When I think back to my father’s attempts to teach me about semicolons, it brings a cringe. He was passionate about helping me with my homework, especially since English was his strong suit. I was in second grade, grasping only the basics of punctuation. His teaching style leaned heavily on the Socratic Method.
“What do you think it is?” he queried.
“A period over a comma,” I replied.
“But what does it do?” he continued.
“I don’t know. I think it goes between two words?” I pleaded.
“Why?” he pressed.
“Because that’s where you put it?” I answered.
This back-and-forth dragged on for over two hours while I desperately tried to get a straightforward answer. When my mother finally returned home, she was frustrated to find me still awake.
“Are you trying to explain what a semicolon is?” she snapped. “It separates two complete and equal clauses that are related! Now go to bed!”
She later explained to my father that the Socratic Method is more suited for adults with pre-existing biases or misunderstandings on complex topics—not for children lacking foundational knowledge. Yet, my father maintained he was right.
The irony? Both my parents were educators with advanced degrees and years of teaching experience.
When I see headlines about parents trying to homeschool their kids during the pandemic, I can’t help but think of this childhood memory. Despite my parents being dedicated teachers, they struggled to teach me at home. They often saw me as their youngest child, not a student, which led to frustration. While teaching me long division, my father would distract me with complaints about my chores, and my mother openly questioned my history and English materials. There were no clear educational standards, boundaries, or expectations in our home.
I can only imagine that these kinds of conversations are why doctors aren’t permitted to treat their own children; no one wants to mix medical advice with lectures about screen time.
To be a successful homeschooler, one must set aside familial relationships and embrace the professional skills that trained educators possess. Although the education sector often faces ridicule, teachers are required to obtain specific qualifications: a college degree, student teaching hours, mandatory training, and passing exams. Successful homeschooling parents need similar qualifications.
Many perceive teaching as simple, assuming we can easily share our knowledge, like giving directions or explaining how to change a tire. However, this overlooks the daily challenges in classrooms: diverse learning abilities, Individualized Education Programs, discipline, standardized testing, and budget constraints. While homeschooling may encounter these issues on a smaller scale, they still significantly impact academic results.
The combination of naïve expectations, emotional ties with our children, pandemic-related stress, and work commitments makes homeschooling difficult for many.
Of course, there are parents out there whose homeschooled children thrive academically. For instance, one of my colleagues from a previous job excelled in algebra and trigonometry thanks to her father’s guidance, and she went on to attend a prestigious university. However, such instances are rare, especially during a pandemic. The ideal homeschooling parent is not simultaneously juggling a full-time job from home while lacking access to educational resources.
If my parents struggled to teach me within the very public school system where they worked, what hope do the rest of us have? For now, we must do our best until our kids can return to school, where qualified professionals can guide them.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into related topics, check out this blog post on home insemination. For those on a fertility journey, Make a Mom provides excellent insights. Additionally, consider Women’s Health as a valuable resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- Why is homeschooling so challenging?
- Tips for successful homeschooling during a pandemic.
- How to balance work and homeschooling.
- Common misconceptions about teaching at home.
- The impact of family dynamics on homeschooling.
Summary:
Many parents face significant challenges when attempting to homeschool their children, especially during a pandemic. Despite having educational backgrounds, the emotional ties and lack of structure can hinder effective teaching. While some parents succeed, the reality for many is a struggle. It’s crucial to recognize the skills required for effective homeschooling and the necessity of professional guidance in education.
Keyphrase: homeschooling challenges
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]