Hands Off Educating?

Often times while reviewing curricula or when others are asking for reviews, the question is asked: how hands off is it? Or how much actual *teaching* do I need to do? Or something along those lines. I've caught myself asking it as well. Why? When did home-educating become something we didn't want to put much effort into?

Curriculum choices are serious business. Parents (primarily mothers) put a lot of time and energy researching various curricula that will be just the right *one* for their child's learning style, their life style, their values and educational philosophies. If you want a curriculum that 'teaches itself', then why home-educate? What's the point--aren't WE supposed to be doing the teaching? Anything of value takes time, energy and effort. Why do we NOT want to put in the effort, for something we feel so strongly about? Have we lost our direction and focus?

One of the main reasons families choose to home-educate is to maintain family values by being the primary influence on their children's lives. What better way to do that then through time spent actually teaching your children. Relationship and trust is built through the teaching process as well. 

We lose so much in the day to day busy-ness of life. Being your child's mother and teacher presents unique opportunities through out the day to connect with each child individually through the discovery of new knowledge. There is a time and a place for self-guided learning.  Every home educating mother knows how to multi-task and create assignments that a child can do on their own. Of course, children are the ones doing the work. But let's not over look the bonding that happens when you are physically and mentally present with your child, introducing a new concept, discussing historical events, the significance of a great piece of literature or work of art.

For many home-educators value of home education is not solely found in the education but primarily in the home. Part of being home is the process of home-educating. It allows more opportunity for building a solid relationship with your children. Don't miss the opportunity.