For homeschooling parents, adding "teacher" to an already long list of jobs can feel daunting. This article explores how to seamlessly blend the
parent and teacher role in homeschooling, drawing on one mother’s journey from the classroom to home education
For many parents, the decision to homeschool means adding another hat to an already extensive collection: the teacher hat. Juggling the responsibilities of parent, provider, and now, educator, can seem overwhelming. The key question becomes: how do you separate your parental role from your teaching one? The simple answer is, you don’t have to. The journey is about integration, not separation.
Understanding the parent and teacher role in homeschooling is less about switching hats and more about weaving the threads of education into the fabric of your family life. This guide, based on my experience as a former teacher turned homeschool mom, explores how to make a successful transition to homeschooling South Africa, find a sustainable rhythm, and avoid homeschooling parent burnout.
The Transition: From Classroom to a Learning Lifestyle
My decision to leave my career as a high school science and maths teacher was driven by a need to be more present for my three children. The traditional school system, coupled with therapy programmes for my son Ethan, created a schedule we just couldn’t manage. We were also concerned that our son Aiden’s needs wouldn’t be met in a large classroom, and our daughter Bella never adapted well to school drop-offs.
The Covid-19 lockdown was the catalyst. It showed me our children needed a different kind of education. We made the decision to homeschool in 2020 and haven’t looked back. This transition was not just about changing where my kids learned; it was about changing how we lived and learned together.
Overcoming the Fear of ‘Being Behind’
One of the biggest fears I had when starting out was the fear of “being behind”. It is a common anxiety among new homeschooling parents. But whenever that feeling creeps in, I have learned to ask myself a simple question: “Behind who?”.
There is no universal timeline. Every child learns at their own pace. Homeschooling allows you to tailor education to your child’s needs, not the other way around. While we might seem “behind” on some arbitrary metric today, I believe that in the long run, the freedom to learn at their own pace will put my children ahead.
Finding Your Rhythm: An Unschooling Approach
From the beginning, we knew we did not want to replicate “school at home”. We wanted time, freedom, and an interest-based education for our children. Initially, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of wonderful resources and tried to do too much.
Now, our approach is much simpler. We focus on core numeracy and literacy, and for the rest, we embrace an
unschooling approach. This educational philosophy, as described by author and psychologist Peter Gray in an article for
Psychology Today, advocates for child-led learning. It trusts that children are naturally curious and will learn what they need to through their interests and life experiences. Adopting this has turned learning into a lifestyle rather than a to-do list, which takes the pressure off everyone.
It’s One Hat, Not Two: Integrating Your Roles
The most important lesson I have learned is that the parent and teacher roles do not need to be separate. As I tell other mothers, “Being a teacher is part of being a mom”. You did not need a formal qualification to teach your children how to walk, talk, or show love. You also do not need one to teach them to read and write.
Teaching our children kindness and how to make healthy choices is the same process as teaching them fractions or grammar. The goal is to instil a love of learning. For more complex subjects, there is a wealth of
South African homeschool resources available. Your role becomes that of a facilitator, guiding them to the information they need. The legal defence organisation for home education, the
Pestalozzi Trust, offers support and guidance for parents navigating this facilitator role.
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Practical Tips for Balancing Homeschooling and Family Life
- Put Relationships First: Never let a curriculum or a schedule damage your relationship with your child. Connection is the foundation of all learning.
- Embrace ‘Car Schooling’: Some of our best learning happens in the car. We discuss fractions, science, and whatever else comes to mind. Learning is not confined to a desk.
- Let It Go: It can be hard, especially for someone with a background in formal education, but you have to let go of the pressure. There is no one chasing you.
- Make Time for Yourself: You cannot pour from an empty cup. Scheduling time for your own interests is essential for avoiding burnout and staying energised for your family.
The most rewarding moments are when my children get excited about understanding how something works or when they ask to do bookwork. In those moments, I know this path is worthwhile.
Call to Action
How do you balance your parent and teacher roles? What has been your biggest challenge or your greatest reward? Share your story in the comments below.
If this article resonated with you, please share it with other homeschooling families who might find it helpful.