Online conversations about how challenging homeschooling can include some version of, "They just don't listen to me," "They dawdle all day" or "They argue constantly."
If this sounds too familiar and is not what you expected from your homeschoolers, join Ginny and Mary Ellen in a crash-course in teaching good attitudes and better behavior. These lessons will last a lifetime.
Show Notes:
Often, homeschooling succeeds or fails based on student behavior. This can be the reason parents hesitate to homeschool or even stop homeschooling. Discipline can be tough to enforce, but it is not complicated to understand. Here are five simple ideas to get you started.
Step 1 – Start Early
+ Around 18 months: Some parents use sign language to communicate with babies this age.
+ As soon a baby understands you: Start instilling good habits; Put your diaper in the trash, please. Let's put your toys in the toy box.
+ 3 years-old: instill obedience as a virtue. Constantly repeat, "You have to obey Mommy right away." Reassure them, "You will never get in trouble if you obey Mommy."
Step 2 – Insist on Courtesy and Refinement at all times – from the start
+ Always use the magic words: “please”, “thank you”, “if it's not too much trouble.”
+ NEVER give something to a child who has not said, "Please."
+ Always recognize someone who has entered a room.
Step 3 – Have a Clear, Consistent Daily Schedule
+ Children do best when they know what is expected.
+ Same wake-up time and morning routine: brush teeth, get dressed, make bed, put PJs under the pillow, eat breakfast.
+ Schoolwork starts at the same early time every day.
Step 4 – Take Every Opportunity to instill virtue in your children
Use the words: “I expect you to be kind, generous, polite, and to put others first.”
Be honest: “It is a sin to show your temper, hit your brother, or throw things at people.”
Praise generously: “You cleaned the kitchen while I was shopping? That's terrific!”
Step 5 – Deal with Problems before they become big concerns.
Don't give out delayed or extended consequences because you'll forget!
Let consequences flow naturally from offenses. "No TV tonight, Billy. Remember you gave me a hard time getting started this morning. We have to have earlier bedtimes for a while until you get a handle on your mornings."
Summary: If you put in your time when the kids are little, things will go much easier as they get older. Not only for you – but for them. Self-discipline, courtesy, setting schedules, and virtue will help them in college, in professional life, and as they raise their own families
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