There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.

-Gandhi

Before embarking on the homeschooling journey, it would be a good idea to take a moment to consider the pros and cons of homeschooling to feel that you truly are making the right decision.  Understanding the advantages along with the challenges will help to empower parents to achieve success.

Pros of Homeschooling

1. Customized Education

One of the most compelling aspects of homeschooling is the ability to tailor a learning experience specifically for your child.  This is possible in a one-on-one environment not available in a school setting where the curriculum is set by authorities disconnected from your child’s classroom or your school district or even possibly your state.

2. Flexibility and Freedom
Homeschooling offers incomparable flexibility of schedule and the freedom to pursue a child’s passions and natural strengths.  No more rigid schedules determined by the school bell, teachers’ mandates, and time wasted on superfluous topics that take away from actual learning time.   Instead, families are able to take spontaneous field trips, embrace the joys of experiential learning and tailor the day to the child’s rhythm.

3. Strong Parent-Child Bond
Spending more time together fosters a close connection and deep understanding between parent and child.  Parents are there to share the moments of academic as well as emotional development.  As their mentor, a parent gets to guide her child through the most appropriate education.  And being able to see a child’s progress firsthand is priceless.

4. Safe Haven For Learning

Without all the distractions a child faces in school, a true love of learning can be easily fostered.  There’s none of the social pressure, bullying, mind-numbing worksheets and irrelevant tasks, wastage of time or social/political agendas being pushed.  A child can feel free to express himself openly without the fear of thinking differently.

5. Real-Life Socializing 

Homeschooled children have the opportunity to regularly interact with people of all ages, backgrounds, talents and skills.  Rather than being confined in an institutional atmosphere all day surrounded only by other children their same age, children can be out in the real world.  This allows for young people to grow up being able  to interact with ease and comfort in a mature and gracious manner.  It’s all up to the parent.

Cons of Homeschooling

1. Time Commitment

Yes there is a significant time commitment required on behalf of (usually) the mother.  She needs to balance teaching, household duties, activities and possibly work as well.  And, of course, with proper planning, organization and support from family, friends or neighbors the schedule can work out to the benefit of everyone.  There may be the decision for a mother to step back from work during the homeschooling years – a choice unique to each family.

2.  Social Interaction
Traditional schools do offer daily interaction with peers.  This is something that needs to be considered and understood.  What is the quality of peer ‘socialization’ in the school?  With homeschooling parents do need to make a more concerted effort to create socialization opportunities.  And this can come in the form of involvement in interests, hobbies and sports.  The amount of time spent with peers may be less but the quality may be greater.

3. Lack of Expertise

A parent may feel that she lacks in-depth knowledge of certain subjects and therefore is not capable of teaching her children.  This can easily be resolved by using curriculum resources in the younger years.  Also, tutors, a local community college or online classes can be utilized.  Or harnessing the passion of a family member, friend or neighbor can be a solution.  Remember, the homeschooling journey does not need to be done in isolation.  There are so mnay great resources that can be tapped.

4. Fear of Isolation

Without the routine interaction at traditional schools, families may fear they may be isolated.  However, with the number of homeschooling families drastically increasing each year, there are many homeschooling groups, coops, get-togethers and online forums that can provide a wide range of opportunities and support.  

While considering the pros and cons of homeschooling, keep in mind that each family’s homeschooling journey is unique.  And that is part of the beauty of it.  A homeschooling family has the freedom to create a specialized childhood experience that aligns with their values, beliefs and desired outcome.