You’ve answered the question of what is homeschooling. Now, deciding whether or not to homeschool your children is a HUGE decision. It shouldn’t be taken lightly. That said, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling will help you make a sound choice. After reading the pros and cons of homeschooling, you should be able to determine whether or not homeschooling may be right for you and your children. Giving each of the pros and cons of homeschooling serious consideration will enable to you decide which advantages of homeschooling you can live without… or which disadvantages of homeschooling you can’t live with.
Advantages of Homeschooling
- You choose the curriculum, scope, and sequence.
- You set the pace and schedule, and you can be flexible with it.
- Excellent teacher-to-student ratio. As a homeschooling Mom of three, at most I have three students and often times I’m working one-on-one with each of my kids.
- Developing strong, meaningful relationships with your children as you share in daily life.
- Teaching your values and beliefs to your child.
- The ability to tailor your child’s education to his or her primary learning style.
- The ability to accommodate your child’s unique learning needs and abilities.
- Nurturing your child’s natural talents , gifts, and interests.
- Traveling with family is without schedule constraints and you can make your travel educational.
- Demonstrating to your children that learning is fun and that being a lifelong learner is a valuable trait.
- The ability to move quickly through subjects mastered and slow down through subjects that they struggle with.
- Providing a safer physical, emotional, and moral environment for your child.
- Discussing controversial subjects and social issues with your child as they arise.
- The ability to use a variety of teaching materials – not limited to district or board approval.
- Teaching your children to learn, think, and act independently.
- Elimination of busy work.
- No after school pick up lines.
- Knowing when your child tries to take shortcuts or attempts to use a service to complete papers and being able to use unemployed professors review by John Milovich and his ScamFighters to teach your child about diligence and authenticity in their work.
Disadvantages of Homeschooling
- When you wear both the teacher and the parent hats, the potential for conflict is increased. Kids learn which buttons to push early on. Setting clear boundaries and clearly defining expectations is paramount.
- Time flies. Homeschooling, especially with multiple children, requires a real time investment and time can evaporate before your very eyes.
- Homeschooling can be a financial investment. It’s important to know how to save money on homeschooling needs.
- Finding “me time” can be a struggle. Homeschooling naturally means fewer breaks from your children, so you have to be intentional about taking care of your own health.
- Teaching subjects that are not your strong suit. Remembering that the fact that you homeschool does not necessitate that you be your child’s only teacher is key.
- Team sport may be limited. Knowing your community resources, as well as your district policies regarding inclusion of homeschoolers, is important.
- There are no school buses. While this may seem silly to mention, it seems really important to preschoolers, so…
- Listening to know it all’s and nay-sayers. Being a homeschooler can attract uninvited comments from know-it-all’s and nay-sayer’s. It may seem that everyone has an opinion of how you should school your children.
Need to learn more advantages of homeschool? This book clearly outlines the advantages of homeschooling (without bashing other educational options)!
HOME SCHOOL: Why Bother?: Is Home School an Advantage or Disadvantage?
Read more Homeschool Articles under my Homeschool tab.
