Hey there, homeschooling dads! As a homeschool mom, your wife wears many hats—teacher, counselor, nurse, and, on occasion, hazardous waste disposal engineer—all while keeping the household from falling apart, and that’s where you step in. We’ve assembled twenty ways for you, the ultimate husband, to support your wife in your home school, from sharing responsibilities and attending community events to providing emotional support and celebrating important milestones. And because we know you’re a thoughtful guy, we’ll include some gift ideas that will make your wife feel appreciated and loved for all her hard work.
(And stick around for the conclusion. Don’t think we haven’t noticed how awesome you are, fathers!)
As the Saying Goes: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
1. Pray for Her
The purpose of eduation is to know God and to make Him known, so it’s only natural that we should first turn to God for support. Pray for your wife’s wisdom, patience, and strength. Ask God to grant her discernment as lead learner and to bless her efforts. Pray for your children’s hearts and minds to be receptive to learning and growing in God’s love. Also, lift up your fellow homeschooling families in prayer, asking for God’s grace for each household on this shared journey.
2. Offer Her Encouragement
Homeschooling can be challenging, so your encouragement means, well, everything. Let your wife know that you appreciate her dedication and the effort she puts into homeschooling your children. Take time to listen to her concerns, celebrate her successes, and offer words of affirmation. Your consistent support will help her stay motivated and confident in her role as a homeschooling mom.
3. Know the Lay of the Land
Familiarize yourself with the curriculum guides. Read some of the assigned books as a family or a couple. By understanding the content your children are learning, you can engage in discussions, offer insights, and support your wife in her teaching efforts.
4. Share the Load
Offer to share homeschooling responsibilities by helping with lesson planning, teaching certain subjects, or supervising activities. This can provide your wife with much-needed breaks. And don’t be afraid to help out with unfamiliar subjects—part of classical education is learning how to learn, and that includes the homeschool parents!
5. Attend Community Days
If possible, attend CC community days with your family. Your presence not only provides moral support but also allows you to engage with other homeschooling families and build community connections. Participating in community events demonstrates your commitment to your children’s education and helps you better understand the Classical Conversations approach. It also provides opportunities for you to network with other homeschooling dads and share experiences.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll find a golfing buddy.
6. Assist with Planning
Help your wife with a family schedule, a plan for days away, and getting a vacation on the calendar. Oversee a chore chart, help with a system for keeping track of library books, and coordinate pet care. You can alleviate your wife’s workload by taking on some of the organizational tasks and ensuring that the homeschooling experience runs smoothly. Collaborate with her to create a balanced schedule that allows for learning, family time, and self-care.
7. Build in Margin
Homeschooling can be demanding, so make sure your wife has time for self-care and relaxation. Offer to take over childcare duties or household chores so she can have some time to recharge. Encourage her to pursue hobbies, meet with friends, or enjoy quiet time alone. Recognize the importance of self-care in maintaining her well-being and preventing burnout.
And don’t neglect your own self-care! A burned-out dad is a burned-out mom is a burned-out kiddo is a burned out mom is a . . . well, you get the picture. It’s a never-ending cycle of burnout til someone gets the R&R they need.
8. Provide Emotional Support
Homeschooling can come with its own set of challenges, so be there to provide emotional support. Listen to your wife’s concerns, offer advice when needed, and celebrate her successes as a homeschooling parent. Be her sounding board and her number one fan. Remind her of the reasons behind your decision to homeschool and the positive impact she is making on your children’s lives.
Also, you may want to read our blog for advice! That way, you’ll know just what to do when homeschooling is difficult.
9. Help with Advanced Subjects
Homeschooling can be academically demanding, especially for subjects like advanced math and science. Offer to step into the gap wherever necessary, drawing on your own expertise or resources as needed. If you have a background in a particular subject, consider taking the lead in teaching it.
10. Remember the Goal
One of the goals of education is to get your children standing on their own two feet. As they mature, students are encouraged to take more responsibility for their learning. Support your wife in encouraging your children’s independence by providing a conducive learning environment, resources, and guidance when necessary. Help create designated study times and coach good habits, ensure access to resources, and foster a love for learning. Encourage your children to take ownership of their education while offering guidance when needed.
11. Participate in CC Practicum
Participate with your wife in Practicum. This is another way to demonstrate your commitment to your children’s education. Practicum provides valuable training, resources, and networking opportunities for homeschooling parents. By attending together, you can gain a shared understanding of CC’s methods and philosophy, and collaborate more effectively in your home school.
12. Prioritize Family Time
Amidst the challenges of homeschooling, it’s essential to prioritize quality family time. Plan regular family activities, outings, or game nights to strengthen your bond and create lasting memories. Use this time to reinforce learning concepts in a fun and engaging way. Encourage open communication and create a supportive family environment that values education and personal growth.
13. Help Out around the House
We almost didn’t include this one, since we know you’re already helpful—but this is a good reminder!
Take on a fair share of household responsibilities to lighten your wife’s load. This may include cooking, grocery shopping, laundry, or cleaning. By helping out with these tasks, you create more time and energy for your wife to focus on homeschooling. Consider creating a schedule or dividing tasks based on each other’s strengths and preferences.
14. Provide Learning Opportunities
Look for opportunities to enrich your children’s learning experience beyond the curriculum. This may include planning educational field trips, attending workshops or seminars, or exploring local museums and historical sites. By actively seeking out these opportunities, you demonstrate your commitment to your children’s education and provide valuable real-world learning experiences.
