Homeschooling has become increasingly popular over the past few years. As a result, many parents are beginning to recognize that in order to be successful, they must understand why their child is being difficult to homeschool. While there could be a variety of factors that come into play, the following questions can help identify the root cause.
1. Is my child overwhelmed or overstimulated?
When children are overwhelmed or overstimulated, they tend to become frustrated and more difficult to manage. As a result, this can manifest in poor academic performance, increased outbursts, and difficulty concentrating. To identify if this is a factor, parents should try to observe their child’s behavior at home and in the classroom.
Parents should look for signs that their child may be feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated such as blurting out comments, inability to focus, and irritability. Once parents have identified that their child is feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated, they should then start to look for reasons why this could be occurring.
If there is limited downtime, or if the home/learning space is too crowded or noisy, these could be contributing factors that need to be addressed. Parents should also assess if the lesson plan or curriculum is appropriate for their child’s age and ability, to ensure that it isn’t too challenging. Finally, it’s important for parents to take time out of the day for their child to just relax and decompress.
This could entail several minutes of dedicated time to play or read a book, or simply spending some additional time outdoors in the fresh air. By ensuring their child is comfortable, parents should find it easier to settle them and help them focus on their schoolwork.
2. Is my child being threatened, pressured or embarrassed?
When children are threatened, pressured or embarrassed, it can make them more difficult to manage. This can be difficult for parents to detect, as children may be worried about speaking out or asking for help.
In order to identify if this is a contributing factor to their child’s difficulty in homeschooling, parents should first look for body language or changes in their child’s behavior that could signal they feel threatened, pressured or embarrassed. For example, they might become more aggressive, withdraw socially, or become more defiant. If parents believe this is a factor, they should take an active interest in their child’s schoolwork, to monitor if their child is being asked to do something they cannot, or if they are being asked to do something that makes them feel uncomfortable.
If this is the case, parents should speak to their child’s teacher to re-address the situation, so they understand and feel more supported. Parents should also look out for any intimidating language or behavior from the teacher, and should ensure that their child doesn’t feel like they are being humiliated or shamed when discussing their work. By ensuring the focus is on helping and educating their child, rather than shaming them for mistakes, parents can help their child to feel more confident and engaged in the learning process.
3. Is my child experiencing difficulty with the material?
Often, children can become resistant to homeschooling if they are struggling to understand the material that is being covered in their lesson plan or curriculum. To identify this, parents should observe their child’s behavior during their school day and look for signs that they are having difficulty absorbing the material. For example, parents should look out for whether their child is regularly needing help to complete their work, or if they are frustrated and asking lots of questions.
If parents believe that their child is struggling to understand the material, they should look to adjust the lesson plan or curriculum to something that is more suitable for their child’s age and ability. Additionally, parents could provide extra resources or tutorials to help their child better understand the material.
This could include educational videos, audio recordings, or more hands-on approaches. Finally, by allowing their child to take breaks between their schoolwork, or engaging their child in activities such as playing board games or puzzles, parents can help to give their child time to absorb what they have learnt. By providing their child with these small opportunities during their homeschool day, parents should find it easier to help their child reach their full potential.
4. Is my child facing any issues at home?
External factors at home can frequently prevent children from engaging with their homeschooling. To identify this, parents should look for changes in their child’s behavior that could signal they are facing difficulties. For example, parents should look for changes in their child’s sleep patterns, appetite, or energy levels.
If these external factors are a factor, then parents should try to create an environment that is safe and supportive for their child. This could entail communicating with their child and encouraging open discussion, having a set routine and providing mental health support if necessary.
Additionally, parents need to ensure that any difficult topics are discussed or addressed in a way that doesn’t make the child feel embarrassed or ashamed. This could involve ensuring that only adults are present when discussing any issues and not putting their child on the spot.
Otherwise, it could further add to any mental health issues they may be facing.
5. Is my child getting enough sleep?
Sleep deprivation can play a significant role in how children manage their homeschooling. When children are tired, they can often struggle to concentrate, leading to poor academic performance. To identify this, parents should look out for changes in their child’s behavior such as mood swings, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
If parents believe this is a factor, they should consider adjusting their child’s sleep routine to ensure they are getting enough rest. This could involve setting strict bedtimes and ensuring that the bedroom is dark and quiet in the evening.
Additionally, if possible, parents should encourage their child to take short naps during the day if needed. Finally, parents should limit their child’s device use before bed, as the blue light emitted from screens can disrupt sleep patterns. By implementing these simple changes, parents should find that their child is better able to concentrate on their homeschooling and thus, become less difficult to manage.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be difficult, but understanding why a child might be resistant can make it much easier. Through asking questions and observing their child’s behavior, parents should gain a better understanding of why they may be struggling.
This could range from feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated, to external factors at home. Ultimately, parents should look to create a supportive and nurturing environment for their child and ensure that any difficult topics are discussed with their best interests in mind. By making sure their child feels comfortable and relaxed, parents should find it easier to help them engage with their homeschooling.