Refueling the motors of the home schooling dad (Homeschooling conference 2014 Part 1)
I attended my third home schooling conference last September 6. I missed last year’s, but I was able to attend the two conferences before that.
This time, however, Jay came with me which makes it my most favorite HS conference of all!
This year’s home schooling conference had a great lineup of topics for the growing community to chew on. I’ll be breaking it down in a three-part blog series in the coming weeks.
Recharging the home schooling dad
The founder of HAPI (Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands), Edric Mendoza, was there to open the conference with his usual inspiring and highly encouraging…I don’t know what you call it…motivational talk (?)
I was really glad that my hubby got to hear him speak about home schooling.
Jay’s been very supportive about educating our children here at home and he’s been more involved this year – diving into Saxon Math, JavaScript programming and Bible devotions with Pablo. He’s also the one accompanying him to his Soccer classes early Saturday mornings and teaching him how to play guitar.
Jay moved one of his free days to Thursdays so he can walk the kids to their Chorale, Dancing and Arts classes because I have to work till afternoons and would only be able to join them after I log off.
I really appreciate my husband for being proactive in what we do and I thought it was good refueling for him to listen to other home schooling dads talk about their own views in home education.
All these, after all, can be very exhausting and discouraging at times, especially when you’ve limited yourself to just your own system of doing things.
This is what home schooling conferences are for, to refuel, to recharge, and be refreshed.
Home school a nation!
One of the things I like about Edric Mendoza speaking is that he always shares of a bigger vision.
He’s not just talking about the little techniques here and there, he’s always referring to how one family can be a catalyst for the changes our nation is believing for.
In his words, “Change our country, one family at a time”.
Home schooling is a privilege
Edric went on to remind us what a privilege it is that we’re able to home school our children.
This brings to mind about a German home schooling family in the U.S. who sought the help of the home schooling communities when they were being ordered deportation back to their home country not too long ago.
They didn’t want to go back because there, they would be facing cruel punishment for having home schooled their children which is against their law.
Home schooling families in the Philippines face a lot of criticisms especially from people who know nothing about homeschooling, and there’s a lot of pressure from families and friends who can’t see beyond traditional educational setups, but we don’t face the risk of having our children taken away from us or being thrown into jail because we’ve chosen to take on the roles of teaching our children.
The home schooling dilemma we face here seem petty compared to theirs, don’t you think?
Anyway, two other things that Edric said that day that resonated with me are:
1. Home schooling is good parenting
More than the academics, parents should focus more on teaching our children to read the bible and helping them to apply God’s word in their lives so that they will always choose to honor God and do what is right even when they’ve grown up.
If teaching your child character is not your priority in home schooling, then you have missed the essence of home education.
2. Surround yourself with people who are better than you
You can’t learn from people who are in the same level as you are. You learn from people who can add to what you know and who are better with the things you want to do.
If you want to succeed in home schooling, listen to those who’d gone ahead and be open to learning from them.
The Hands-on home schooling dad with Dennis Poliquit
One of the sessions that day was on being a home schooling dad. The speaker was radio personality, Dennis Poliquit who is also a home schooling dad to five kids.
Dennis talked more about how dads can contribute in home schooling, stressing that it doesn’t always have to be teaching the academics, but more importantly, actively instilling discipline and values in your children.
We’re raising three boys so this one here is extremely important to me. I’m not underestimating the values that moms can teach their kids, I teach my kids the bible, but I believe that it makes a world of difference when Jay takes over.
Be a team
Dennis also talked about how a husband and a wife must be united. If there are things that we disagree on, we must talk about it among ourselves and not in front of our children as this has a negative impact on them.
This is something Jay and I need to work on. Since we’re like North pole and South pole on a lot of things, we tend to get into discussions in front of our kids. So we resolved to stay united in front of our children. It’s only been 4 days and so far, we’ve been doing well on this.
Love your spouse
Dennis discussed loving your wife, treating her right, honoring her in front of the children and filling her needs.
He gave examples such as calling her up in the middle of the day, listening to her rant, allowing her some “me” time, taking over the chores at night so she can rest, and to make her feel loved, important, accepted and beautiful (or something to that effect).
I agree.
