How Does Homeschooling Work? Pros and Cons of Educating at Home

homeschooling Disadvantages advantages children parents

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Mar 06, 10:10 am

Homeschooling involves parents giving education for their children at home, straying from the traditional method of enrolling them in regular public or private schools.

The homeschooling trend gained power in the 1970s and remains totally common today. As of the 2021-2022 school year, almost 6% of school-aged children, totaling around 3.1 million learners in grades K through 12, were homeschooled, as stated by the National Home Education Research Institute.

Choosing Homeschooling for Kids Education

Homeschooling, fundamentally, necessitates educating children over the traditional school setting.

It exceeds the notion of merely having a child learn at the kitchen table with textbooks; a fruitful homeschooling program entails accurate planning and responsibility from both the parent and the child.

In its nature, homeschooling offers an adaptable learning structure, giving parents the flexibility to select the curriculum, teaching methods, and educational materials that coordinate best with their child's needs.

This stands in opposition to the institutionalized approach of public education, allowing parents not only to tailor the educational encounter to their child's unique learning style but also to combine their values and beliefs into their child's education.

The homeschooling process exhibits considerable variation among families, as there is no fixed or singular method.

Families may opt to purchase a curriculum, create their own using diverse resources, or enlist the assistance of tutors and local educational resources.

The success of homeschooling relies on discovering a learning method that effectively caters to both the parent and the child, with experimentation and adaptability being pivotal.

It's crucial to note that homeschooling is permitted and endorsed in all fifty states of the United States, with regulations differing by state.

Typically, parents are obligated to inform the school district of their decision, maintain records of their child's progress, ensure participation in standardized tests or assessments, and comply with other state-imposed requirements.

When discussing homeschooling and public schooling, various components warrant consideration.

Homeschooling gives resilience in designing the curriculum, choosing teaching methods, and structuring the schedule, whereas public schooling requires compliance to a foreordain curriculum and schedule.

Financial aspects vary, with homeschooling accommodating budget-friendly alternatives, while public schooling may incur costs such as uniforms and supplies.

Although concerns about socialization often arise in homeschooling, participation in extracurricular activities and community involvement can effectively address this issue.

Some individuals prefer homeschooling due to its personalized nature, safety from bullying, potential cost-effectiveness, and the opportunity for heightened parental engagement and bonding.

Top 15 Advantages of Homeschooling

Parents have the authority to shape the curriculum and establish their children's schooling timetable.
They can convey to their children that education is an enjoyable endeavor.
Building robust emotional connections with their children is facilitated.
Parents can tailor teaching methods to suit their children's individual learning styles.
Additional time can be spent on challenging concepts, progressing when children master a subject or concept.
Homeschooling grants for the creation of a flexible schedule, an extravagance often not available in public schools.
Parents have the capacity to give religious and ethical lessons to their children.
Homeschooling allows a shelter from school-related violence, drug-related issues, and other negative behaviors prevalent in public schools.
Personalized interaction is possible, a luxury often compromised in large classroom settings.
Extra time can be dedicated to sustenance of special talents, such as musical or athletic abilities.
Parents can choose when and how to discuss controversial topics with their children.
More quality time can be enjoyed with children, fostering stronger familial bonds.
Parents are better equipped to assist their children during adolescence and challenging times.
Homeschooling can strengthen spousal relationships as parents collaborate in educating their children.
The flexibility to plan vacations when public schools are in session is an added advantage.

Top 10 Potential Drawbacks of Homeschooling

Parents are forced to be with their children during the day, which can be difficult when dealing with uneasiness or misbehavior.
Regular explanations may be crucial for friends and relatives who may not understand or support the decision to homeschool.
Maintaining patience and controlling anger is essential when children face learning challenges.
Adapting to a slower pace than public school instruction can be a difficulty.
Considerable expenses may be incurred on books and learning materials.
Constant adaptation is necessary for parents to be effective teachers.
Continuous motivation of children can be demanding.
Seeking advice from other homeschooling parents may be essential to solve difficult problems or uncertainties.
The review of numerous curriculum programs to meet standards and suit their children's learning needs may be time-consuming.
Finding playmates and friends for children in similar circumstances may require additional effort.

While various benefits and drawbacks are similar with homeschooling, this overview provides a peek of what to assume as a homeschooling parent.

Homeschooling can be both difficult and effective, but it's not applicable for every parent; those vulnerable or unwilling to act to be efficient teachers should exercise vigilance.