to have an understanding with your wife that any negative issues should be discussed alone. Try to keep this time about the good things that are happening.
Finally, ask your kids at mealtime to tell you one thing they learned that day. It's a bit cliché, but it really is a good way to show your kids that you're interested in what they're learning and think it's important. The first few times you do this, you'll probably get blank stares like I did. But if you consistently ask this question at dinner, they'll eventually get used to the fact that you're going to ask, and they'll come prepared to answer.
Anytime we homeschool dads can show our kids that we're interested in what they're learning, we encourage them to do well in their studies, which, in turn, helps them succeed in life. And that's really what it's all about, isn't it?
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Last update : 13-08-2008 00:00
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