I love my children and I adore them but I need help, too, because the reality is, no matter how hard we try, there are no real super moms.
It also matters a lot to me that Jay is taking the initiative to learn more about home schooling and is helping me more with our children’s education.
More next week!
So there you go, those are my notes and Jay’s. I hope that those who missed this year’s conference can somehow pick up a thing or two from what I’ve shared here.
I’ll be sharing about the session, Introducing Filipino Arts, Heritage and Culture with speaker Jen Bellosillo on my next blog, so watch out for that.
This year’s home schooling conference was organised by the formidable women behind Manila Workshops, The Learning Basket and Beyond Silver & Gold – Ginger Arboleda, Marielle Uyquiengco and Michelle Padrelanan together with other home schooling moms.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6.
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” Ephesians 6:4.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” Philippians 2:3.
44 Comments
Que Sullano - Gavan
Was nice to see familiar faces! I attended last year. Looking forward to your post about the talk!
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Yes it was wonderful to meet some of the bloggers we interact with on FB at the conference. Edel and Sally were also at the conference but I wasn’t able to have a picture with them. See you on the next conference, I hope! 🙂
ceemee
This is inspiring, you know? Even for a non-homeschooling mom like me, who have considered it but face resistance from my hubby. We are not on the same page with this one, sadly. I hope I can drag him to one conference someday, even just to hear it out. 🙂
May De Jesus-Palacpac
My husband was not sold out on it, too, when I first told him about it. But he warmed up, eventually. It helped that we were surrounded by a lot of home schooling families. My advantage here is that I wanted to home school from the time I got pregnant with our eldest, so I had an early start with my husband, hehe. 🙂
Just keep talking to him about it, mommy Ceemee, parang kwento kwento lang. Let him warm up to it and yeah, maybe, drag him into one of these conferences and let him meet kids who are home schooled. 🙂
joyastilla
Such a supportive and hands on father! Good job 🙂
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Thanks Joy! Indeed, we are blessed.
Maan
Beautiful lessons! More people should know about what Edric Mendoza said about surrounding ourselves with better people in order to learn. That’s what’s lacking in schools, I think. Children learn from other children instead of a good mentor. By the way, you’re so blessed with your husband! Programming? Amazing!
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Believe it or not, mommy Maan, my husband and I are NOT techies but our eldest started exhibiting interest and a quick-learning ability with computer and technology at 2 years old, so we decided to give him full support. We’re learning alongside him, and sometimes, he would be the one teaching us, hahaha.
Migs&Alaine Alejandrino
Wow! Kudos to your husband. I am interested to a attend a seminar like this in the future and would love to read more about it on your blog. Btw, I totally agree with surrounding yourself with people who are better than you — that’s what I always do.
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Good for you! 🙂 Will try to provide more relevant information in my coming blogs on the conference.
Cheryl True
I wish I could attend the coming conference in the future. My kids are being home schooled right now, and its really difficult for us to manage the time.
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Time management is one of the biggest challenges we have as home schoolers. Take heart! <3 You are not alone. 🙂
Nicole Paler
I’m curious with this whole home schooling thing, cause all I hear are the stereotypes about it… Thanks for sharing a bit of insight about this, now I’m gonna research about it and check it out more 😀
May De Jesus-Palacpac
To be honest, Nicole, there are many things that you will find similar among home schoolers and these may be the “stereotypical” qualities that you are referring to…it is when you take a closer look at each family that you will find what is unique and special in each. 🙂
Craftymomideas (@craftymomideas)
I am considering to home school my son next school year, Can you suggest a good Home school program which is not too expensive?
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Hi Rea! Here’s a link to the list of local home school providers: http://hapihomeschooler.com/about-hapi/hapi-members-affiliates/ I would, however, recommend Peniel Christian Academy as it is the local provider that we have had experience of enrolling our children under. 🙂
Kristina
What an inspiring post! How long have you been homeschooling your kids? I also started informally homeschooling my 3 yr old. We’ve been doing it for 9 mos now. At first, my husband was considering of enrolling him in a traditional school, but now he can see the benefits of homeschooling. I know Edric personally, but didn’t know there was a conference like this. I hope to attend next year with my hubby.
