As a parent, my goal is to raise loving, humble and functional children. I plan exciting field trips for them. I research the best, most engaging curriculum that I think my boys will enjoy. I spend more time planning their social calendar than I do my own. Educational toys, games, and puzzles fill our classroom. I spend days creating detailed lesson plans and guarding them dearly. I feel compelled to sit next to each child while he works, so that I can correct each and every mistake. I come running if either child even  seems to have a question. Virtually each and every moment of their education is thoughtfully planned and executed. And I am exhausted.

No one told me how time consuming homeschooling would be. I had no idea that I would constantly worry that I am not doing enough. I did not know that my kids would get sick of me trying to help them. Then it hit me- I am robbing my kids and myself of the joys of homeschooling. By my over-involvement, I am not leaving my kids room for self growth. How can I expect them to be industrious, hard-working and resilient if I am always there to plan, prepare and rescue them along the way?

This high level of involvement is called micromanagement and it is a nasty habit which often rears its head in the homeschool classroom. Instead of adding to our children’s educational experience, are unwittingly robbing them of it?

10 Signs that You Are A Homeschool Micromanager:

1. Repeating yourself
2. Constantly checking to see if work has been done
3. Scheduling every moment of your child’s day
4. Obsessing over lesson planning
5. ...

Have you ever wanted to bring your whole family to the convention? What if we told you that you can bring your immediate family (spouse and children) at no charge in exchange for joining the CHAP Convention Team? Do you like to write? We have an immediate need for a Scholarship and Essay Contest Coordinator who can oversee the set up and administration of annual writing contests and inspire our homeschooled students to communicate effectively. If your interests lie in other areas, but you'd like to consider being on the CHAP Convention Team, click  here where you can see a limited number of opportunities.  CH AP is dependent on people just like you in order to continue serving PA homeschool families.

Many of our 2016 speakers shared their expertise with us on topics that apply to more than just homeschooling but families who don't homeschool miss out on hearing their good and wise advice. Consider purchasing a CHAP recording to donate to your church library or a family who is struggling with their public schooled children as a ministry to them.

Topics that have been addressed and are of value to all families include:

Q: What is the role of the diploma programs in Pennsylvania?

 

A: The diploma programs have a role in helping parents who would like assistance in 
planning their child’s high school years. They provide an outline that helps parents fulfill the law and set standards that are related to their particular diplomas. After successful completion the student receives a diploma from the organization.

With the passage of the new homeschooling law in 2014, a state approved parent-issued diploma is now regarded with the same level of recognition as private or state school diplomas. So in the end, each family must determine what they would like to do as they travel this home educational model: use a diploma program, use a state approved parent- issued diploma, or non-state approved parent-issued diploma. If you get a diploma from one of the approved diploma agencies, they are recognized by the state. They have the same status as the state approved parent-issued diploma. Some colleges are aware of some of these diploma programs, and sometimes this may help in the admission process. However, only two states in the union have these programs, and out-of-state homeschooled students and Pennsylvania homeschooled students have been and will continue to be able to get into college with just parent-issued diplomas.