Why Homeschooling?

There are as many reasons for homeschooling as there are families doing it. If you are reading this, chances are you are considering it yourself. You may be having trouble communicating your child's needs to the school he's currently enrolled in. Or maybe the headlines about violence in the schools is getting the best of you. You feel that your child isn't being challenged at school. Propaganda about same sex marriage, premarital sex and other moral issues are permeating your child's classroom walls. You have religious views that conflict with the teaching in your local school system. The list of reasons goes on and on.
But is home education really the right thing to do? Will you be sheltering your child too much? What about socialization? Can you handle teaching subjects on a high school level one day? These are the dark thoughts that strike fear in the hearts of prospective homeschool parents. And fear is the ultimate paralyzer. If you are to free your child from the chains of public education, you must first free yourself from these doubts.

Sheltering your child is actually your job as a parent. No child is born with the ability to navigate this cruel world on his own. He needs his parents to act as a buffer, creating a bubble in which to grow and enjoy the lavishes of being a child. Innocence is lost all too soon, and it can never be regained. Like a sapling tree that needs to be tied to a strong stake, children need to operate within a close circle around their parents and extended family to give them support and encouragement as they develop and grow. As the tree grows it's own sturdy root system and trunk, so the child gains self confidence and knowledge. The tie to the stake is loosened around the tree. So the parent opens up the circle around the child, allowing him to make more choices and explore farther from the home. Eventually the stake is removed from the tree, for no wind or strong rain can uproot it from it's foundation. The child also becomes rooted in the teachings of the parents, and is unshaken by the perils of the world. Homeschooling gives parents much more control over the growth and development of their children.

Lack of socialization is probably one of the biggest myths that overshadows the homeschool community. Most homeschool parents are actually overwhelmed with choices for social outlets for their children. Music lessons, church activities, support groups, cooperatives and community sports and clubs are just a few of the many ways homechool kids interact and flourish as "normal" children. Because homeschool children interact frequently with people of many ages, they can often converse with adults just as easily as with small children. Public school children spend most of their days grouped with children the same age. Therefore they are ones who often lack the social skills needed to hold an adult conversation or to relate to the needs of infants and toddlers.

Hopefully by now you are feeling more at ease about homeschooling. It really boils down to parent involvement and responsibility. But do you have what it takes to teach in your home? What happens when Chemistry or Algebra is on the agenda? The answer is simple. Even the best teacher or college professor is not without resources. If you run into a subject that intimidates you, seek help! You can study the subject yourself, staying ahead of your child in the curriculum. This keeps your brain sharp and allows for free continuing education for yourself. Or you can hire a tutor. Nothing says you cannot use outside sources to enhance your child's learning. Think of yourself as both teacher and school administrator, hiring additional instructors as they are needed. Many communities also offer homeschool cooperatives, hybrid homeschool-private schools that rely on parent volunteers for teachers. Even local community colleges are courting the homeschool student, offering dual enrollment opportunities for high schoolers wanting to earn college credits while they finish high school.

Homeschooling is rewarding in so many ways. Students can progress at their own pace and explore in depth subjects of great interest to them, in addition to the typical reading, writing and math. Resources are endless. The Internet, computer software, libraries, educational television programs and dvds, conventional curriculum and even tutors are fair game. Families can plan their own fieldtrips to give students more hands-on opportunities to learn.
But most of all, homeschooling keeps families close in their relationships with one another. Children grow up respecting parents as authority figures, teachers, mentors and companions. Parents stay connected to children through the trials of growing up, offering the love and support that fosters self confidence and responsible behavior. It's a win-win situation, but it takes hard work and dedication. Some parents view it as a sacrifice, but it is definitely the best investment anyone can make in the future.