Perhaps you have just learned about homeschooling, or perhaps you’re in the process of researching it to see if you like the sound of it. You have probably already determined that homeschooling is not right for every family, as some families simply can’t manage to pull it off, while others do spectacularly and raise well-adjusted, wonderfully-educated children. So, the big question in the back of your mind most is very likely to be, “Is homeschooling right for me?”
The Advantages
When considering whether homeschooling is right for you, think about everything that’s good about it. For starters, homeschooling is very flexible and can be adapted to a wide range of lifestyles, environments, and family situations. This means that you can take a Tuesday off and visit the museum, take a vacation in November when the prices are low, or give your child a day off if they’re sick without any major problems. Also, if you have any unique lifestyle practices, disabilities or beliefs (particular religions, veganism, a child’s allergies or disabilities, etc), you can easily accommodate them without worrying about what your children is up to at public school.
Every child is unique, and homeschooling recognizes this. When your child doesn’t understand a concept, you can simply go over the module again, seek out additional learning resources or worksheets, and approach it from a different angle so that they will learn. This is definitely favorable compared to public school, where children are likely to go unheard if the rest of the class understands something and they don’t. It works the opposite way, too – fast learners are not punished for being quick to grasp a concept.
The Disadvantages
There are also downsides to homeschooling that must be considered if you want to realistically predict whether or not homeschooling is right for you. One of the primary downsides is that your child must make a little extra effort to socialize with his or her peers. Children in school are naturally around other children within a year to four years’ age difference, but children at home are exposed to a wider age range of people. They might talk to grandparents at the swimming pool and help a lost toddler at the grocery store, for example, all before the public school children get out for the day. You may have to join a homeschooling group or involve your child in extracurricular activities in order to give your children the chance to spend time with those their own age. (This can be also an advantage, as homeschooled children can be remarkably mature and well-adjusted for their age due to their more frequent interactions with older people.)
One of the primary disadvantages is actually the reactions of your relatives and friends. Although homeschooling is becoming better known, in some areas or social circles, it is still frowned upon as something that will permanently cripple the poor child who undergoes it. You will have to work hard to prove otherwise, and often it is better to simply ignore the naysayers rather than trying to prove a point.
Homeschooling is a wonderful way of educating your children yourself, but you have to carefully consider whether it is right for you before you dive in.