Home-schooling is an educational option that more parents are taking advantage of these days. Home-schoolers are no longer an underground organization, in which parents fear being reported for their child’s truancy. Home-schooling families are proud of their status, and glad to tell you about this viable option for education.
Home-schooling parents are quick to explain the positives about their decision. For instance, when a parent home-schools, their child will learn at the pace at which he is comfortable. If the child does not understand a topic, the child can spend as much time as needed on it until it is fully comprehended. Similarly, extremely bright students do not have to wait on a classroom full of other children to grasp a topic before they move on to more challenging materials.
Another benefit of home-schooling is that parents can choose the materials that present the topics in the very best learning style for their kids. These days countless home-schooling curriculum companies are putting out materials targeted for all learning styles. A home-schooling parent can ensure that the information is presented in a way in which their children will learn best.
Myriads of other benefits exist for the home-schooling parent. There is generally less peer pressure for home-schooled children. The family can spend more time together; if a parent has an odd work schedule, the families schooling time can be adapted as to maximize family time. Religious views can be presented as an every day part of life.
Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks of which the home-schooling parent should be aware. A parent has to make a concerted effort to find friends and playmates for their children, something that can be difficult if there are few home-schooling families in the area. Some parents are not cut out to spend twenty-four hours a day with their kids and will need support in order to take time for themselves. Living on one income can be a challenge, something that is generally necessary in order to home-school. Many parents fear their abilities to teach their children will not be sufficient and their kids will reach high school and college unprepared.
However, most home-schooling parents have found ways to offset these drawbacks. Home-schooling groups and co-ops exist to provide children with socialization opportunities and advanced classes taught by experienced teachers. These groups can also function to give home-schooling parents a break. Home-schooling parents find friends for their children in scouting groups, churches, and soccer teams. Some home-schooling parents run family businesses and are able to squeeze in schooling during the day. Other parents find that when they are not paying private school tuition, they no longer need a second income.
Home-schooling is not a cure-all for educational woes, but it is a viable option for the modern day parent. It is wise, though, to enter into this very challenging role conscious of the drawbacks as well as the benefits.