How To Easily Make Homeschooling An Only Child More Fun
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Homeschooling an only child? If so, you may be worried about how to make the most of this special time.
It's totally normal to be concerned about your homeschool adventures. But, when you homeschool one child, you face different challenges than what many homeschool experts talk about and experience.
Luckily, my dear friend, Jessica (from The Waldock Way), is here to share her best tips and tricks for easily making homeschooling an only child fun.
Oh, and these ideas are also wonderful if you find yourself homeschooling one child now (because siblings are older or in a different educational setting)!
Hope for Homeschooling an Only Child
Homeschooling an only child isn't the same as teaching a group of children.
Sometimes, it's easier. There's a lot of 1:1 time so you can move more quickly through lessons than homeschooling moms who are teaching multiple children Plus, it can be more affordable.
Other times, homeschooling one child is hard. There are no older siblings to read aloud to them or anyone else to play a game with. Instead, you're always the one at bat. You are their sibling, friend, parent, and teacher.
Even with all the differences, homeschooling an only child can still be a lot of fun! Keep reading to discover some of our favorite things about homeschooling our only child. And get some terrific tips on making it work, even on the hard days.
The Myths Of Homeschooling An Only Child
There are a lot of myths about homeschooling an only child. It's certainly different, but different doesn't necessarily mean it's any harder or easier to do. Homeschooling an only child is just different.
Homeschooling an only child can amplify concerns about socialization.
Plus, it can be challenging to be your child's “everything” all day. When you're homeschooling an only child, you are their teacher, playmate, companion, parent, everything.
Sometimes homeschooling an only child can feel lonely, too. Fortunately, there are lots of great ways to avoid feelings of loneliness for yourself and your homeschooler.
Get more tips on how to handle the biggest only child homeschool myths (and find your community) with my Top Misconceptions About Homeschooling An Only Child.
The Reality Of Homeschooling An Only Child
The reality of homeschooling an only child is that it can be just as fun as homeschooling a group of kiddos. But, it does require some intentional planning to be successful.
Over the years, my husband and I have discovered a few ways to make homeschooling an only child easier, less stressful, and lots of fun.
We seek community through field trips, participating in clubs and co-ops in our community, and taking online classes via Zoom with other homeschoolers.
Our daughter,Emily, has participated in Girl Scouts, Wild + Free groups, homeschool days at local museums, and so much more!
Participating in these programs and groups has enriched our homeschool experience and provided tons of learning opportunities for our family. Plus, it's an excellent way to combat loneliness, find community, and combat the dreaded “socialization” question. Keep reading to discover more of my favorite ways to make homeschooling lots of fun with an only child.
My Best Tips For Making Homeschooling An Only Child Lots Of Fun
While you can't run out the door for a field trip every day, there are lots of things you can do right at home to make homeschooling one child more fun for the whole family.
Here are some of our favorite tried-and-true tips for making homeschooling an only child a lot of fun:
⭐️ Make It a Family Affair
We can't always make it a family affair. There are times when one of us can't be present, but as much as possible we try to involve the whole family in our homeschool activities. Having my husband, Kevin, present for homeschool lessons and activities helps a lot!
We often wait until my husband can join us for things like poetry teatime, nature study, and field trips. It's more fun with the whole family along. It gives our homeschooler, Emily, a chance to see and hear things from her dad's perspective. Plus, it definitely takes some of the pressure off me to be her “everything” on homeschool days.
This type of family presence might take getting a little creative with your homeschool routine or schedule.
You can save playing games for the evenings when your spouse can be home. It might also mean taking field trips on the weekends. Homeschooling gives you the freedom to make your schedule work for you!
⭐️ Play Games
There are lots of games that work well with just two players, so we often add those to our homeschool days.
Gameschooling is a fantastic way to introduce new concepts and practice important skills with your homeschooler. Check out my guide to gameschooling for more tips on incorporating games into your lessons.
Playing games together always makes learning more fun! We love it when we can play games with the whole family.
But when it's not possible, two player games are the way to go. Here are a few of our favorite two player games:
Mattel Blink Card Game Size EaAMEROUS Wooden Mancala Board Game Set - Folding Board - 72+8 Bonus Multi Color Glass Stones - Gift Package - Mancale Instructions, Portable Travel Board Game for Kids and AdultsSpot-It Party or Classic Game (Color of Packaging May Vary)Blokus DuoAMEROUS 15 Inches Magnetic Wooden Chess Set - 2 Extra Queens - Folding Board, Handmade Portable Travel Chess Board Game Sets with Game Pieces Storage Slots - Beginner Chess Set for Kids and AdultsHasbro Gaming Battleship GameMastermind in Tin - Exciting Two Player Strategy Game in Convenient Storage Tin by Pressman, Multi Color (#3024)Santorini, Strategy Family Board Game 2-4 Players Classic Fun Building Greek Mythology Card Game, for Kids & Adults Ages 8 and upHive Board Game - A Game Crawling with Possibilities Bundle with Mr Dice Drawstring BagRenegade Game Studios Fox in the Forest Duet Card Game for 2 Players Aged 10 & Up , BrownLookout Games Patchwork Express Board Game | Strategy Game | Puzzle Game | Family Board Game for Kids and Adults | Ages 6 and up | 2 Players | Average Playtime 20 Minutes | Made
⭐️ Embrace Your Inner Child
It's not always easy, but embracing your inner child definitely helps.
Join the activity with your child and you'll find an opportunity to build connection, increase engagement, and have fun.
Don't be afraid to get on the floor and play, dress up in costumes, and build together with blocks.
⭐️ Get Out and Do More
Don't be afraid to go and do more.
Sometimes all you need is to get out of the house for a change. One of the perks to homeschooling an only child is that you have less to juggle to get out the door.
Costs are lower with an only child and it's easier to manage one child, so embrace that! Add in tons of experiences and field trips to your homeschool plans this year and see where it takes you.
Even with lots of planning and preparation, homeschooling an only child can still be hard at times. When that happens, you can take some time to connect with each other or spend some time apart. Whatever happens, remember to give yourself lots of grace and make time to enjoy the journey.
What do you love about homeschooling an only child? Share your favorite moments and tips for success in the comments. I can't wait to read them!
I love homeschooling my daughter! It is such a bonding time for us. Her dad moved out two years ago with another woman. She sees him once every few months so with Covid, it has really been just us two. This article hit every single thing on the head. It is so very hard to be her everything. We now have a code of simply saying “I need alone time” at any point and we both know she or I have to recharge. We don’t take it personally.
My daughter has autism and extreme anxiety so that adds to our challenge. We do have her BHP who comes in three days a week. I save projects or field trips for these days. I have seen her blossom into the coolest 13 year old! Challenges are here but would not give up a moment!