5 Tips For Keeping Homeschooled Children on Task

Sophia Belnap

Any parent who is homeschooling their child can tell you when they started out there was a learning curve. Children aren't naturally cooperative when it comes to learning at home. It comes easier at school because they don't know their teachers the same way they know you, their parents. With you, your child knows how far they can push you and they probably also know a little bit about manipulating you. A teacher is always in professional mode, so your child will probably never know their teacher quite like they know you.

Homeschooling is a process of trial and error between parents and children to get a system down that works for everyone. If you've just started homeschooling or are thinking about homeschooling, there are some things you can do to ensure you have better success out of the gate. It's important to show some patience at the beginning, as this time can be challenging for everyone. 

1. Monitor Their Activity

The easiest way to ensure your children are staying on task and not wandering off to video game sites or other distracting internet locations is through the use of cloud monitoring . With cloud-based parental control software, you can see everything your child is doing when he or she is at the computer during school time. 

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2. Keep Their Teacher Close

Unless you're developing the curriculum yourself, your child will have online teachers. Having open two-way communication with your child's teacher is one of the best avenues you have for ensuring your child is staying on task.  

Teachers understand parents, and they know that parents have their own set of expectations. Receptive parents are easy to work with, so if you've shown real concern for your child's progress, your child's teacher won't hesitate to let you know at the first sign of trouble. 

3. Develop a Routine

Homeschooled children are more likely to argue about doing their work because they're more comfortable arguing with their parents. If you have daily routines and expectations, such as school begins at a certain time, it will help your child understand there is no way to argue out of it. 

Once you set standards on school start times, do your best not to change them for any reason. Doing so can demonstrate flexibility your child may try to take advantage of at a later date. 

4. Have a Designated School Space

Have a designated learning environment for your child. This space should be free of distractions, including toys, games, and anything else your child might be tempted to grab in order to delay the inevitable. 

It's equally important that the space you choose is low traffic and quiet. If the television is going to be on in the same room, then you probably haven't chosen the best space. 

If you're having trouble finding a space, even a closet can work as a school space, provided you keep the door open while your child is working. This will provide walls on three sides that won't take their attention away from the work on the screen 

5. Make Sure They Have Accessories

Providing your child with a set of soundproof headphones, a good chair at the right height, and a large monitor will ensure they have a comfortable learning environment. While the headphones will keep any background noise at bay, the seat will help with their posture and the monitor will help with eye strain. 

Is there anything else you can provide your child to make sure they are comfortable while they're learning? 

It's highly likely you will discover other things that work for your situation. After all, no two homes, parents, or children are exactly alike. The main thing to remember is to have patience and everything will smooth out. Don't be deterred by a rocky start. There are multiple reasons parents choose to homeschool, and there are multiple ways to make it work. As long as you have dedicated space and school times, you'll be off to a strong start.