Getting a Handle on Homeschool Discipline
The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast
Some homeschool moms on social media are miserable. Their kids are out of control, and it's often described as a typical day. Well, it wasn't our typical day – and it doesn't have to be yours either. Nothing can derail home education faster than out-of-control kids. Today, on The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast, Mary Ellen and Ginny discuss why this is happening and share the ways to fix it. Show Notes: Out-of-control kids are not unique to homeschooling families. A trip to the park, the library, or a family restaurant will convince you that poorly behaved children are epidemic. Many parents have convinced themselves that brattiness is just a normal stage of growing up, like cutting teeth -- it is not. In countries all over the world, children are obedient, respectful, hardworking, and even sacrificial. Why have we lost control? A few ideas: * Americans are generally pretty well off. * In movies and TV, parents, especially dads, are often portrayed as buffoons. * Childcare professionals, the so-called experts, give terrible advice. So, who SHOULD we follow for parenting advice? Catholics should follow just three "pages" when it comes to raising their children: * Sacred Scripture * Our Holy Traditions * The Magisterium or teaching authority of the church. The 4th Commandment is NOT a suggestion. We are required to teach our children to honor and obey us in everything that is not sinful. The simplest path to well-behaved kids is to establish your authority right from the start. As soon as they can understand you, probably about 1 ½ years Rule #1: Clear, easy-to-understand rules. * BEFORE we leave our bedroom in the morning, we stow dirty clothes and make our beds. * When we get up from the table, we clear our places. * We always say please and thank you. Rule #2: Don't whine or beg your children to be good. * Express your expectations clearly and leave no room for doubt. * If they don't listen, give a clear and immediate consequence. Rule #3: Do not give delayed consequences. * "No TV for you tonight is ineffective." The kid will never remember, nor will you. * You don't have to yell or scream – calm and confident works best. * You just have to persevere. Rule #4: Do not argue with your kids: * You will never win! * Expect obedience and walk away from an obstinate child. * Do not engage. Rule #5: A simple, sensible schedule and a check-off list for responsibilities. Set a regular time and post it on the fridge or a whiteboard: * Schoolwork * Chores * Instrumental practice, or whatever * Too strict? It's just the opposite. There's ultimately less stress when children know what is expected of them. Tune in in two weeks for part 2 of our discipline series. Homeschooling Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services