Tips To Raise Confident & Independent Children - A Homeschooling Mum's Perspective
Raising Confident and Independent Children: Building Foundations for Wholesome Adulthood
As parents, one of our key roles is to nurture qualities that help our children grow into wholesome adults who can confidently and effectively function within society. Confidence and independence are not just admirable traits; they are pillars that contribute to a child's sense of self-worth and ability to navigate the world. In this article, I'll share how I intentionally work to build confidence and independence in my children through simple, everyday actions that encourage autonomy, respect for boundaries, and decision-making skills.
1. Letting Them Walk Ahead:
One of the small but significant ways I encourage independence is by letting my children walk ahead of me in safe, familiar environments. This seemingly simple act gives them the chance to interact with people they meet on their own terms. I've found that when they encounter someone, they naturally greet and begin a conversation, which allows them to engage socially without my immediate presence. This approach fosters both social confidence and a sense of responsibility, knowing they can handle these situations independently.
2. Allowing Them to Speak for Themselves:
When people ask my children questions directly, I make a conscious effort not to speak on their behalf. This isn't always easy; sometimes they take a moment to gather their thoughts, or they might be hesitant. However, I believe in giving them the space to respond on their own terms. If they give an incorrect answer, I hold off on correcting it immediately, allowing them to manage the conversation. Later, I’ll gently clarify things to help them learn without feeling undermined. This small act reinforces their confidence in self-expression and gives them the chance to represent themselves authentically.
3. Creating an Environment that Promotes Independence:
Our home setup plays a huge role in encouraging independence. While we may not have child-sized versions of everything, I make sure that essentials—like resources and play materials—are accessible. Our home environment is flexible, with dedicated areas for play and even indoor activities like skating and scootering. Clear boundaries help my children understand their space, encouraging them to act autonomously within defined limits. They don’t have to come to me every time they want to try something; they know what is allowed and can explore confidently within those boundaries.
4. Equipping Them for Decision-Making:
Independence thrives on the ability to make choices. I frequently reiterate family rules so my children know the boundaries and expectations clearly. This approach empowers them to act with independence, even when I'm not directly supervising. Low-stakes decision-making opportunities, like choosing between play activities or setting small goals, teach them to assess options and make decisions.
5. Encouraging Their Successes:
Positive reinforcement is powerful for confidence building. I make it a point to acknowledge when my children make decisions, follow through with tasks independently, or respect the family’s boundaries. By recognizing these small moments, they understand that their efforts are noticed and valued. This boosts their self-esteem and reinforces their sense of autonomy, as they start to associate independence with achievement and self-respect.
Conclusion
As we guide our children on their journey to adulthood, fostering independence and confidence lays a strong foundation for their future. Remember, children need to experience autonomy to truly understand its value. When they are encouraged to make choices and operate within boundaries, confidence naturally grows as a byproduct. Teaching independence in a safe and supportive environment equips them with life skills that will serve them well into adulthood, empowering them to become resilient, capable individuals ready to take on the world.
Follow our homeschooling journey social media
.png)
How parents can be more involved in their children's education: The Unsung Hero of Education
.png)
Parental involvement in a child's education is often touted as a key factor in academic success. Yet, the nuances and complexities of this role are frequently overlooked. While the traditional model of school-based learning remains the norm in many societies, the rise of alternative education methods, such as homeschooling, is challenging our perceptions of parental involvement.
Whether a child attends a traditional school or is homeschooled, the role of parents as primary educators cannot be overstated. This involvement extends far beyond simply ensuring homework is completed or attending parent-teacher meetings. It encompasses creating a supportive learning environment at home, fostering a love of learning, and actively participating in a child's educational journey.
The Traditional School Setting
In the conventional school system, parental involvement typically manifests in various forms:
- Communication: Regular interaction with teachers through phone calls, emails, or conferences.
- Support: Assisting with homework, providing a quiet study space, and ensuring adequate sleep and nutrition.
- Participation: Attending school events, volunteering, and serving on school committees.
- Advocacy: Representing the child's interests and needs within the school system.
While these forms of involvement are undoubtedly valuable, it's essential to recognize that they often represent the tip of the iceberg. Deeper engagement involves understanding a child's intelligence, collaborating with teachers to develop individualized learning plans, and nurturing a lifelong curiosity for knowledge.
This post is sponsored by Gradely. Gradely empowers parents with personalised learning resources, so you can take charge of their progress and help them succeed in school and in life. Download the app on iOS and App store.
