Homeschooling boys can be one of the most rewarding and challenging things we do as parents. These are our adventures with our boys which will help you to see the value in keeping your boys home. One of the first criticisms we got from family and friends, was that homeschooling would be fine for our girls but surely not for our sons! We came across this thought in another book called Future Men by Douglas Wilson.

Wilson claimed that as the home is primarily a domestic place, and boys should be raised with eyes that “look out” to the world to conquer for God, it would require diligence on the parents part to make sure that the home does not become the boys only training ground. We have found that there are definite challenges as we homeschool boys, but none that are not able to be overcome. In fact homeschooling our sons have given them more chance to train the whole child not just academically.

Lessons we have learnt while homeschooling boys:

Homeschooling boys teaches them consideration for the girls and woman in the home.

As we go about our days, our sons grow up seeing all the tasks and challenges that it takes to run a home. They learn to help in these tasks. This in turn will stand them in good stead to appreciate their wives when they marry.

Homeschooling boys allows for those who have a problem sitting still to learn in an environment which does not enforce long lessons.

As most boys find it hard to sit still and concentrate for long periods of time, the home provides the unique opportunity to allow a boy frequent breaks to climb on their bike and take a few turns around the yard, chop some wood or climb on the jungle gym.

Homeschooling boys allows them to not pick up certain behaviors from their peers.

While this is true for girls and boys alike, boys seem to have a stronger affinity for silly behavior and talk. While it does not mean that boys will never use toilet talk etc, if it does happen you are able to correct it immediately.

Homeschooling boys allows you to remain close to them and hold their hearts in all areas.

So many boys have a desire to set forth and conquer, but they are sent forth way too soon, in my opinion. God placed this desire in them to be the voices who will speak for those who cannot. But when parents send their little guys to school this very Godly characteristic becomes warped. When moms remain close to their sons they can train this trait and continue to hold their son's heart then God is free to work in the young tender hearts without interferance from others.

Homeschooling boys allows you to cater for their idiosyncrasies and delight directed learning.

The many boys that I know who are homeschooled have very specific interests that have been developed from long hours of play, reading great books and hands on experimentation. One mom talks of her sons delight directed learning endeavors and how she learnt so much by stepping back and allowing him to delight in messy play. In one story she talks about how he had many jars filled with all sort of soil and water mixtures lining her passage way. As tempted as she was to tell him to clean it up, she resolved to let him follow his delight to the fullest. Where else but at home would this be permitted?

Other articles you may be interested in:
Parenting books for boys
Wonderful Boys!
Chores for children
A dedicated website to homeschooling boys

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