7 Ways Grandparents Can Support Homeschooling

Published:
October 8, 2019

Abby Banks

Contributor:
Abby Banks

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Grandparents can make an impact on your homeschool. Hopefully they’ll choose to support your homeschooling endeavors by being a blessing to you and your children. 

If you’re a grandparent looking for ways you can encourage your children or a homeschool parent that would love to include your children’s grandparents in their learning journey you’ll love these ideas.

7 Ways Grandparents Can Support Homeschooling text with image of a family walking outside

Encourage

Being a homeschool parent isn’t easy. At times you definitely feel the pressure of being the sole person in charge of your child’s education. You’re also with your children around the clock so their behavior is always in your face reminding you of the character traits that need work.

If one of your grown children are homeschooling, be their biggest cheerleader. Sometimes as parents of adults we can forget how much our adult children are blessed by our encouragement. 

Here are a few ways you could make a big impact on their confidence:

  • Text them and tell them what a great job they are doing.
  • Tell them you admire how hard they work at making your grandchildren’s education a special experience.
  • Notice the little things they do.
  • Ask them about what they’re currently studying, not by interrogating them but out of sincere interest.
  • Praise their homeschool efforts in front of their children and others.

Pen Pals

Writing is always a great skill to work on and everyone loves getting mail. Encourage your children to write to their grandparents. You could ask their grandparents to write them back so they could experience the fun of getting a letter in the mail.

As your children get older they could always keep in touch via email or text messaging too.

Skills

Do your parents have a special skill they could teach your children? Ask them if they would be willing to spend some time sharing their skill with their grandchildren.

Here are a few skills some grandparents can share:

  • quilting
  • embroidery
  • baking
  • cooking
  • gardening
  • canning
  • automotive
  • carpentry

Life Experiences

Grandparents can enrich their grandchildren’s lives by sharing stories from their past and life experiences they have had. Christian grandparent’s especially have an opportunity to share how God has worked in their life and Who He is. Grandchildren can learn a lot from your life experiences. 

Many grandparents are also enjoying retirement and traveling more. Ask them to share with your children about their trips and things they saw and learned.

Field Trips

If your children have grandparents that live close and have a flexible schedule, invite them along on field trips. The extra hands can be helpful when you’re juggling multiple ages and the time together will be something everyone can look back on.

Bless

There are multiple ways you can bless your children and grandchildren as a grandparent. Consider a few of these:

  • Bring over a meal when you know they have had a busy day.
  • Spend some time with your grandchildren so mom can get caught up on things or take a break.
  • Ask if there are any books or educational items you could look for at yard sales.
  • Treat your daughter or daughter-in-law with a small gift on Teacher Appreciation Day. (Hint: It’s usually the first week in May. ?)

Serve

Grandparents also award your children the opportunity to serve others. Encourage your children to think of ways they can serve their grandparents. 

  • Help them clean their home.
  • Wash their car.
  • Mow their yard.
  • Go shopping with them or help them run errands.

A Final Word

Not all grandparents are supportive, but many might not see how they can fit into the picture. Share this post with them or try inviting them to participate in some of the fun. 

When you are able to include your parents in your children’s education, not only are your children learning new skills, but they are also deepening their relationship with their grandparents.

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