Homeschooling With the Five Love Languages
Many families have said they homeschool out of love for their children. Yet many cannot deny that it can be overwhelming having their kids around them twenty-four hours a day as tantrums and disagreements do surface from time to time. To curtail these problems, Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages explains that each person speaks one dominant Language of Love, followed by a secondary one. This applies to children too.
The first step is to identify each child’s Love Language and find ways to homeschool through each unique Love Language.
What are the 5 Love Languages?
The Five Love Languages are Positive Affirmation, Touch, Acts of Services, Quality Time and Gifts. Every child speaks at least one dominant Love Language, so parents should identify which language suits each child the best.
If a child constantly tries to impress a parent and waits for a positive response, then Words of Affirmation is his Love Language.
If a child loves hugs, kisses or tries to do practically anything to be touched (like squeeze in next to a parent or climb on top of a parent), then her Love Language is Touch.
If a child often requests for parents to do things for him, then his Love Language is Acts of Services. Similarly, he will love to help out in return.
If a child constantly demands undivided attention and tends to act out when feeling neglected, then her Love Language is Quality Time together.
Lastly, if a child thrives on receiving and giving gifts, then his Love Language is Gifts.
How to Show Love Through Words of Affirmation
For children who thrive on positive affirmation, praising them upon completing a task is a great way to express love. Children are very much creations of their teachers, and as a homeschooler, it is important for parents to take advantage of creating intelligent and confident children.
Investing in a sticker collection and an “achievement” chart is one way to show positive affirmation. Gold stars or pink hearts (or their favourite stickers) are great as rewards. Alternatively, writing positive notes to children on their worksheets or a report card full of positive comments will also boost their interest for learning




