Home-schooling: Wisdom of my nine-year-old has taught me something – Hayley Matthews

I have to admit recently we've had ups, downs, good days, bad days, lots of motivation, little motivation.

Parents, as well as pupils, can learn from home-schooling (Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Despite trying not to, I have been raising my voice a bit more which I instantly regret – hey, I'm only human.

Our nine-year-old told me recently how shouting doesn't help anyone and I've taken heed! I think I'm learning as much at home-schooling as he is!

So many parents tell me they're finding it difficult but don't beat yourselves up, we're all doing great. I'm impressed at my nine-year-old’s wisdom. We forget sometimes that they teach us as much as we teach them.

He is missing his class buddies though so when I noticed a skip in his step and a twinkle in his eye (which always leads to a girl), I was pleased to see that it's spurred on his motivation for school.

Lessons in love and friendship are just as important as fractions. However, I had to stop myself getting annoyed when I saw him mid-Zoom call with his entire class, standing at the mirror doing his hair.

As he stood slapping the gel through his spiky hairdo, admiring himself, the teacher called his name asking a question and he didn't skip a beat.

"Yes Miss," he said giving his answer. Pinching myself I realised he's learning to multitask whilst answering his teacher and still managing to impress the girls.

So I didn't tell him off, looked at him with a smile and thought good on you son!

My conclusion: home-schooling isn't just about numbers and letters, it's about life lessons too and who better to teach them than us the parents.

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