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Is Homeschooling a Good Idea?

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So you are considering homeschooling but have so many questions. Is Homeschooling a Good Idea? What are the disadvantages of being homeschooled? What is the success rate of homeschooling? Is homeschooling really worth it? What is a good reason to be homeschooled This post will answer some of those unanswered questions and will help you decided if Homeschooling will be a great fit for your family.

Is Homeschooling a Good Idea?

This is a very controversial topic. Unfortunately, there is no “one-size fits all” answer to this question. While some will give their everything it, not everyone supports the idea. Homeschooling may be a success for some (for both parents and kids), while others may struggle with it for various reasons. Here are some things to consider when deciding if homeschooling is a good fit for you.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Start Homeschooling?

So you want to know, what qualifications do you need to homeschool your child? From the states we’ve love in, the only qualification you need to homeschool is nothing. But different states have different requirements to meet their learning standards that you will need to look into when considering homeschooling.

While there aren’t any specific qualifications required by state to teach your child, you should, though, have a knowledge of what you will teach the kids.

  • Study Materials Before – You can study your materials before teaching the kids. That way, you’re not scrambling to understand the material as you are teaching. That would put slow down both you and kids learning. If you are unsure of something, ask someone or look up the answer via the internet.
  • Online Curriculum – You may choose to enroll the kids through an online program. There are many out there that have full school programs and will take your child through everything from Handwriting to History. These are some that we have used.

How Much Does it Cost to Homeschool Your Child?

While there are a world of Free Homeschooling Resources out there, you want to make sure they are right for your child. There will be some start up cost as you begin. Whether that cost be large or small, depends on the materials and homeschool resources you decide to use. See above under “Is Homeschooling a Good Idea?”

What are the Advantages of Being Homeschooled?

What is a good reason to be homeschooled?

Below is a list of some good reasons why it may be an advantage to homeschool. Keep reading to also see a list of disadvantages below.

  • In Charge of Education – You become in charge of your child’s education. You have the opportunity to choose the best learning materials according to your needs. Do a research, ask other homeschool parents what thy use, test things out to find what is best.
  • The Ability to Spend More Time with Your Children – You have the opportunity to spend time with your children all day as opposed to when they go off to school. You’ll know exactly where they are, what they are doing and learning as they will be with you.
  • Learn at One’s Own Pace – Can take extra time on concepts or move on once the child is ready. According to Business Insider, “Without formal curricula to guide their education, homeschoolers get the chance to explore a range of topics that might not be normally offered until high school or college. They can study psychology in fourth grade, or finance in eighth grade.”
  • Flexibility – Homeschoolers have the advantage to tailor schooling according to their lifestyle. School can be done in the morning or afternoon, depending on what
  • More Experienced Learning – Homeschoolers are flexible to do regular field trips.
  • Avoid the morning Rush – You don’t have to rush out the door in the mornings. Whee!

What are the Disadvantages of Being Homeschooled?

  • Confused Over Choosing Materials: While you may know what areas your child needs help the most in, there are so many different types of curriculum and means for teaching your child at home. At times, it can feel confusing knowing which method will be best before testing them out (i.e example, which curriculum will have what you hope to accomplish). Sometimes these things don’t come about unless by trial and error – you try something for a while then have to switch mid-way. It’s all OK though because you are working toward the goal of using what is best for your child.
  • Money for School – Spend large amounts of money on materials and online learning.
  • Kids Get Attached – Children can get attached to parents and may develop some form of tidiness.
  • Feeling Isolated – While Social Media & Game apps allow children to connect with each other, it does not offer face to face interactions and for kids to really get to know others personally.
  • Lack Community – You may spend a lot of time trying to develop community and friendships both for you and the kids, especially if you are new to an area (I’m speaking from experience). That might mean you have to travel long distances just to meet up with others so your kids can interact with others (also speaking from experience).
  • Feeling Overwhelmed– Moms can become overwhelmed juggling homeschooling and everything else she has on “her plate.” Some moms have their children do daily chores before or after homeschooling and have a “helping” hand from another person. That person can come once a week to help with laundry, grocery, or some other task that can take up a large amount of time.
  • Kids Co-operation – Children may not always co-operate when mom’s the teacher as opposed to when they are in an actual classroom

To learn about more advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling, see Education Corner and Allison Academy

What is the Success Rate of Homeschooling?

According to Business Insider, “Research suggests homeschooled children tend to do better on standardized tests, stick around longer in college, and do better once they’re enrolled. A 2009 study showed that the proportion of homeschoolers who graduated from college was about 67%, while among public school students it was 59%.”

“Students from Catholic and private schools fell even lower in college graduation rates, with 54% and 51% of kids, respectively, completing all four years”. Source: Business Insider.

So, Is Homeschooling Really Worth It?

Yes, it is. But it may not always be a good fit for everyone depending on their lifestyle. Before you decide to homeschool, take some time to figure this out and see where you fit in. If you decide to go that route, you’ll eventually learn what works and what doesn’t. Your decision may raise some questions among others, but just remember you are doing it because you think it is best for your kids and it works for your family.

Sources:

The Advocate – Is Homeschooling a Good Idea? 

Business Insider – The Smartest

Education Corner – Benefits and Disadvantages of Homeschooling

Homeschool Panda – Benefits of Homeschooling

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27).

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