Introduce yourself.
I am from lahore, Pakistan. I have two kids. Son is above 19 and daughter just turned 12. We follow unschooling method. I remained pure homemaker all motherhood until kids were ready to be taught the concept of entrepreneurship. I also started online teaching when I was training them to teach different online courses.
I'm also running an online holistic wellness club and recently started a home based food business.
What inspired you to choose homeschooling for your children?
Alhamdulillah, it was way before the pandemic that we quit school and started homeschooling. Among many other reasons, the most significant was my belief that our education system teaches useless, outdated material and lacks the necessary knowledge that should be updated with time.
Observing the outcomes of our education system in society always made me uncomfortable. There is no specific age at which children are supposed to be independent in our society and make their own decisions.
Here is a poem written by my daughter.
So, I believe our system is creating weak human beings in all aspects, whether it be religiously, psychologically, or socially. I was out of that system.
Your children are running businesses at such a young age! Could you tell us more about their businesses and how they got started?
Both of my kids have been running an online institute with me for the past 3 to 4 years, where we offer various courses from time to time, such as mental math, solving Rubik's cube, geography, coding, IT courses, Urdu language, and academic math. Alhamdulillah, they are excellent teachers.
Kids love studying from them, and they also enjoy it. They design the courses with me, set time durations, and learn and practice patience, dealing with kids, time management, and many other valuable traits. I love seeing them taking charge and leading the class.
A few months ago, my daughter started her separate business selling beaded jewelry and will soon add cookies to her offerings. She manages her Instagram account herself, handling all photography and updates. I only offer advice. She is learning to keep promises and fulfill them on time, deal with difficult customers, and manage money. She learned about different color combinations and techniques for choosing colors in a product on her own. She borrowed 10,000 Rupees from her father to start the business, and now all the supplies are purchased with her own earned money.
My son is doing some freelancing using various IT skills, learning woodwork, and managing our family's home-based food business. He is learning about the presentation of food, the quality of ingredients, purchasing skills, offering healthy choices to society, sticking to our rules even if it results in a loss, managing the hustle and bustle of delivering hot or frozen items, and managing his finances. Alhamdulillah, he is financially independent to some extent.
The motivation behind it is my training. I slowly and gradually trained them for these responsibilities, empowering them, and in turn, they empowered me. 💗
From your perspective, what are some of the key differences between homeschooling and traditional schooling?
Homeschooling offers freedom, which I love the most. Freedom for learning and even for not learning 😂.
Sibling bonding, understanding their parents' efforts, situation, and health, and being closer. Homeschooling makes kids in charge of their own learning.
What role have you played as parents in supporting your children's entrepreneurial journey?
Alhamdulillah, it was my sole effort. Nobody in the family supported me, not even my husband. When he first heard about it, he opposed the idea that they don't need to earn at this age. It demotivated me for some time, but then teaching seemed to be the most feasible option. I had also been teaching my whole student life, so he didn't oppose it much. The kids loved having their own money and saving for the things they wished to buy.
I had many hobbies in childhood that I couldn't continue because there was no idea of making things and keeping them at home. I gifted and gifted, and then I left all my hobbies altogether. So I teach my kids not to abandon their hobbies but to continue them by sharing them with others and teaching that skill while earning through it. It's a win-win situation. My son bakes and makes ice cream. Soon, Insha'Allah, he will add this to the menu too.
What changes have you noticed in your children since you started homeschooling?
My kids are introverts, just like both their parents. I respect their nature and try to teach them to love themselves as they are. Being away from school bullies and comparisons has had a great positive impact on them.
They are shy but confident, and they express themselves when they need to. Their frustration has turned into calmness. The only thing is that sometimes they find it hard to accept that they are different and living differently from societal norms.
My son is the eldest in the homeschooling group in our city, so he can't relate to anyone. But, Alhamdulillah, they spend their time free of exam stress. Insha'Allah, my son will start university next year.
Can you describe a typical day in your homeschool?
Our two days are never the same, so I can't describe a typical day. Some days have online classes, some days have meetups or onsite classes. Some days are for family cooking, and some are for outings. Recently, I hired my son to teach his sister the curriculum and topics I assign. He explains them to her, and then she makes a presentation on it. I try to give one-on-one time to both of them, which is a must, apart from family time and games, etc.
Have you encountered any negative opinions or judgments from others regarding your choice to educate your kids at home?
Yes, often my close family was against this idea. I received offers for financial help so that my kids could go to school. People were more worried about my kids' future. Alhamdulillah, now they ask me for suggestions. I have learned to bypass the situations that bother me or my kids, and we mostly engage with the homeschooling circle only to avoid such negative comments and petty stares.
What advice would you give to other parents who are considering homeschooling their children and encouraging them to pursue entrepreneurial interests at a young age?
Don't just be fascinated by the idea and jump into homeschooling. It's a very vast topic. Learn about different methods of homeschooling and choose the one best suited to your lifestyle, family background, and you and your kids.
Don't copy anyone's idea. Every kid is unique. Find out their interests and cherish them. Turn their hobbies into entrepreneurship from a young age, at least. I tried to teach kids how to start a business with nearly zero investment and by utilizing already available resources. It requires much courage as parents too because we may not have learned it, but we can teach kids to take small risks. This makes them brave in their decisions and gives them confidence. Kids can learn entrepreneurship even through origami or by teaching football skills to younger kids.
Who are three (or more) homeschoolers or education experts that you recommend people follow and learn from, and why do you find their work valuable?
I don't follow anyone completely, but I listen to many people and take what suits me, leaving what's not for me. I read Umm e Khalid's blogs, Salman Siddique, and Faiz Sial and learned different things from all of them.
As you reflect on your homeschooling journey, what are you most proud of, and what advice would you give to other homeschooling families to create a successful and fulfilling educational experience for their children?
I am thankful to Allah Kareem for giving me the courage to stand up for my kids, whereas I never stood up for myself. I stuck to my belief when everyone was against this decision. Back then, I didn't have much access to social media. I knew little about homeschooling, but Alhamdulillah, I knew I was at least saving my kids from many things. With time, Allah Kareem opened many new ways for our learning journey. I can't thank enough. The ideal situation is where both parents discuss and mutually decide and both participate in educating their kids in different skills and subjects.
Speak your heart.
I think I have said enough, so I should stop now. ☺️ There are many things and many little moments I would like to share. But the most cherished memory is when I fell extremely ill and was admitted to the ICU, bedridden for 6 months. I love both my kids for their mature attitudes and their care towards me and each other. I felt that my kids became my parents in no time. They never left me alone, and I love to see that they are empathetic, compassionate, and will become good citizens and honest Muslims who are useful to society.