The option to homeschool has been something I have been interested in exploring ever since I was pregnant with my son.  He is only 18 months old now so I still have some time to decide if we will homeschool or not.  My husband and I see both the pros and cons of it and we are lucky that the public schools in our area are ranked very high. 

I noticed right away when the topic came up one night at a dinner with friends that I got some strange looks for saying that I would consider homeschooling.  People seem to think that you are going to have a social misfit that can’t keep up with the other kids educationally or socially.   I felt like they thought it was one step away from abuse because our poor child would be isolated and lonely and we must be control freak parents for even thinking of such a thing.  Even though there is alot of positive research regarding homeschooling there is still a stigma attached to it.

There are many reasons to consider homeschooling.  You may want to incorporate religion into your child’s curriculum.  You may want to have a little more say in what they are learning about in regards to politics and current events.  The rising statistics of school violence, gangs, and peer pressure may concern you.  Maybe your child is already in public school and being mislabeled by them with ADHD or other learning problems.  Whatever the reasons are homeschooling parents want better for their child and feel that they can do a better job of delivering this than the government can. 

I find the homeschooling lifestyle very attractive.  If done well it allows a healthy family life and socialization benefits.  I think many people believe that a homeschooled child sits at the kitchen table all day reading books by themselves.  This is not the case and most homeschooled children spend a large portion of time at the library, museums, parks, and after school activities just like public school children.  There is more family time because chaotic rushed meals, hours of endless homework, and commuting are no longer taking up valuable time together.  Also they are not subjected to all the negative socialization that takes place in school regarding sex, violence, and drug/alcohol abuse.

Socialization is probably the one thing that concerns parents the most about homeschooling their kids.  But the reality is that children often don’t respond well to large groups.  Peer pressure causes them to want to be like everyone else and not think for themselves.  They become nervous and overexcited which causes learning to become difficult and may promote behavioral problems.  Studies have shown that children are best socialized by parents and not other children.   In many studies homeschooled children have displayed more self-confidence, leadership and independent thinking than their peers. 

If you want to consider homeschooling there are alot of great resources available thanks to the internet.  Consider the following:

  • You don’t have to have a PHD in order to educate your children as there are many online courses and curriculum’s to choose from all the way through high school.   (many colleges accept homeschooling as well, including ivy league)
  • Find homeschool groups in your area or start your own.  Its a great way to make friends and have your child socialize with other homeschooled kids
  • Have your child join a club or group that interests them.  There are many free ones to choose from if money is an issue such as girl and boy scouts, 4-h clubs, and sports programs
  • Consider how it will affect your life as a parent.  It may cause financial issues if you are not used to living as a one income family since one parent will have to be home with the children.  Even if you can work from home your time will be limited.  You will have little free time and be with your children pretty much 24/7 so you need to be honest and decide if this is for you.

I believe the benefits are real to homeschooling and it shouldn’t be ignored just because people think it’s unconventional.  There is no evidence to say that homeschooling in any way hurts your child or will make them less educated or social, in fact the complete opposite may be true.  I think if you are interested in it then find out more information and make an informed decision.  It might be the best thing you can do for your child!

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