How to Keep Your Child Engaged in Homeschooling:
7 Easy Things You Can Do Today

For most homeschooling parents, this scene is relatable: Your child is sitting at their desk, but not really working on their lessons. They complain or argue when it’s time to work on a subject they don’t like. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to get them to even try.

You’re frustrated and worry that their lack of motivation will become a pattern, affecting their progress, and stunting their education.

First of all, you’re not alone. Engaging unmotivated homeschool students is not new and nearly every homeschooling household goes through this very issue at some point.

Understanding Focusing vs. Engaging

When we talk about keeping our kids engaged in their homeschooling, we often think about focus. While focus is important, it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. Engagement is about being actively involved, not just paying attention to something. Think about it: A child can be focused on an educational video, but if they’re not actively thinking about the material, they’re not engaged.

Focus refers to the ability to concentrate on a specific task, engagement goes beyond attention. It involves active participation, curiosity, and a sense of purpose. On the other hand, a child who is engaged is actively involved in the learning process, asking questions, answering prompts, experimenting, and connecting new information to their existing knowledge. By understanding the difference between focus and engagement, homeschooling parents can create a more dynamic and effective learning environment for their children.

Tip 1: Slow Down, Try Again, or Revisit a Concept

One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is the ability to customize your child’s education to their needs. If your child is struggling with a particular subject or lesson, don’t be afraid to slow down. Take time to revisit concepts. Break down lessons into smaller, more manageable chunks. When you support your child by changing the pace of their learning, you can help them feel less overwhelmed and more engaged.

Tip 2: Ask Meaningful Questions

Asking meaningful questions is a powerful way to gauge your child’s engagement with their educational material. Rather than asking, “Do you understand?” try asking more open-ended questions like, “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?” or “Can you explain that to me in your own words?” Steer away from questions that can be answered with a yes or no.

By asking about their thoughts, feelings, and interpretations, you encourage deeper thinking and critical analysis. Additionally, asking about their interests can help you personalize their learning. For example, if your child is fascinated by sharks, you could incorporate shark-themed books and activities into their school day.

Try some of these to get the conversation started:

• What was the hardest part of this lesson?
• What was the easiest part of this lesson?
• How did you feel about this subject?
• What questions do you still have about this subject?
• How did you figure that out?

Tip 3: Set a Goal for Today

While state standards and curriculum guidelines are very important for your child’s education, keep it in perspective. It’s easy to get distracted by the long-term goals and pressures, and to worry that a lack of engagement today will lead to more serious educational issues.

Instead, determine what needs to be done today and today only. It should be specific, achievable, and within a timeframe. Verbalize it to your child and write down the goal so your child can see it. A few examples are practicing their instrument for 20 minutes until the timer dings or completing the worksheet they’ve been putting off before the school day ends. And remember, done does not equal perfect!

Tip 4: Take Care of Yourself

This is an important truth to learn for homeschooling parents: When you’re engaged, your child is more likely to be engaged too. Homeschooling can be demanding and tiring for parents too. You may find that you also are experiencing a lack of motivation, especially if you’re managing homeschooling for multiple children. Make sure that you have a plan to give yourself time and space to take care of yourself, which will help you come back to homeschooling more motivated and recharged than before.

Tip 5: Reach Out to an Expert

Ask yourself today: Who else can talk to my child about the concept they’re struggling with? Ahead of time, your child can write a list of questions that they want to ask, engaging with the material and their curiosity.

As a homeschooling parent, you have the flexibility to find experts, break up your child’s routine, and find alternate learning environments.

• Is your child learning about photosynthesis? Check out the programs available at your nearby botanical garden.
• Is your child learning about biology? Visit your zoo and speak with the resident public educator.
• Is your child learning about certain historical events? Visit your local national park site to talk with a ranger.
• Is your child having trouble engaging with the books they’re reading? Visit your local library and ask the librarian to help pick books tailored to your child’s interests and reading level.

Tip 6: Connect With a Homeschooling Buddy

Having another homeschooling family in your area can be a game-changer. Your child can learn and grow with a friend, making the learning experience more enjoyable. If your child is enrolled in a charter school, they may have parent groups that you can connect with for support and guidance.

Tip 7: Check Out Engaging Homeschool Curriculum

Take a few minutes to check out engaging homeschool curriculums. A different approach might help your child engage more meaningfully with their lessons.

When you feel frustrated, it can be hard to remember what options are out there to help you and your child. But luckily, there are resources available! Your student may qualify for free homeschool art curriculum mailed to your door every month. Through Outside the Box Creation, you can order art boxes using your state’s grant funds. Our boxes are designed by a professional artist, filled with high-quality and eco-friendly art supplies, include a detailed project guide with step-by-step instructions, and always contain accompanying books, offering a holistic approach to learning.