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The Homeschool Decision

Is It a Viable Alternative for
Your Grandchild?

By Teri Brown

Grandparents are a wonderful resource, and most busy homeschool parents would love to have their parents involved. The following tips can help you understand, support and become a wonderful part of your grandchild's homeschool experience:

• Ask questions that are not emotional so Mom and Dad don't become defensive in trying to answer.
• Learn as much as you can on the topic. Read books. Attend homeschooling support meetings with the family. Go to a conference.
• Give the parents time to figure out what they are doing, time to become confident and capable, and if you are unable to give them your support, then simply stay silent about your fears and concerns.
• Ask if there is something that would help your child in their homeschooling endeavor. Maybe it would be a family membership to a local museum or buying a telescope, or maybe there's some area of expertise that your grandchildren would be interested in learning.
• Don't quiz your grandchildren the minute they walk in the door to see if they know their times tables. Not only are you aggravating and annoying your child, but you are putting your grandchildren on the spot to where they feel that you are not appreciative of them as a person – and only want to know how their mother/father is performing as a teacher.
• Ask if you can assist with field trips. This is the fun stuff, and you may be surprised at how much your grandchildren are learning!
• Believe that your child wants the best for their child – and homeschooling may just be the best for all of them.