As I’ve traveled around speaking at homeschool conferences, I’ve noticed a lot more husbands showing up than would have been the case a few years back. That’s a good thing! I’m glad more dads are getting involved and taking an active role—or else being dragged to these conferences by their wives.
I also know that a lot of dads are very active in day-to-day homeschooling. Again, this is awesome.
But some of you are reading this and thinking that your husband doesn’t want anything to do with homeschooling. You read about all these homeschool superstar dads and it can be disheartening. This post is for you.
Let me explain my husband’s roles in our homeschool and I think you’ll feel a lot better, or at least not completely alone. These are the things he has chosen to do.
My husband is the principal of our homeschool. He leaves the teaching to me, but he is the ultimate authority and the place where the buck stops.
My husband is our financier. He makes the money to pay all the bills and buy all the homeschooling supplies.
My husband is the P.E. instructor. He is responsible to make sure everybody stays fit. For many years that meant he coached baseball and softball for the kids’ teams.
My husband is my chief supporter. He cheers me when I’m down, encourages me to carry on, and makes sure that I don’t overcommit to things, which I have a tendency to do.
Things My Husband Does Not Do:
He doesn’t get involved in day-to-day homeschooling except for a rare occasion when I’ve specifically asked him to do something.
He doesn’t attend conferences, book fairs, or support group meetings. He used to do this from time to time if I begged and pleaded, but he got bored and caused so much mischief that I banned him from attending. It’s really hard to think seriously when you have a clown by your side.
He doesn’t choose curriculum with me. Occasionally, I’ll ask for his opinion, particularly concerning things we will commit to outside the home, but mostly it’s up to me.
This is what works for us. It’s not a 50/50 and that’s okay.
Occasionally, I encounter other husbands who are much more involved in homeschooling and feel a twang of envy. But then I remember how much I like to be in charge of things and realize that arrangement wouldn’t work for us.
I encourage you to find what works for your family and your husband and be happy with it. Don’t let what someone else does get you down.
What are your husband’s roles in your home school?
Image by 401K on flickr