Plus, field trips are fun. Helping your wife out while getting to look at dinosaur bones? Very cool, indeed.
15. Celebrate Milestones
Recognize and celebrate your children’s achievements and milestones throughout the year. Whether it’s completing a challenging project, mastering a new skill, or reaching an academic goal, take time to acknowledge their hard work and progress. Plan special celebrations to mark these milestones and reinforce the value of education and perseverance.
And while we’re on the subject—have you ever considered attending the National Events Weekend in Southern Pines, North Carolina? That could be a fun getaway for you and the missus (or you could bring the whole family).
16. Stay Informed
Good leaders make informed decisions. Stay informed about homeschooling regulations, resources, and best practices. Attend homeschooling conferences, join online communities, or read relevant books and articles. By staying informed, you can provide valuable insights to your wife and make informed decisions about your homeschooling approach. Share relevant information and resources with your wife to help her stay current and inspired.
17. Encourage Professional Development
Support your wife’s professional development as a homeschooling parent and classical educator. Invest in resources, such as books or educational materials, that align with her interests and goals. Encourage her to attend programs, workshops, and training opportunities like the Classical Learning Cohort.
By prioritizing her growth as an educator, you demonstrate your belief in her abilities and your commitment to providing a quality education for your children.
18. Homeschool with Other Families
Homeschooling done wrong is isolating. Homeschooling done right leads to community. You can help build connections with other families by arranging activities and participating on community day. That way, you’ll provide socialization opportunities for your children—and for your wife!
Real talk: Community’s the best part of homeschooling. The connection afforded by community offers valuable advice and resources. Encourage your wife to seek out and maintain these relationships, as they are a source of encouragement, inspiration, and friendship.
19. Be an Advocate (Or, Fight the Good Fight)
Be an advocate for homeschooling and your wife’s efforts. Share your positive experiences with family, friends, and community members. Stand up for your educational choices and provide a supportive framework when faced with questions or criticism. By being a vocal advocate, you validate your wife’s hard work and reinforce the importance of your family’s homeschooling journey.
(Check out the Homeschool Freedom Action Center for the latest on threats to homeschooling freedoms as well as ways you can take a stand for your family. And we encourage you to read their article on the necessity of the traditional family to see what you’re fighting for when you fight for your home school.)
20. Encourage Self-Directed Learning
Foster a love for self-directed learning in your children. Encourage them to pursue their passions, explore new interests, and take initiative in their education. Provide resources, such as books, materials, or online courses, that support their individual learning goals. By promoting self-directed learning, you help your children develop important skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, and independence, while reducing the pressure on your wife to be the sole source of knowledge.
And, of course, this all ties back to that goal we talked about earlier: independence.
21. Express Gratitude
Regularly express gratitude for your wife’s dedication and hard work as a homeschooling mom. Acknowledge the sacrifices she makes and the impact she has on your children’s lives. Write heartfelt notes, plan thoughtful gestures, or simply verbalize your appreciation. By consistently expressing gratitude, you validate her efforts, boost her confidence, and strengthen your marriage.
Gift Ideas for Your Homeschooling Wife
Yeah, we’re a little biased, but the CC Bookstore has a lot of great gifts your wife’s sure to love. You’ll find some of the gift ideas below on our website.
1. CC Parent Resources
Purchase a parent resource from the CC bookstore that aligns with her teaching goals and interests, such as a new history book, Latin memory cards, or a fine arts resource.
2. CC Merch
Choose from the CC bookstore’s selection of insulated tumblers, handy totes, logo t-shirts, and more to show your support for her commitment to Classical Conversations.
3. Homeschooling Planners
Gift her a high-quality homeschooling planner or organizer designed specifically for homeschoolers, with sections for lesson planning, scheduling, tracking progress, and jotting down ideas.
4. Educational Games
Surprise her with a set of educational games or activities that make learning fun for the whole family, reinforcing math skills, language arts concepts, critical thinking, or historical knowledge.
5. Personalized Gifts
Create a custom-made piece of artwork, a personalized mug or tote bag with a homeschooling-themed design, or a piece of jewelry engraved with a meaningful quote that celebrates her role as a homeschooling mom. Treat her to a self-care package that includes items like scented candles, bath bombs, herbal teas, a cozy blanket, or a gift certificate for a spa day to help her relax and recharge.
6. Educational Resources
Choose educational books or resources that inspire and support her in the home school, such as books on classical education, teaching methods, homeschooling tips, or topics she’s passionate about teaching.
And a Special Thank You to You, World’s Best Homeschool Dad!
Well, there you have it, dads! Twenty ways to support your wife and make your homeschooling journey a little less crazy and a lot more awesome.
But before we wrap this up, let’s take a moment to appreciate you, the homeschool dad.
Your role in your family’s educational journey is invaluable, and your dedication does not go unnoticed.
To the dads who share the teaching load, attend community events, and provide emotional support— you are the reason that God has entrusted children to their parents.
To the fathers who prioritize family time, who share the burden, who seek out learning opportunities—you are the pillar of your family’s success.
And to the fathers who advocate for homeschooling and fight the good fight—you are making a real difference for your family and your community.
Your presence, involvement, and encouragement create the foundation for your children’s education and help your wife feel loved and supported in her role as a homeschooling mom.
So, to all the homeschooling dads out there, thank you for being the rock of your family. Keep up the fantastic work. With you at the helm, your wife and children can take on any challenge.
