Engaging Elders: 5 Tips to Involve Grandparents in Homeschooling

Many homeschool parents carry the burden of educating their child alone. With the recent surge of homeschool families, often the parents are the first generation on this educational journey. Choosing the right curriculum, customizing learning for your child, and explaining your decisions to friends and family seem to take center stage.

In most families the grandparents are not familiar with homeschooling and don’t know how to help. When grandparents are educated on the benefits, brought into the process, and encouraged to spend time with their grandchildren, it’s a win for everyone. Homeschooling can be a multi-generational mission to strengthen learning, deepen relational bonds, share faith, and have a lot of fun. Here are five tips for involving grandparents in the homeschool journey.

1. Share Your WHY and Vision for Your Family

Before asking the grandparents to help, it’s a good idea to share your educational decision-making process with them. Give them details on all the education options you looked at and why homeschooling is the best choice for your child. Once they hear your heart about your family goals and values, they are more likely to support it.

2. Help Grandparents See the Future Opportunities for Homeschool Students.

Chances are that your parents grew up in a different educational system and may not understand the homeschool benefits and offerings that go through college and excellent career paths. Sharing facts and testimonies of progress of more seasoned homeschool families will educate them and build excitement.

3. Emphasize the Importance of Grandparents in your Family Legacy

Let the grandparents know that their influence matters. Grandparents have a vital role in raising up the next generation. They often are retired or have more time to commit to their grandchildren, passing down faith and common-sense wisdom. Share specific examples of insights and truth you learned from them, so they can help pass those on and shape the next generation.

4. Ask for Specific Help

Inviting grandparents to serve in specific roles will allow them to match their strengths to what is needed. They want to help you, as well as spend time with your child. Giving them a clear path will benefit all of you. If Grandma played the piano, she can help teach your child music. Maybe ask Grandpa to read them scripture stories or review the subject of history. Understanding their strengths and hobbies will make it more productive and fun at the same time.

5. Set a Consistent Plan and Timeframe

Creating simple rhythms will allow the entire family to be on the same page. Maybe you schedule a certain morning each week for them to review phonics flash cards. Even more fun could be a few days in the spring of a Gardening Camp, where they help with planting. There are so many science and agriculture lessons to be learned with a hands-on approach. You could even set a weekly zoom classroom call, if your family is out of town.

Everyone benefits when the grandparents are welcomed into the homeschool journey. This approach can allow you to have a short break to plan or catch up on errands, while your child is bonding and learning new lessons. Grandparents often find a renewed purpose as they are brought into the educational journey with the next generation.