I know what you’re thinking….how in the world can The Bachelor teach us anything about homeschooling? But let me tell you, there are some big lessons we can learn from this franchise!
Now don’t get me wrong here, The Bachelor is everything you think it is. It’s a vapid reality tv show, where 1 man dates 20 women at once and picks one to get engaged to only 8 weeks later. It sounds crazy, but so many people (me included) love watching it! Whether it’s The Bachelor, Bachelorette, or Bachelor in Paradise, if one of them is airing, you can find me watching it.
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My husband Steve tells me that he just doesn’t understand why I would watch it; he thinks it’s such a waste of time. I can’t really even explain why I like it. I just do. Maybe it is a waste of time. Am I going to stop watching? Probably not. I’ve been watching this show for 10 years!
The past few years I’ve been watching it spoiled because I read RealitySteve.com and it’s even better with his commentary!
What The Bachelor Can Teach Us About Homeschooling
In this same way, I’m sure we can all think of many shows and games that our kids LOVE that we just don’t get it. You think they are poorly made or just a waste of time. You would rather your kids watch something educational or read a book.
My boys love watching ToyLabTv on YouTube. It’s silly and not that well made (sorry!). It’s not educational. They like it because it’s entertaining and fun. They aren’t the only ones; it’s a super popular YouTube channel.
After a few weeks watching it regularly, I noticed something, the boys would often watch an episode then turn it off and go build with Legos. They were inspired by the show! The show I thought was so silly and useless, has resulted in more complex and thoughtful lego projects.
I’m not about to give up watching the Bachelor, even though there are probably more educational things I could be watching or listening to instead. I enjoy it, so I’m going to keep watching it. And it’s usually what I watch on the iPad while I do the dishes or fold laundry. It makes those tasks some what enjoyable for me. I’ve also been inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of some of the contestants. Honestly though, I just like it! If we as adults aren’t going to give up our indulgences, why should we expect our kids to?
Pursuing Their Passions
What if their indulgences actually lead to learning? Right now it’s that my kids are building more complex lego creations due to a YouTube channel that wouldn’t be something I would choose for them. Later on, maybe they’ll decide that they want to try making videos. They’ll eventually find something new to get excited about and that will inspire them in new ways that I can’t even imagine.
When kids are excited about something, it usually does lead to creativity and learning. It might not be a traditional school subject, but it’s still valuable learning. They’re learning to follow their passions and pursue them.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I think as parents, we can set boundaries! We have certain times of the day that are for certain things. My kids also get 2+ hours of free time when they can use screens. I make sure what they are watching is safe and appropriate, but otherwise I let them choose and they get to have time to enjoy themselves.
I Challenge You
Give your kids space and time to pursue their passions – even if their passions seem silly to you!
Watch closely. See if they get inspired to do something.
Listen to them when they talk about it with you.
Engage with them in discussions.
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