Dads and Virtual Learning: Finding Your Path

I spent this past weekend talking to families at an education convention in Cincinnati. One thing I noticed was how many dads there were at the event – and they were actually there to do more than just carry around the crates of materials their wives were purchasing. These dads (most of them anyway) were engaged in the discussion about K¹², asking questions and seeking input right along with their wives. You could tell this was a family decision they were making.

That is in stark contrast to the education events I attended eight years ago where it really appeared to be “ladies day out” and dads were nowhere to be seen. So dads, we have come a long way, but there is more to be done.

My wife and I have home educated our children with K¹² since its inception in 2001. At the time, our daughter was going into 1st grade. Now, she is a full-time freshman in the K¹² International Academy. We also have two boys using the K¹² curriculum for their home education needs. It is amazing how time has flown yet I have not aged at all – or maybe I am just looking at older photos of myself, which would explain the clothing.

In my role at K¹² I have had the opportunity to speak to thousands of families across the nation about K¹². A particular passion of mine has been to speak to dads at many of our xPos—the large educational showcases K¹² conducts around the country—about the role they can play in this educational journey. I know that in 99% of the households it is the mom who is doing the day-in and day-out work of educating their kids at home. And many times the dads are looking for their path on this journey.

So, let me encourage you dads to consider these as starting points in finding your path:

1) The Vision: Dads, you can play a crucial role in crafting the vision of where you want this educational journey to take you and your family. While this is not a solo decision on your part by any means, it is an opportunity to work with your wife and kids in developing an Academic Vision and Character Vision.

2) The Role You Play: Think about the various roles that are needed within this education journey (and no I am not talking about roles of “principal” or “teacher”). There are some crucial and practical things that dads can do in order to create an atmosphere in the home to foster a love for learning.

3) The R’s of the Family: We have all heard of the Three “R’s” of education, but those will not be found here. What I am speaking about is: Realistic, Responsibility, Respect and Rest.

So dads, join me here on this blog, and let’s take some time to delve further into these points and see where it leads us as we find our paths. And moms, you do have my permission to read these and pass them along to your husbands.