Home Education And Parenting

Home education and parenting are inextricably linked.

The decision to provide a child with home education is typically made on no other basis than parental perspective, with careful consideration of a child’s best interests.

Some parents are instantaneous in this decision, while others partake in lengthier deliberation. Nevertheless, following the initial plunge into the lifestyle of homeschool, parents are presented with an abundance of additional options. Such as whether to offer adult-led teaching, or instead opt to be childled. To endeavour to follow the National Curriculum, or create unique homeschool content. From Steiner Waldorf to Montessori and Unschooling, there are copious choices, and the preferred educational approach is likely to be directly influenced by parenting style - and of course, this can be a mixture of many. If, like I do, you favour gentle parenting and attachment parenting, you will probably be familiar with pioneers of these areas such as Sarah Ockwell-Smith, whose literature paves the way for gentle parents seeking relevant and insightful guidance.

Elements of Montessori learning are in keeping with gentle parenting, by showing children respect as individuals and granting them space to discover and learn in their own way. I also value practicality in my parenting approach, using honest communication and a comprehensive vocabulary, and this method of parenting unwittingly connects with guided learning techniques.

I am equally drawn to the ideology of Steiner Waldorf education - encouraging children to develop not only their minds but every aspect of themselves emotionally, physically and spiritually. Our society is recognising a more

Overall, I would describe our home education journey as primarily child led.

holistic approach to self-care and it makes sense to introduce these concepts to children, to shape adults who are proficient in self-awareness.

Overall, I would describe our home education journey as primarily child-led. No matter what we aim for, or pencil into our schedule, we are flexible and embrace change and spontaneity.

If the children feel captivated by nature, we can spend the day outdoors. If a subject or activity doesn’t enthral them, we can shelve it and perhaps revisit it later. Of course, the drawback of this method, along with any other method, action or inaction decided by a parent, is self-doubt.

The honest answer is no one knows for sure how to parent ‘the right way’ because every child is different. To combat my own self-doubt as a parent, I keep in mind that nobody else knows my children like I do, and my children know themselves better than I know them.

So, if we can find and maintain a balance somewhere between my guidance and their assertion, I hope we are covering all bases for a nurturing environment.

If the children feel captivated by nature, we can spend the day outdoors.

Article By Missy Hitchcox

Missy Hitchcox is a Norfolk mother of two. She has a background of English Literature and Creative Writing studies. Her professional career has centred on the Beauty industry, and she now home educates her children.