Hi there. I have a wonderful, hardworking, trustworthy, fun loving, protective (the list goes on and on) hands-on daddy for my kids, but...when it comes to homeschooling... he is completely hands-off.
When we decided to try homeschooling (our oldest went to ps for about 2 years) he had just changed his heart/mind toward homeschooling and thought it was worth a try. He did *politely* remind me that it would be "my baby," and to not expect too much from him because of work, etc. (I was working part-time, too), but he still saw it as a "mom" thing and just knew I'd be better at it than him:) So, needless to say, it is my baby. I honestly don't know how I'd want him involved even he were because we clash while working together on most things, so I imagine this wouldn't be any different, don't know. Plus, since I am the one home with the boys full-time (I don't work anymore) we have established our way of schooling and since he's not familiar with the approach (and probably doesn't want to be) it's hard to have him just "jump-in" and help.
I have my moments when I'd like more help, but I'd actually like more help around the house, shopping, bill paying, that type of thing then the homeschooling, but that's a work in progress, too.
My husband is such a great Dad, but other than being impressed with what they're doing or super excited about their upcoming activities he is not to be counted on for any kind of bookwork. He has an opinion about how we school, such as: how/how much/where/when because he really wants his kids to get a real education (similar to ps, but in a homeschool setting, I know, like that's always happening there anyway) unlike what he received, but doesn't necessarily want to be involved:)
He bores rather easily with my homeschool talk and would rather die than go to a seminar/convention, but has no problem with me going. He fully supports us financially regarding our needed supplies and has no problem with me purchasing whatever, but just leave him out of the decision and he's fine.
I hope this makes sense, I've been in the sun all day and I'm kind of fried:)
My husband does have an opinion regarding over scheduling myself with the boys and doesn't especially like that if it cuts in to what he would consider family time:)
Wow! I hope that doesn't sound like I'm bashing my husband, I'm just telling the truth. He absolutely adores his family, works very hard (construction), and is completely dedicated to the Lord and us and for all of that I'm eternally grateful. I am learning to look at what he does provide for us and how he feels about me and our kids and just be satisfied with it. I actually feel like I'm one of the luckiest gals on the planet (okay, sometimes I want to shake him, but that has nothing to do with hschooling:), I am able to stay home, homeschool (really any way I please, as long as I'm doing something), and have a faithful husband:) I often ask myself "What more do you need?"
I'm certainly not saying you aren't grateful, cause truth be told, I know exactly how you feel. I'm just attempting to encourage you and let you know that you are not alone.
PS: I did ask my husband to let me know (involving him without telling him) what type of life skills he'd like to teach our oldest this coming fall. He's super hands-on, uses tools all day at work, fixes all things broken around here, etc. I made a list of the things he wants to make sure our oldest (younger ones later on) knows how/what to do/use for whatever men do and told him that I will make sure that we accomplish those goals. I added them to my Handiwork/Life Skills subject list and put him as resource and the things he wants to accomplish for the topics.
I hope this makes sense, too much sun:)
