What I learned as a homeschooling dad...tips for parents who suddenly find themselves in this situation

My son and I spent 18 months at home together during which he attended online school. I won't say the name of the school, but it was a great experience and the entire process was streamlined. We knew what to do, who to call when things didn't work and the school even sent a computer, monitor, headset and other ancillary materials.

The covid-19 virus has forced many school districts to switch to an online model of schooling or to cancel school altogether. If you as a parent or caregiver find yourself suddenly entrusted with the education of your kiddo using technology that you may or may not be familiar with, read on for my top 10 takeaways. Hopefully this can help some parents who find themselves at home.


1. Don't let the new math get you down! Different state standards and other regulations call for students to show their work as they do their math problems. As a parent of a 4th grader I myself have had to learn new ways of long division and multiplication. Look for online resources to help you

2. Your young ones will follow your lead. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a break and come back to a topic later. It helps no one if schooling turns into shouting and griping.

3. Take advantage if your school district offers take home tech such as chromebooks. Tech fails will frustrate both you and your kiddo so if you are not sure if the old laptop you have at home will be good for this new endeavor, make full use of school devices.

4. Let kids explore. Kids learn by doing and in regular school, children sometimes work on group projects which enable them to show what they learned. If children want to do some projects that are not necessarily academically inclined, let them do it.

5. Any type of materials can be used for projects. If you have old items that you were going to throw out, let your young ones open up and see the wiring or parts inside. Learning is not only abc and 123, not all kids will grow up to be professionals, some children will work with their hands so expose them from young to all types of learning.

6. Reach out to a fellow parent or one of your child's best friends and organize an online study session using Zoom, Skype, Google Hangout, Messenger or other meeting software. The kids can still experience some of the community aspect of school and can maybe help each other and encourage each other.

7. Do not be afraid to reach out to your child's teacher. They should be available to assist with all areas of the curriculum and are vested in your child's educational well-being.

8. Let your child lead the way. There will be some things tech wise that your child will be more versed in than you are. Accept it and let them teach you as the situation arises, it gives them a sense of ownership and of accomplishment.

9. Make a sign or have something that signals when school is in session, this will help your kids get into the learning frame of mind as it will serve as a visual cue. Kids have these in school when they go to specials classes and the like and it serves to put them in a learning frame of mind.

10. It is okay to vent. There will be frustrating times. We all should have that one friend, family member or social media platform in which we can express our frustrations. If all else fails, take a snow day, sip an adult beverage and try again tomorrow.

Good luck and be well.