Teenagers are difficult to handle no matter where they go to school, but in the homeschool classroom it can be a bit easier if the homeschool teacher is better prepared. Think about what all your teenager is going through and consider how you can be supportive of them. Here are some things to keep in mind when interacting with your teenage homeschool student.
Actually Talk About The BIG Stuff
Dating, drugs, politics, and religion may not seem like ideal topics to speak about in the homeschool classroom, but ensure that you make time to talk to your teenager about these things. Give them a sense of what is right and wrong with each of these life altering topics. Allow them to share their concerns and opinions. Speak to them about your own beliefs and how they were formed. Give them the freedom to reach their own beliefs as well.
Listen to Your Teenager
It is easy to give instructions to younger kids and expect them to consider your word the final one. However with teenagers there is additional dialogue created with each instruction as they have their own input to add. Just because it is easy to play the dictator, don’t shut them down. Allow them to talk and actually listen to them as it will make the interaction much more meaningful.
Honesty is the Best Policy
No matter what you think your teenager wants to hear, it is best for the homeschool parent to be as honest as possible when speaking with a teenage student. Manipulation may often backfire, but if you are honest about what you want them to do and share why it is important, most often they will surprise you by not arguing at all. They need to know that you are being upfront with them.
Set Boundaries and Communicate Consequences in Advance
Growing up is about pushing the limits. So when your teenager challenges your authority in the homeschool classroom, you need to set clear boundaries. There should be distinct “that much and no more” attitude. Plus they should know that not doing what they have been asked to do will result in consequences. Make sure that these are well highlighted and communicated in advance so they know just what they are risking.
