| "Homeschool parenting discipline" and "encouragement | | | | - If necessary, he can talk to the offender him/her self |
| and motivation"...An informal poll gleaned these | | | | on the 'phone to quickly remind him of expectations |
| responses from a group of homeschooling Moms who | | | | and consequences. |
| were asked, "What do you want from your | | | | - When he arrives home, Dad checks with each child. |
| husbands?" The unanimous consensus was: Yes, we | | | | He asks how the day went, what the youngster |
| Moms do most of the actual teaching, but Fathers play | | | | learned, and if there any issues that need to be |
| a vital role in home education. | | | | discussed. He makes time to listen and talk. |
| Dr. Mark Lowery, professor at the University of Dallas | | | | A Father's encouragement is inspiration for both his |
| and a homeschooling Father, writes, "In a word, a | | | | wife and children. He must let them know that |
| crucial contribution to the homeschool on the part of | | | | homeschooling is important and that he is proud of their |
| the father is his attitude toward his wife. Needless to | | | | efforts. |
| say, children pick up very quickly on the quality of the | | | | - Dad can sincerely compliment Mom in front of the |
| relationship between their two parents and are | | | | children and any and all other relatives. |
| profoundly influenced by it." | | | | - He can fix up the classroom or study area. For |
| Homeschool parenting discipline problems are greatly | | | | example, Dad can build shelves, paint bookcases and |
| reduced (or disappear) when Dad takes an active role. | | | | refinish desks. |
| If a problem arises, continual monitoring of the situation | | | | - Buy tiny homeschool gifts. What a treat--and |
| by Dad may be all that is needed. | | | | motivator--when the Father brings little surprises home! |
| - The youngster needs to know very clearly and | | | | They can be pencils, sticky notes or colorful stickers. |
| consistently what is expected. Show him/her | | | | - When inquiring about the day's activities, Dad honestly |
| examples of obedience and the other virtues. Study | | | | praises all good efforts. |
| the Bible, lives of the saints and heroes of history. | | | | - A Father's good example speaks volumes. Children |
| - The child must know that there are consequences | | | | naturally look up to and imitate their Dad. His strong |
| for disobedience and what they are. | | | | faith and upright character quietly but surely influence |
| - Before leaving for work, Dad reminds the child 1) to | | | | them. |
| obey his Mother and 2) that Dad will be 'phoning to | | | | Dad sets the pace for homeschooling parenting |
| check on everyone. | | | | discipline and encouragement and motivation. Mother |
| - Dad calls during the workday to see how things are | | | | and children flourish with his support and inspiration. |
| going at home. | | | | |