Parents might consider homeschooling as an option for various reasons. First, the conditions in public schools may be unsatisfying. Second, private schools are too expensive. Third, their children might have special needs due to their health state. Any of these situations motivate adults to look for the best environment to make sure that their kids get an education in comfort. Such a decision has positive and negative aspects. In the following post, we will discuss some pros and cons of homeschooling to help you make the right decision.
Pros of homeschooling
More time for extracurricular activities
Homeschooling takes no more than a couple of hours per day, which allows youngsters to devote more time to other activities like art, rest, trips, and communication with peers.
Personalized education
Homeschooling allows creating a productive educational environment for children with disabilities and special needs. Kids with dyslexia, ADD, and other issues can benefit from an alternative educational system that fits them.
Learning is more important than testing
When children are not worried about the marks too much, they can invest more attention and energy in education. Kids experience less pressure when their results are tested at home, which is a safe and comfortable environment. They avoid the temptation to cheat or hire a professional thesis writer when homework becomes too complicated. Of course, parents and homeschool teachers can offer tests for kids that study at home, but the level of stress and frustration would be much lower.
More time for other opportunities
Homeschoolers have more chances to discover new opportunities and devote time to something beyond the school setting. Sports, creative classes, music lessons, drawing, and other activities are available for homeschoolers as well.
Flexible schedule
There is no need to study during traditional school hours when you practice homeschooling. Learners can change the program and rearrange it to fit their lifestyle and other activities.
Alternative teaching methods
Homeschooling allows one to try different teaching methods and approaches to find the one that fits perfectly. Whether a child needs a thrilling or relaxed environment like unschooling, there is an opportunity to try both and choose the best option.
Cons of homeschooling
Income troubles
Sometimes, parents choose to homeschool when they want to save money because private schools are too expensive. However, when homeschooling makes you a stay-at-home mom, you might lose more than you save. Consider the financial side of the issue when choosing the better option for your family budget.
Preparations take time
While homeschooling is a perfect option for parents who work from home or don't work at all, they still need to devote time to preparations and scheduling. Not only they have to teach their kids, but they also prepare each lesson carefully, which eats their time up.
Outside resistance
It might be hard to deal with social resistance when you practice homeschooling. Parents have to prepare for unfair stigmatization, which is not very inspiring. Indeed, homeschooling is controversial, so additional social pressure can become a serious psychological obstacle for both adults and youngsters. Research an issue and have an educated opinion about your choice to respond to the negative pressure you will definitely face.
Law issue
Make sure that you know the state laws that regulate homeschooling in your region. Some states have flexible rules for homeschoolers, while the others are not that easy to deal with.
Parents have no individual time
Homeschooling a child, you always parenting. This extremely demanding practice takes all of your time since you need to research, plan, and prepare lessons regularly. You are obliged to ensure perfect homeschooling experience, which is pressing. Parents might need some time for themselves. It is hard to find it when you are involved in homeschooling 24/7.
Conclusion
When choosing homeschooling as an educational option, you involve your entire family. You need to understand that this is a serious decision that will influence all of your everyday practices and lifestyle as a whole. Whatever problems and difficulties you face, trust yourself and what is more important - trust your kids. Encourage them to have a rich extracurricular life and discover new possibilities outside learning. When you feel lost, communicate with other homeschooling parents and remember that your choice is not permanent. You can analyze the results and determine if this format suits your family. If it doesn't seem satisfactory, you can come back to formal education at any moment.