The Homeschooling Paradigm
Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity for parents to take a more hands-on approach to education. While it demands significant time and dedication, it also provides unparalleled flexibility and customization. Effective homeschooling requires:
- Curriculum Development: Creating or selecting a curriculum that aligns with the child's learning goals and interests.
- Instruction: Delivering lessons and providing guidance in various subjects.
- Assessment: Monitoring progress and adapting teaching strategies as needed.
- Socialization: Facilitating opportunities for interaction with peers through extracurricular activities and co-op groups.
It's crucial to remember that homeschooling is not simply a solitary endeavor. Parents who homeschool often form supportive communities and seek guidance from experienced homeschooling families.
Breaking Barriers
Regardless of the educational path chosen, overcoming challenges and fostering a positive learning environment are common to both traditional schooling and homeschooling. Factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural background, and parental education levels can significantly impact the level of involvement.
To bridge these gaps, schools, communities, and policymakers must work together to provide resources, support, and encouragement for all parents. By empowering parents to become active participants in their children's education, we can create a more equitable and effective learning ecosystem.
Ultimately, the success of any educational approach hinges on the strength of the parent-child relationship and the commitment to lifelong learning. Whether in the classroom or at the kitchen table, parents are the cornerstone of a child's educational journey.
How do you see parental involvement shaping the future of education? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Empowering Young Minds: Free Access to the Nigerian Curriculum and How Afrilearn Bridges the Gap
Education is the bedrock of a nation's progress, and Nigeria is no exception. As parents, we all strive to equip our children with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. However, accessing the Nigerian curriculum, the blueprint for their education can be challenging. Traditionally, curriculum materials have been limited and often come at a cost. These materials, frequently resembling a scheme of work, lack the detail and comprehensiveness needed for a well-rounded understanding.
This is where stakeholders like parents come in. We play a crucial role in supporting our children's education beyond the classroom. But how can we effectively do so if we don't have transparent access to the curriculum itself?
The good news is, the tides are turning. There's a growing movement towards making the Nigerian curriculum more accessible and user-friendly. This empowers parents to become active partners in their children's learning journey.
Enter Afrilearn: A revolutionary app designed to bridge this gap. Afrilearn is a free, digital learning platform specifically tailored for Nigerian students from primary to secondary school. Here's what makes Afrilearn a game-changer:
- Free Access to the Curriculum: Unlike traditional, paid resources, Afrilearn provides comprehensive curriculum content at no cost. This ensures equitable access to knowledge for all students, regardless of socioeconomic background.
- Beyond Schemes of Work: Afrilearn goes far beyond a mere scheme of work. It offers a rich learning experience with curriculum-based video lessons, detailed class notes, interactive exercises, and personalized study dashboards. Students can learn at their own pace, explore different learning styles, and solidify their understanding.
- Engagement is Key: Afrilearn understands that engaged students learn best. The platform incorporates gamified elements, making learning fun and rewarding. This approach not only motivates students but also helps them retain information more effectively.
Empowering Parents, Empowering Students:
Afrilearn empowers parents by providing them with the tools to actively participate in their children's education. With access to the curriculum and a clear understanding of learning objectives, parents can:
- Support Learning at Home: By understanding what their children are learning in school, parents can create a supportive learning environment at home. They can identify areas where their child might need extra help and find relevant resources within Afrilearn to bridge any gaps.
- Monitor Progress: Afrilearn's personalized dashboards allow parents to track their child's progress. This valuable information helps them identify strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to tailor their support accordingly.
- Become Active Partners: With Afrilearn, parents are no longer passive bystanders in their children's education. They can become active partners, fostering a love of learning and ensuring their child reaches their full potential.
Afrilearn is a beacon of hope, offering a future where access to the Nigerian curriculum is free and readily available. By embracing such innovative solutions, we can empower parents, engage students, and build a brighter future for Nigerian education.
Download the app today, available on ios and Andriod
.png)
Objections to Homeschooling from Nigerians || BBC Interview on Homeschooling In Nigeria
We are in a time in our history when mainstream media is interested in Homeschooling as a concept and it is something that will be welcome at the same time I don't think we are ready to be open-minded to learn and not be stuck in our ways.
BBC interviewed me last month on Homeschooling and I was so excited to talk about one of my favourite topics. .png)
As expected there were a lot of comments both negative and positive one interesting thing was how divided it was across platforms. Most of the comments from Facebook were negative and those on Instagram were positive.
In this article, I want to talk extensively on each of the objections and comments made, in case someone out there also needs some education.