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Hi Kristina! We started to formally home school our eldest (meaning we registered for a local home school provider) when he was 6 years old. We started on our middle child this year, he’s 5, and only because he insisted, hehe. 🙂
I wonder why the flyers have not reached your news feeds. The organisers have actively promoted the conference this year. Hopefully next year you get to join already. 🙂
Daniel Kaity Bato
Grabe, I admire you all who chose to homeschool their kids! Love + Dedication!!
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Thanks Kaity! 🙂
Kathy Kenny Ngo
I did this when my son was younger. It was hard but well worth it.
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Very much worth it. 🙂
The Vanilla Housewife
Aw buti ka pa. Each time I bring the subject of homeschooling to my husband he would say that the house will me noisier than it already is. Hahahah He thinks I have the tendency to be impatient. Pffft. Wala man lang moral support. Hahahaha
May De Jesus-Palacpac
haha…well yeah, nakaka impatient sya talaga minsan….especially when you’re trying to follow a schedule. it’s a learning process for both the kids AND ME. LOL. 😀
Kim | Mom On Duty
It’s good that you are able to extend your patience. I didn’t homeschool my daughter because I’m afraid I might not be a good teacher. I was never good at teaching–I can’t even teach my dog to sit still. LOL! But although she goes to school, I love that her school makes it a point to not be too traditional (although they are a traditional school). They don’t focus on memorization eh, more on exploration. I’m so excited because next week, they will be holding their classes outdoors. I heard they’re going to have a picnic and swimming time at the kinder pool. Ok na rin. 🙂
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Hi Mommy Kim! I believe that there are many good progressive schools in the country. Studio 360 in Alabang is one. And I love the idea that children are now taken outdoors to experience and explore! <3
With regards to my patience, no, I also fail at that. 🙂
M
I always wanted to homeschool my child before. But now, I don’t think I can do it! And I have to organize everything, plus the homemaking! You are a super mom!
May De Jesus-Palacpac
No, not a super mom. I guess it’s because we feel that it’s what we’re called to do. 🙂 I do not fault other families who choose to send their children to regular schools. I know many whose children have exemplary character as well. It all really goes down to parenting. 😉
Rei San
We also entertained the idea of home-schooling for my daughter but since she’s an only child and the neighborhood kids are way older than her, we felt that she still needed to interact with kids her age. But I salute parents who are pro- homeschooling 🙂
May De Jesus-Palacpac
There are plenty of homeschooling co-ops that you can join if you want your child to interact with kids her age. Vertical socialisation is common and actually encouraged in home schooling because it builds up confidence in children to discuss things with people of different ages. One of my son’s best friends is a pastor. 🙂
Mr. Jacob's Mom (@MrJacobsMom)
You are both so inspiring! I still haven’t found the power to homeschool our eldest. But soon as he finishes preschool, we might start na because there aren’t any nice ‘quality’ school nearby for us here.
Reigne
Sana I could do homeschooling din. Reading your blog make me seriously consider it talaga! 🙂
May De Jesus-Palacpac
That’s great. My advise for those thinking of getting into home schooling is to read about it a lot before getting into it so you will get into it with the right perspective. Some home schoolers are easily stressed in their first few years because they get into it without knowing much, so they end up bringing the school room into their homes. If you want links to free ebooks, let me know, I’ll give you a list. 🙂
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Janice / The Roller Coaster Ride
I”m really, really bummed that we missed this event. I was hoping to go because this would have been our first homeschooling conference. But I’m also learning a lot already from this blog post. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
May De Jesus-Palacpac
There’s always a next time. 🙂
Jhoanna Tacorda
Its just recently that I got to know about homeschooling and I am thinking about it din. Although my son is just 1 year old, Id like to see my options too. Hindi ba mahirap? baka kasi ndi ko kaya yung lesseons hihi
May De Jesus-Palacpac
You know mommy Jho, you can ease into it naman. Take it a year at a time. The preschooling years were very very enjoyable for me, but of course, as they get older, the level of difficulty goes up as well.
My advise for new home schooling parents is to read books on home schooling first so you won’t go through unnecessary stress. 🙂
Samantha Isabel
I plan to homeschool my kids too. It’s great to receive a lot of support and mentorship
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