Gaining respect from your homeschool child can be a challenge for most parents, especially if your child has been attending school outside of the home.

Trust me, this probably is the one of the biggest challenges of homeschooling. I just remember the first year wanting so badly to throw in the towel. I just didn’t see how this homeschool thing was going to work for us when my child didn’t see me as their teacher, but just as their mom.

Silly ol’ mom.

And now 12 years later, I’m still a homeschooling mama. I’m so glad I didn’t give up. Once my children gained respect from me as not just solely their mom, but as their teacher, our homeschool days were much more tolerable. Yes, we still have hectic days, but they are far and few in between.

Sometimes I have to remember that children are not born with a respectable attitude. We are all born sinners and respect is something that is taught and mimicked. 

I believe we as homeschoolers are at a greater advantage in teaching our children respect because we experience so many unique situations day-to-day. 

And respect starts in the home.

Here are 5 Ways to Gain Respect From Your Homeschool Child

1.  You are NOT your child’s friend.  Your child was put in your care for you to train them up and live a righteous life. I see so many parents who are striving to be besties with their children. Yes, it’s wonderful to have a close relationship with your child, but your main goal is to be teaching them right from wrong and to guide them to be able to live productively in our society.

I admit it’s sometimes hard to draw the line.

I have been guilty of not wanting to rock the boat especially since I’m a single mom now.  It’s all fun at Daddy’s house because there isn’t school or a strict chore routine.

But I know I have a bigger person to answer to in the end.

2.  Respect Your Children.  Children learn from their environment. Treating your child as a person and diligently trying to respect their uniqueness is key to helping your child understand what respect actually entails. You don’t always have to agree with your child, but making a point to listen to their opinion can make a big impression.

I remember my child didn’t want to read a book that I assigned to him. In all honesty, I didn’t read it prior to handing it over to him because it was part our homeschool curriculum.  The book was not at all inappropriate, but there was a situation in the book that made him feel uncomfortable.

I admit, I wasn’t as respectful as I should have been initially, but now I try to pick their brain on why they don’t want to complete an assignment. And laziness is not a valid excuse. I don’t always take their side, but at least I have the courtesy to hear them out.

3.  Be consistent. I have found that our days roll so much smoother if we have some sort of routine. It’s not so much keeping an eye on the clock, but we do things in the same order pretty much everyday.

Of course we all have those unplanned events at times, but for the most part, everyone knows what they should be doing next. After lunch, we always have read a loud. The children have grown to look forward to this time each day.They know it’s not time to dig into the legos or play on the computer.

4. Follow Through. I admit following through can be a headache. I get tired and busy and it seems at times that following through will take too much of my scarce energy.

It’s hard work wearing many hats. 

However, I must follow through with correcting their assignments by making sure they are done with excellence. For example, if my child’s school work is not complete by a certain time, there is no computer or iPad for that day. It’s a nuisance at times, but my children must learn that there are consequences for not doing what is expected.

That is real life.

5. Praise Your Children.  When I praise my children for a job well done, it goes a mile. I know I need to work on this more instead of always pointing out the negative.  I try to praise my children for doing a job of excellence and not to perfection. My younger children thinks it’s so cool to put their very best work for the day on the refrigerator. It’s something simple, but it makes a grand impact of their self-esteem.

Homeschooling is not easy.

Homeschool mamas have a huge responsibility and are in demand 24/7. 

I encourage you not to give up on your homeschool journey if it’s your calling. God will give you the strength and will hold your hand throughout the years.  Gaining respect from your child will make this journey much more delightful. 

Remember that our children are mimicking every move we make. Respect first starts in the home.

It’s not too late to start implementing these 5 tips in gaining respect from your homeschool child.  It’s not easy, but don’t give up, sweet sisters!

Do you have any tips to add in order to gain respect from your homeschool child?