Wanna Be a Steader!

The Blessing of a Homeschool Dad

A wonderful homeschool family in my area is facing the loss of their homeschool dad and husband.  He was tragically killed last week when a car pulled out on him as he was motorcycling on his way to work.

Occurrences such as the loss of a homeschool parent or, as in our own case, the coming of our final year of actively homeschooling, gives me a reason to be so thankful for the choice we have made to homeschool…

In most homeschool homes dads serve in the roles of Principal/Superintendent, Banker and Supreme Court Judge.  And some, if they are lucky enough and their schedule allows, even help mom in the role of Teacher. 

I think of our friends and how their dad was able to help homeschool them through part of the day because he worked second shift.  He was able to teach his children that even work could be fun.  While mom took care of most of the academics, those kids learned about gardening, bee keeping, fixing cars and flying remote controlled airplanes, even playing the guitar from their dad.  If his children had been away at school all day for more than 9 months of the year – while he was home during the day without them and then gone from home in the evening – those kids would barely know their dad.  And worse, he would barely know them.  But instead, they have hundreds of great memories and learning experiences that include their dad.  Their homeschool dad.

Yes, mom is usually the one who does the bulk, if not all, of the teaching; but homeschool dads are the ties that bind.  They are the backbone, the support system of the home.  How many days is it that our husbands trudge off to work, leaving their family behind when what they would really like to do is to stay home with the ones they love?  The ones who love them.  They would love to come with us on our next field trip or sit as the subject of his little girl’s first portrait or help that boy who looks just like him learn his fractions. 

I know Father’s Day is past, but how about designating a day in the near future as your own family’s “Homeschool Father’s Day”?!  Thank him for working so hard so that his family can stay at home for school to be taught by the people who love them the most, to learn in peace and safety.  Thank him for forking over the money every summer so that your family can buy the best in curriculum, magazines, educational games and learning resources.  Thank him for being the one who works so hard so that your family can go on those great vacations…and when you go on those vacations, try to make it simply outstanding for Dad.

Homeschool dads…aren’t we blessed to have them?

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

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12:24, 2008-Jul-30 .. Posted by Fiona

What a beautiful idea, Kim! It is true, our menfolk work doubly hard to keep us at home with the children God has blessed us with, as well as giving us money for educational materials...and they do it without complaint. Truly saints in the making!
Nice to see another Ohioan on the blogs!

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02:07, 2008-Jul-30 .. Posted by JenIG

Oh Kim, that is so tragic; I could not even imagine -- praying for the family...

JenIG ~ http://Jeneralities.com

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03:02, 2008-Jul-30 .. Posted by kim2661

I am so very sorry for this family's tragic loss. Yes, a dear, caring father is such a blessing. I will continue to pray for this family.
Peace and blessings, Kim

YOu've been nominated!

08:27, 2008-Aug-2 .. Posted by ElCloud

Thank you for reminding us not to take our homeschool dads for granted. I can't imagine losing ours. Praying for that family.

And I wanted to let you know I nominated you for an award. You can read the details on my blog.

Thanks!
April

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12:14, 2008-Aug-3 .. Posted by GypsyFarmGirl

I am still touched by this story and I dont even know them, when I first heard the news via your blog, my heart ached, and then I even talked about it to my mother( she lives in CO) and her heart ached too. Please know and tell that family they are in the prayers of many folks and that we all know that the LORD will make things right for them, maybe it wont be easy ,but the Lord is faithful and will carry them through this... God bless ya all. Have a beautiful weekend will ya!

Jeannie