As a homeschooling parent, I’ve always been curious about why families homeschool their children.
According to recent statistics from the National Center for Education, homeschooling has seen a significant rise in popularity. In 2021, approximately 11% of US households with school-aged children were homeschooling, which is up from 5.4% in 2019, translating to roughly 2.5 million American children who are currently being homeschooled.
The reasons for homeschooling are many, but it’s essential to do some soul-searching and not make the decision out of fear. Fear of the education system or what could happen should not be the main motivation for homeschooling. Instead, families should embrace the homeschooling lifestyle, the beauty and freedom that come with it, and do what is best for their children.
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One thing that becomes apparent as you delve deeper into the homeschooling world is that there are many ways to approach education, and public school is just one way. The traditional model has existed for 150 years, but education outside that model for millennia was vastly different and, in many ways, more effective.
While we’ll be discussing why families choose to homeschool in this episode, the key takeaway is to embrace the freedom that comes with homeschooling and don’t be afraid to turn the traditional education model on its head to do what is best for your children.
Homeschooling offers a customized education
One of the most significant advantages of homeschooling is the ability to provide a customized education tailored to your child’s needs and interests. Unlike traditional schools that follow a standardized curriculum, homeschooling parents can design a curriculum that fits their child’s unique learning style. This individualized approach can lead to better academic outcomes and a more profound love of learning.
In my own experience, I’ve found that my children are more engaged and motivated when they have a say in what they’re learning. For example, we did a whole world mythology unit one year that included literature, geography, and history. My kids loved it, and I was able to assign credits on a transcript for my high schooler. By following their interests, we created a customized education that was both fun and effective.
Flexible scheduling allows for a daily schedule that works for your family
Another advantage of homeschooling is the flexibility it provides in scheduling. Homeschooling parents can design a daily plan that works best for their family, including accommodating family commitments and travel. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for families with many children or who like to travel frequently.
Our family loves taking trips during the off-season when things are less crowded. Homeschooling allows us to do that without worrying about missing school or falling behind. Plus, we can do schoolwork on the road, turning our travels into a fun learning experience.
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Individualized attention leads to better academic outcomes.
In a traditional school setting, it can be difficult for teachers to give students the level of attention they need. In the homeschooling environment, parents can provide one-on-one instruction and guidance, allowing children to learn at their own pace and work to mastery. This can be especially helpful for children with learning disabilities or who need extra practice in certain areas.
As a homeschooling parent, I’ve found that this individualized attention has led to better academic outcomes for my children. They can focus on the areas where they need more help and move ahead in areas where they excel. Plus, they’re not held back by the pace of the rest of the class.
Homeschooling provides a safer and more secure environment.
Unfortunately, bullying and violence in traditional school settings can cause students a lot of anxiety and stress. Homeschooling can offer a safer and more secure environment for these children. Additionally, children with compromised immune systems or chronic illnesses can benefit from homeschooling, which reduces their exposure to germs and diseases.
While safety concerns may not be the primary reason for homeschooling, it’s a benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked. As a parent, I want my children to feel safe and secure, and homeschooling helps to provide that.
Homeschooling allows parents to instill specific values and beliefs
One of the most important reasons families choose to homeschool is the ability to instill particular values and beliefs in their children. Homeschooling parents have the opportunity to teach family values daily and tie in religious beliefs. This can be especially important for families who feel that traditional schools don’t align with their values.
Our family starts each day with prayer and includes religious studies in our curriculum. We also believe in teaching our children family values and the importance of being kind and respectful to others. By homeschooling, we’re able to reinforce these values daily.
In conclusion, homeschooling is a growing trend in the US, and for good reason. It provides a customized education, flexible scheduling, individualized attention, a safer environment, and the ability to instill specific values and beliefs in children. While it’s not the right choice for everyone, homeschooling can be an enriching experience for those committed to it. As a homeschooling parent, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits homeschooling can provide for children and families.
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