Michael P. Farris, Esq.
Chairman &
General Counsel

Dads need to help

Volume 57, Program 12 Airdate: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 Originally Aired: January 7, 2003

Would you like your husband to help with homeschooling? President Mike Smith encourages dads to listen and act, today on Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Smith:
Successful homeschooling depends first on the ability of both parents to lean on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. But I believe successful homeschooling for the long term is virtually guaranteed if you add to that a husband who helps.


Men, start by listening to your wife. Does she continue to bring up an area that is overwhelming or frustrating for her? Look for an opportunity to step in and help. Maybe she's having a hard time listening to all the oral reading of your younger children. Why not offer to listen to them read after dinner? The few moments of relief you will give your wife will go a long way to boost her morale.


Start small. If you're like me, you may not get started if you try to do too much. Find natural opportunities each day, like dinnertime and bedtime, to take advantage of teachable moments. Work on a project together on Saturday or consider teaching an upper-level subject that you know well and enjoy.


Men and women interact with kids differently; it's part of God's design. Dad, you will be offering your child something unique. And you'll both get the benefit of a closer relationship.


Men, let's commit to carve out time in our schedules to train the children God has placed in our care and not delegate it all away to our wives. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.

Dads do play a key part in the success of homeschooling. Michael Farris outlines that role in his book The Homeschooling Father, available to you for a minimum donation of $10. When you contact us, make sure to ask how membership with the Home School Legal Defense Association can help you. Check us out online at homeschoolheartbeat.com.