Homeschooling a reluctant teenager is hard. Teenage year’s are hard enough. Furthermore, add in a social change such as homeschool and an attitude will plummet quickly. Many years ago without much preparation we were guided into homeschooling my teen. He wasn’t happy, and I was worried.
Preconceived ideas were in my head of a happy little student that loved his new teacher and school sit. Consequently, all of that changed with a little work on my part. Our relationship had to be built as mom/teacher, and not just mom.
Fast forward several years and he is in college. His major is business finance. Now, math is his favorite subject, and his future looks bright.
Best Ways to Teach a Reluctant Teenager
Math was one of his worst subjects. Actually, it was one of the main reasons’ that I pulled him from public school. All subjects are so important to success in this world. Learning never stops. Moreover, for him to struggle and be frustrated in this area reminded me of my feelings toward math.
First, I had to get him to listen and cooperate with school. Similarly, frustration brings about all kinds of disconnect when it comes to learning. After about a year into homeschooling, my son started to open up to learning at home. He still had a social life, and the world did not end.
As far as math and science his improvement was seen. By the time he reached his second year of high school these were his top two subjects. Since I was his new teacher, we continued to learn….at his pace. Getting him to a place to learn was key for the process. Instead of pushing him ahead to something else, we worked on and mastered his skills. After that, we would build on the next skill.
One of the reasons that I decided to homeschool was because my son was doing very poorly in Math. Reasons why I had done poorly in this area, and it still haunts me. So, I homeschooled.
Reluctant teenagers do turn around. Homeschooling a reluctant teenager is easier with tools in the homeschool teachers belt. From this post, I hope that a homeschool mom finds a tool or idea that she can use to help on a day when it seems impossible.
5 things that I think homeschool mom should do:
5. Look up homeschool facebook groups.
Get in touch with the admin or person in charge of the group. Go meet with the group a few times and get to know some homeschool moms. Having others in the trenches helps for good support.
Research and Plan Activities
In addition to books adding in hands-on learning really helped. For elementary students most work is geared toward this type of learning. As kids get older some teachers/homeschoolers throw in books. For example, use another form of learning for older kids to supplement bookwork creates interest.
Each week my son saw me take his lessons and add in some fun, and educational field trips. Games and science experiments took the place of worksheets.
Building a Relationship with a Reluctant Teenager
A reluctant teenager at home is rewarding. We had so many chances to get to know each other. Finally, my son was on board when he saw the research and time that I was putting into his education. The best part was his reluctance diminished as I let him be more in charge of his education.
Lastly, I can proudly say that he has all the intellectual tools to do well in his future.
I have a sixth grader who isn’t cutting it in public school right now either. I have one more thing in my bag of tricks, but homeschooling him always plays in the back of my mind. Thanks for the encouragement!
That is funny, homeschooling started for us after a bad year in the 6th grade. It was a pivotal point for him and me.
I have three teenage boys.
They all have their challenges with homeschool, but math has been difficult for me two out of three, and just general motivation if a challenge foe one in particular. The more I push, the more he does. Not a good situation.
I’ve found that involving him in a practical project that he enjoys (building, for example) motivates him the most. He has to see math in the practical world. That so far is his best motivator.
I appreciate you sharing your experience with teen homeschoolers on the Homestead Blog Hop! Other moms can take heart from your experience! Please come back!
Blessings!
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
🏡
https/::www.ridgehavenhomestead.com
I remember reading that book when my kids were younger. I think I may still have it. Maybe I should get it out again. I’ve homeschooled since the very beginning, but teens can be a bit challenging at times!