The Call of Parents in Education

While various parenting books exist to guide you in your vocation, there’s not an exhaustive manual to teach you what to do in precise situations. Education decisions are often an area where parents feel outside of their element. It can be easy to think you aren’t qualified to make schooling choices for your kids.

One of the obstacles many parents face when it comes to homeschooling is thinking they can’t teach their children, saying “I’m a construction worker, office employee, financial planner, (or any profession that’s not education-based). Who am I to teach my kids?”

The beauty of parenting is that God will give you the graces to help you discern the best form of education for your children. You don’t have to be an expert in education to be able to teach your kid. You just need to be an expert in your child and ask God to help you discern what is best.

If you’ve ever thought this or experienced doubt in your ability to teach your kids, this article will examine the foundational reasons why you as the parent are the primary teacher for your children, and we will examine the key tenets of education that you can implement right away in your home (domestic school). 

Parents are the Primary Teacher

First, parents have a right and duty to teach their children. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 2223, “Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule.”

Virtues are a foundation for other skills in education. As the primary educator, parents are the best people to advocate for their children and the best possible education model for them. For those families who through discernment find that homeschooling is the best option, parents can be confident in knowing they can educate their children (in the faith and other areas).

People naturally teach every day. No matter what you are teaching, the key to education is communication and relationship building. Establishing trust and rapport is how the best teaching occurs. If you look at the Gospels, Jesus models the good principles of teaching. He developed a personal relationship with his apostles. While they did not always understand his teaching, he was sure to teach with simplicity and consistency.

Principles of Education

Jesus spoke in parables often. These stories used simple imagery and analogies to convey important moral truths. The Good Teacher provided timeless examples of planting seeds and seeking the lost. His parables of the Mustard Seed and the Lost Sheep are still applicable in teaching our children today. They teach the virtues of forgiveness, perseverance, and patience. These are all things needed for your child to succeed in learning (and for you in teaching). Your child may not immediately grasp a math concept or a phonics lesson, yet having a habit of these virtues in your daily life will help when teaching and discerning the proper resources along the way.

Repetition is another key aspect of teaching. As the popular saying goes, “ If you first don’t succeed, try, try again.” Even Jesus fell (three times!) carrying his cross towards Calvary. A good  acronym to remember when educating is F.A.I.L., which can stand for “first attempt in learning.” Like a runner training for a marathon or a football player conditioning for the upcoming season, homeschooling your children will take practice and teach hard work and perseverance.

Every teacher started out a beginner and learned, and continues to learn, a lot along the way. Practice makes progress. The Catechism says it well, “Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children. By knowing how to acknowledge their own failings to their children, parents will be better able to guide and correct them” (CCC 2223).

Become a Lifelong Learner

When considering homeschooling your children, examine your own willingness to learn new skills and remain a lifelong learner yourself. Teaching is a journey no matter what stage in education. It takes a commitment to discovering (or rediscovering) math, reading, and writing basics. This involves the desire to find and mull through various resources and curricula. The good news is here at OLVS, we have a vast array of educational aids to help you out, as noted in another recent article.

 

Parents, you have the primary responsibility and right to educate your children. While it may seem daunting, you have the graces and gifts needed to teach your kids effectively. By embracing the key principles of teaching – building relationships, using repetition and simplicity, and cultivating virtues – you can succeed in homeschooling your children. With faith, patience, and a commitment to lifelong learning, you can provide your children with an excellent education in your own home.