If your husband or wife’s mind is already set against homeschooling, you have to approach the situation very gingerly. It’s not wise to push our views on someone, least of all a spouse.
“It is time that we squarely face the fact that institutional schoolteaching is destructive to children.”
Usually when a spouse doesn’t agree with homeschooling, it’s because he doesn’t understand what John Taylor Gatto refers to as "the dangers of public school."
The Conversation
But you can start the conversation by asking your spouse a question, such as, "What are your hopes and goals for our children’s education?"
You have now opened the channels for him to let you know his hopes and goals in a non-threatening way. As he shares these with you, listen for his concerns too.
Once you’ve got a friendly discussion going, approach the subject of homeschooling.
If you were to consider homeschooling, would he have any objections or concerns? If so, what would those be?
The Objections
The typical objections to homeschooling are the following:
The children will be academically behind and fail to get into a reputable college.
Homeschooled kids lack good social skills.
Homeschooled children don’t have any friends.
You aren’t qualified to homeschool unless you’re an accredited teacher.
You aren’t qualified to homeschool unless you have a college degree.
Maybe your husband doesn't know any homeschoolers and the idea sounds too fantastic to him?
Keep in mind that your spouse wants what is best for his children just as much as you do.
The Persuasion
Whatever his objections are, you want to take note and ask him if he would be open to watching some videos on the subject, looking at some research, or even reading some books together.
If you keep the conversation neutral and show a genuine interest in his views and concerns, most reasonable husbands will oblige their wives.
Now, here comes the tricky part: you will need to provide him with information that is sound and relevant.
No need to panic though because we have you covered. You can download our free resource list to convince anyone about the merits of homeschooling.
The list will provide you with 10 resources to educate your husband (or anyone) about the the many problems with public school and why homeschooling is the best option today.
This resource is also helpful if you have family members or friends who are strongly opposed to homeschooling.
Grab your free download here: 10 Resources to Convince Anyone About the Merits of Homeschooling.
Once someone truly understands what is fundamentally wrong with public school, it is near impossible to put a child into it unless the person has no other choice.
Some Cautionary Advice
Be careful about taking the attitude of proving your spouse wrong. No one likes to be proven wrong, and trying to show your spouse that you were right will not help your cause.
Instead, you want to humble yourself and be gentle in the way you handle the situation.
Go slowly.
When someone has a fixed opinion, it’s prudent to allow time for that person to shift into a new mindset.
Start early by educating your spouse when your children are young.
By the time they are ready to go to school, hopefully, you'll both be excited about homeschooling!
“School is a twelve-year jail sentence where bad habits are the only curriculum truly learned. I teach school and win awards doing it. I should know.”
Don’t miss our free download, Ten Books Every Well-Educated Child Should Read.
Become a Smart Homeschooler to raise smart, ethical, and critically-thinking children. Join the Smart Homeschooler Academy online course and feel secure knowing that you have what you need to homeschool successfully as well as live ongoing support from Elizabeth.
For parents of children under age seven who would like to prepare their child for social and academic success, please begin with our online course, Raise Your Child Well to Thrive in Life and Excel in Learning.
Elizabeth Y. Hanson is an Educator, Homeschool Emerita, Writer, and a Love and Leadership Certified Parenting Coach with 20+ years of experience working in children’s education.
Utilizing her unusual skill set, coupled with her unique combination of mentors, Elizabeth has developed a comprehensive understanding of how to raise and educate a child. She devotes her time to helping parents get it right.
☞ Disclaimer: This is not a politically-correct blog.