On Competition & Real Life:
"Integration" back into society:
On Socialization:
On your influence and the downgrade of parents:
On selfishness & wickedness:
Sportsmanship & extracurricular activities:
In conclusion; Homeschooling is beneficial to both the child(ren) and the family but as a people, we need to be more open-minded and understand that because someone chose a different path it doesn't mean they are attacking your choice. The internet is a blessing and we should be ready to do the research that is necessary to educate ourselves so we can be better informed and maybe make better arguments!
Do you have any objections to homeschooling?
.png)
Honest review of Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons
.png)
There will come a time in your homeschool journey when you have to tackle learning how to read. The internet is full of various materials and various methods to go about this. I don't think there is one best way, I think there is the best way for you and your child.
Find a program and stick with it except you find it is not working then find another one.
I found the book "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" through a friend and he was generous enough to let me use it.
With more than one million copies sold, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is a remarkable step-by-step, phonics-based program that teaches your child to read in just twenty minutes a day—with love, care, and joy a parent and child can share. Now fully revised and updated with a Practice Guide for parents and an extra section with supplementary material! [source]
My Experience
When we started with the book, I just started with Day 1 and went on with it but because it wasn't a style of teaching my son was used to he pushed back a lot, each of the lessons was supposed to be done in 20mins because of his push back we ended up spending like 30 - 45Mins on one lesson. It was frustrating for me, it was frustrating for him. I stopped doing it all together after a couple of weeks. I would pick it up and stop on different occasions but at the beginning of 2024, I was determined to finish it and finally teach him. So we did another round of pep talk and set a target to finish by his birthday in March and we did.
What I did differently
What I did differently was become firm with him, letting him know he had no other choice but to actually go through with each lesson, and set a timer for us to see how long it would actually take if he didn't interrupt or complain to see how long we actually spend. I put a grand reward at the end of our goal ( A family friend gave him some cash). I did the lesson out of the book sometimes, created cardboard cards etc. We did a catch-up for the days we missed so we could finish our goal. I read the initial manual for the book.
What I love about the book
Here are a few things I love about the book.
1. I love that even as someone who knows absolutely nothing about how to start the template is for you, exactly what to say and how to go about it.
2. I love that the lessons are short and straightforward.
3. Love that the way it is designed it removes the confusion of English and how the rules and sounds can get confusing for young minds.
4. I love how you can go through it in such a short period.
5. It builds confidence for the child as there are a lot of repetitive words.
6. The program is not just about learning to blend, it incorporates comprehension, critical thinking, asking the right questions and writing.
Things to note if you want to use the book:
Read the initial write-up: I made the mistake of not reading the initial write-up because I don't really like reading small prints but when I eventually read it, I could understand better what I was supposed to do and how to better execute.
Learn the right pronunciation of the sounds: The way the program is designed and trying to mitigate against confusion where there are 2 sounds for "o" and "e" and "I" etc, they created it to be able to differentiate it quickly. If you are not familiar with it, when you are doing the lesson you might get confused yourself. Take time to learn the right sounds before you do the lessons.
You become better as you go along: As you go along you, will become better at it and you might not have to even do the lessons word-for-word as suggested.
You can always take a break: You don't have to do the 100 days at a stretch if you don't want to or if its getting frustrating for you or the kids.
You can use the opportunity to build on other values: We used the opportunity to understand that there has to be a process for everything, setting goals, powering through, hitting a target, and doing what needs to be done. It wasn't really about just learning to read, it was about so much more.
It is just the beginning: 100 days to teach your child to read is just a foundation, it doesn't stop there. You have to continue to build on the knowledge and at the end of the book there is a write-up to guide you on what is next.
It might not be for everyone: If your child doesn't naturally learn in this rigid way, it might just not be for you. My child doesn't learn this way normally but I used it as a tool to help him learn other things as he is older now. I wouldn't do that if he was younger, I would have tried another method.
Where to buy
I have not seen where to purchase the book here in Nigeria so if you have someone abroad or you have the means to ship it to Nigeria you can purchase it here
I found an e-copy of the book online and I uploaded it to my store for easy access as a lot of people were asking me for it on different occasions. Access it here
They have a website which has resources to help you as you use the book: https://startreading.com/
I recommend it and give it a 4/5 Cuddly loves. Would you try it? Get the e-copy first and see if it is something you would like to invest in.
Tips For Finding Remote Job Opportunities As A SAHM
The modern world has continued to unravel a series of evolutions in different spheres of life. So many industries have undergone a massive overhaul regarding how things are done. Several things have been discontinued, while others have been refurbished. One such industry is the labour industry. The industry has gotten a facelift that has improved the relationship between employers and employees of labour. Employers can now procure services of labour, regardless of thousands of miles separating the parties. This is known as remote work.
