| In a recent workshop that I attended, the host | | | | but it also give opportunity for the parents to hear |
| described a research study and subsequent book in | | | | the thoughts and minds of their kids with regard to |
| which the "ultimate question" was determined for | | | | education, and home education. |
| anyone in marketing. Taking a slight twist on that | | | | Get at the reasons for your child's answer when you |
| approach, I have what I believe to be the ultimate | | | | ask this question. They may surprise you, and they |
| question for homeschoolers. This question is meant | | | | may reveal some aspect of your program that can |
| to be asked by parents, to their children, and it's a | | | | be enhanced, improved upon, or even freed up. |
| test of how well homeschooling is working for you. | | | | Instinctively, your children will have a sense of their |
| Before we ask, though, we must remember that our | | | | own progress academically, and you should listen to |
| children do not ordinarily begin the process of | | | | hear the nuances of their academic growth. |
| homeschooling. Older children, in middle school or high | | | | Additionally, they will also share elements of their |
| school, may request this of their parents, but they | | | | social life, spiritual life, and emotional growth. Each of |
| are not the ones who do the investigation and work | | | | these areas will be areas that you will want to |
| to create the homeschooling program. Typically it is | | | | address in the upcoming year. |
| the parent that makes that final commitment to | | | | The final answer that your child gives to this ultimate |
| homeschool, and it is typically the parent who | | | | question, yes or no, can be directed to find the most |
| sustains the interest in it. So, how do you know if | | | | beneficial solution for your children and family. |
| you are doing a good job and if it's working for your | | | | Hopefully, the answer they give will match the |
| family? | | | | desires of your heart and your family's goals and |
| In the marketing scenario, the question boils down to | | | | aspirations. But in the discussion, be willing to listen to |
| this: "How likely would you be to refer someone to | | | | their heart, respond to their changing needs, and |
| this company (or product)?" In the homeschooling | | | | craft the ultimate homeschool program for your |
| situation, I believe the question to be, "Do you want | | | | family. You will find that when you value their input, |
| to keep homeschooling this year?" and it should be | | | | and they have the chance to "choose" for |
| asked each summer of each of the children that you | | | | themselves each year, you will have more agreement |
| homeschool. It's a question that makes parents | | | | and dedication to your homeschooling program |
| vulnerable to the whims of their children in a sense, | | | | throughout the year, too. |