I recently wrote about our family’s journey with homeschool thus far, where I ended by calling on other dads to get involved in the homeschool journey.

But I didn’t really recognize the importance of that call to action until after a conversation I had with our community director, Noelle. We were talking about the challenges that families commonly face when it comes to making the decision to homeschool. And I know there are a lot. But the one that I could relate most to was the role that fathers play.

Not surprisingly, the saying “as the father goes, so goes the family” is alive and well.

Put another way – if dad is on board, we see a family decide to homeschool. If dad is not on board, there is almost zero chance of it happening. And if it does happen, it often doesn’t last.

Dads – we are essential in not only influencing the decision to homeschool but also in shaping the success of the journey itself. Our leadership, presence, and support can transform this education choice into a thriving experience for the entire family.

Why Dads Matter in Homeschooling

First and foremost, we set the tone for our families.

When we value education, our children see it.

When we prioritize faith, our children see it.

And when we show up – not just as providers but as active participants in their education – we teach them that their growth matters deeply to us.

Here’s another crucial part – our spouses need this too.

This is one of the first lessons I learned on this journey – homeschooling is hard. Anyone who tells you differently is wrong. But it’s so worth it! What else would you rather your family invest in if not your children and the next generation? Mandy and I have grown closer and closer as we’ve navigated this together. We’ve had to lean on each other’s strengths and communicate more intentionally. For example, her creativity and diligence in planning have inspired me to step up my game. I know my Challenge A class appreciates this!

Another lesson? Dads bring a unique perspective to the homeschool community. We can show up as tutors and teachers, yes, but also as spiritual leaders, encouragers, and role models. Since there aren’t many male figures around, the impact we make is even greater.

And here’s a final lesson I learned – the biggest adjustment isn’t on the kids. It’s on us, the parents. The amount of “unschooling” we need to do in our own heads is mind-boggling. But as Kevin McAllister said in Home Alone, “it’s for the kids.”

Yes, homeschoolers might have seemed unconventional to me growing up. Now, we’re (proudly) among the feral ones running around with no socks and shoes. But I’ve come to embrace the incredible growth and learning happening daily, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Because this isn’t about convention, it’s about transformation.

How Dads Can Get Involved in Homeschooling

So what are some ways you can get involved and contribute?

• Be the Encourager: Celebrate victories and support your family through challenges. A kind word can change the course of the day.
• Lead Devotions: Start the day with prayer or a Bible study. This sets a spiritual foundation for the day.
• Teach a Subject: Share your expertise. For me, that’s often been math, writing, or physical education, but it could be anything you love.
• Plan Adventures: Field trips, hikes, or even backyard experiments can bring learning to life.

Dads, your role in homeschooling is more critical than you might realize. Your family looks to you for leadership and assurance. When you step into this role with courage and intention, you’re not just shaping your child’s education—you’re leaving a legacy of faith, strength, and love.

A Final, Most Important, Note

Our family doesn’t get this right all of the time. As with most snapshots in time, the way things look for us today is the result of trial and (lots of) error.

And none, absolutely none, of this would happen without the daily work Mandy puts in.

Although I am fairly involved as a homeschool tutor with our community group this year, my days at home are vastly different than Mandy’s. The part that I play today, at home, is quite similar to when we first began this journey and it’s what I recommend to other dads who want to help:

• As mentioned above, be an encourager. The days are long and the frustrations are many. Point out the progress you see, because while the long view is one of blessing and flourishing, when you’re in the dirt it’s hard to see the clouds.
• Listen. Don’t offer ‘a fix’ all the time. Just give space, ask questions out of genuine curiosity. For instance, lots of listening will be done around what curriculums are being considered!
• Offer reassurance. Like I said above, many times it can feel as if you are ruining your kids education despite knowing that isn’t true. Encouragement keeps you going, reassurance keeps you focused on the vision.

Let’s walk this path together. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re navigating this journey. And if you’d like some guidance, reach out.