This has brought ease to the industry, as this has helped cut costs for employers and offer comfort and relaxation to employees while working. This arrangement works in the favour of a lot of people, as it is becoming rapidly saturated.
Remote work is particularly advantageous for stay-at-home moms because they can earn a decent living from the comfort of their houses while managing the home. However, the competition in the remote sector is stiff, because a lot of people are angling for jobs.
Therefore, it is pertinent to stand out of the crowd to guarantee a (remote) job. This article will arm you with the information that will make you find your next remote job quicker than you expected.
Table of Contents
Preparing to find a remote job
Common mistakes while Job-hunting
How to boost your chances of landing a remote job
Top 12 sites to find a remote job
Preparing to find a Remote Job
Learn a skill and upskill: The basis of the labour market is the fact that something is being offered either services or goods. Having a skill is one step to employability. To begin the journey of finding a remote job, a skill must be learned. The labour industry is a broad one, and this offers a lot of liberty to job seekers. There are a plethora of fields to choose from and thousands of services to offer. However, some fields are more saturated than others. As a SAHM, you can learn and attain mastery of a lot of skills like virtual assistance, web development, content writing, Copywriting, Content marketing, Digital marketing, Tech Sales, Project management, Product management and a lot more.
It is not enough to just learn these skills. To remain relevant and more employable, you have to keep your foot in the door. You might have been out of the career scene for a while but you still need to know what is happening, take courses in your free time. It’s a lot of work but it’s not impossible work.
Revamp your resumé: A resumé serves the same purpose as a product label. We have at one point or the other purchased an item because the packing was shiny and colourful, therefore irresistible. Your resumé should possess this same quality—the ability to captivate at first glance. The crux of the matter isn't to colour your resumé but to meticulously craft one that stands you out of the competition.
Certain industries require several keywords in applications. If your resumé does not possess this, you have invariably lost the opportunity. A good way to prevent this pitfall is to thoroughly research your industry and identify best practices during applications. Use strong descriptive adjectives that put you in a good light and remember your skill raising your children, running your home are also transferable into the working environment.
Develop your online presence: Social Media is currently the rage of the moment. The advent of social media has made information transmissible in a matter of nanoseconds while reducing the distance between the next person to a mere click and prompt. A lot of people have learnt to use this to their advantage, to promote their businesses or services they offer. As a remote job seeker, an online presence would be instrumental in landing your first or next job.
Learn to put yourself out there. Create content around the things you do. You never can tell, your employer might be on your radar. There are a lot of social media platforms to choose from. It can be TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest etc. There's also professional media like LinkedIn that consists of professionals from all over the world. To be successful on each platform, you have to learn how it works: algorithms, metrics and the like.
Send cold emails: A cold email is an email sent to a receiver without prior contact, used to make enquiries, solicit for a job etc. It is one of the items of email marketing. Cold mailing requires several skills. The email had to get to the right person to get considered. You have to contact the hiring manager or the person directly in charge of the team you are looking to join. You can find the emails of some of the company staff on LinkedIn or their website.
When sending a cold email, you have to be concise and straight to the point. Use an email Subject that explicitly describes what you want. After you've sent the cold email without a reply, send a follow-up email reinforcing your interest.
Sample of a Cold Email
Email Subject: Experienced [job title] seeking opportunities at [company name]
Dear [hiring Manager's name],
I hope you are doing well.
My name is[mention your name]. I am reaching out to you to express my passion for joining your company as a[Job Title].
My [X] years of experience in [your industry] has enriched me with a broad understanding of [specific skills and expertise] to perform excellently. I have the conviction that my skills and experience in[mention specific skills, qualifications, achievements] make me the best fit for [company name].
I would appreciate the opportunity to contribute to [company name]'s success and equally collaborate with other talented members of the team. I have attached my resume and a link to my portfolio [link to your portfolio] for your review. It highlights all my achievements.
I would be thrilled to be given a chance to discuss potential opportunities further and learn more about [company name]'s goals and visions.
Please let me know if there is a convenient time for a call or if you prefer to arrange an in-person meeting.
Thank you for considering my application.
I look forward to the possibility of working together and contributing to [company name]'s continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your name],
[Contact information]
Volunteer/Intern: It is not enough to acquire knowledge of skills to get employed. A practical application of what has been learnt is what makes the difference. No one would employ you if you've only finished learning a skill without experience. To gain this experience, a volunteer work or internship would suffice. Reach out to companies in your field and offer your services for free. If you get lucky, you will be paid stipends from time to time. Use this opportunity to learn the ropes of the profession. You can look for internship/volunteer opportunities on LinkedIn. Connect with the people in your industry and pitch your services to them.
