5 Life Skills Parents Inadvertently Teach Their Homeschoolers

Education, whether received in a classroom or at home, consists of much more than math problems and reading assignments. Sure, there’s science and history too, but children soak up so much more than the content covered in their curriculum throughout the course of a homeschool day.

From the moment they’re born, children learn by observing the world. They imitate actions, repeat words, and ask for help in an effort to learn from those around them. Check out this list of five traits your children are likely learning simply by observing you throughout the homeschool day. By practicing them with care and concern, you’ll equip your kids with some incredible life skills by the time they graduate.

1. Unconditional Love. Fortunately for the teen who refuses to complete an assignment or the toddler throwing a temper tantrum in the grocery store, earning undying affection from parents isn’t a child’s responsibility. However, those frustrating moments are a great opportunity for parents to teach their children about unconditional love by practicing patience and responding in a cool, collected manner.

2. Accountability. Set a homeschool schedule for your children, create a grading routine for yourself, and stick to your deadlines! Following through on your deadlines helps your children understand and appreciate the significance of due dates, while giving them incentive to return the favor.

3. Empathy. Everyone has an off-day someday. When a child is struggling with a difficult subject or feeling a little rambunctious on a warm spring day, put yourself in his or her shoes as you talk through a solution together. When the tables are turned and you’re exhausted from an illness or a night of crummy sleep, your children will know what it’s like to be listened to in a situation of frustration, and you can work together to find a way to conquer the homeschool day.

4. Listening Skills. As easy as it is for parents to get frustrated with children who don’t listen, sometimes parents aren’t the best listeners either. Take a day to track how often your mind wanders as your children tell a story or how often you use phrases like, “Just a minute, I’m busy.” Listening to everything from frustration to fun stories with intention shows your children what good listening looks like and equips them to listen up in return.

5. Work Ethic. Whether your least favorite household chore is cleaning out the garage or giving the dog a bath, the way you choose to approach those dreaded to-do list items is a first-hand lesson in responsibility for your homeschooler. Your attitude plays an important role in displaying that even tasks or assignments you don’t enjoy can still be completed with a joyful spirit.

What other lessons are you trying to teach your children through your actions?