Create a portfolio: For you to get hired, the employer(s) have to see your skills in action. You can only convince people to employ you with what you've done. If you are a newbie, you have to spontaneously create works about your industry. When you have done this, cull them together. A collection of previous works is what is known as a portfolio. Some platforms are dedicated to creating portfolios eg: WordPress, Canva, Journo Portfolio, and Clippings.me, Adobe portfolio, Muck Rack etc.
Sign up on Freelance platforms: A freelancer is a person who works independently and on a short-term basis for employers. Most freelancers work remotely. There are so many platforms dedicated to freelancers that connect the freelancer and employer. To get started, you have to sign up on these freelance platforms. Some freelance platforms include Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, Toogit, Toogle etc.
Common mistakes while Job-hunting
Untailored resumés/cover letters: Working in a particular industry comes with similar demands from most employers. However, job descriptions often have one or more things that differentiate them. For example, a person can be seeking to employ a writer in a specific niche with unique qualities. In this case, the Writer has to tailor their resumé to that niche in demand. Most job seekers often make the mistake of using their template resumés/cover letters to apply for jobs with specific demands, without tweaking them to fit that standard. Of course, your application would be rejected.
Applying for the wrong jobs with the right skills: You are probably unemployed because you've been applying for the wrong jobs with the right skills. This often happens when you gloss over job requirements hurriedly and turn in your application without a second thought. A job can have two different roles embedded in it. You can properly do one but not the other. In this case, do not bother applying, if you do not possess at least eighty per cent of the job requirements. Your ability to do a smaller part of the job is not enough to get you employed. To avoid this, thoroughly read job descriptions and requirements.
Failure to adhere to instructions: Some job advertisements come with specific instructions for application. It could be a particular format of submission, prompts to follow, or tasks to do. A good number of applicants often flout these instructions. This automatically earns you a rejection spot. To prevent this, go over the job ad at least twice. When you are about to submit your application, go over it once more and confirm that it tallies everything the requirements listed.
Dishonesty: It is difficult to not get desperate while seeking for job. Desperation can make you take the wrong approach. For instance, you've found your dream job, but you have insufficient years of experience required. You want to get this job and you end up falsifying your claims on your resumé. You will most likely get caught with a reference check. Be honest in your job applications. If your experience is insufficient, highlight your abilities in a captivating manner, in your resumé
Unpreparedness for interviews: Interviews are a crucial part of recruitment. At the interview stage, you will get to meet the hiring team or team lead of the department you're looking to join. Getting to the interview stage does not guarantee getting the job. Unpreparedness for the interview can prevent you from landing the job. Therefore, do not leave anything to chance. Prepare like you would for an examination, for interviews. Research the company and reach out to employees of the company. Most companies usually have standard interview tests peculiar to them. If possible, strive to get a hold of previous interview questions. Once you ace the interview stage, there's a ninety per cent chance you'll be hired.
How to Boost your chances of landing a remote job
Have the right skills: Every job requires certain skills. You'll land a job quicker than you can imagine when you have all it takes to do the job. Research the field you want to work in and all the skills required for it and constantly develop yourself.
Tailoring your resume: It is important to tailor your resumé to match the job requirements. Do not just apply for jobs blindly. Read the requirements thoroughly, then tweak your application to match the job description.
Strategic cold mailing: Cold emails sent randomly won't produce any results. Rather, research the company and reach out to people in specific departments that you're looking to work in. Use strong, descriptive language to highlight your skills and exude confidence. If you don't get a reply after one week, send a follow-up email.
Relevant work experience: The years of experience of a job seeker serve as proof of expertise. Having relevant work experience increases your chances of landing a job. You can gain experience through volunteering or internship.
Social Media Visibility: Social Media visibility can be instrumental to landing your dream job. Employers are on the constant lookout for talent on social media. If you are on social media and you create content around the things you do or your expertise, you will land a job in no time.
Networking: The importance of networking cannot be overemphasized while Job-hunting. Endeavour to join the community of professionals in your field. This way, you will build meaningful relationships and possibly get recommendations to your future employer. Do not be dormant in such associations. Take active steps to form relationships and exchange ideas. Through this, you'd boost your chances of getting a job.
Top 12 Sites To Find a Remote Job
There is an ever-increasing pool of job seekers. This further toughens the competition. It is not out of place to encounter multiple rejections. When this happens, do not give up. Make sure you have adequate skills and keep applying. Sooner or later, you will land that dream job of yours.
Get a FREE chapter of my book Free to fly: How to thrive as a stay-at-home mum here. You can also place your order Here