Is Home Education Right for My Family?

Home education has become more prevalent in recent years due to a variety of reasons. In the past, homeschooling was more difficult because of fear of isolation; today, there are numerous co-ops and homeschooling communities full of families that offer each other structure, support, and social opportunities. Many people once shied away from homeschooling due to murky laws, but thanks to legislature and the ease of access to information due to the internet, we can find out our local laws in a moment’s time. There are numerous curricula available, ranging from out of the box classrooms to online public school. The bottom line is this: home education isn’t right for every family. If you’re wondering if home education might be a great choice for your family, here are some considerations:

1. One-on-One Learning

No one knows your child better than you. Would your child benefit from one-on-one learning? Does he or she do better with homework when you’re helping? If you notice your child is struggling in class but seems to do well when you sit down to help at homework time, then homeschooling can provide the benefit of one-on-one learning.

2. Flexibility

Would an extra hour of sleep be a game changer for your child? Do you want to enroll your child in music lessons or other extracurricular activities? If so, home education can provide the flexibility you need.

3. Nurture Confidence

Is your child shy? Does he or she have a learning disability? If so, then your child could benefit from your encouragement. The opportunity to sit down with your child every day and build his or her confidence will yield a lifetime of rewards for your child.

4. Save Money

Driving back and forth to drop your child off at school, not to mention all of the errands and extracurricular activities included, can get expensive. If your child is enrolled in private school, or if that’s your only option, you can save money by being a home educator. Plus, homeschoolers don’t have to worry about uniforms, pricey shoes, or booksacks!

5. Mould Your Child

Homeschooled children get the benefit of more structure from their parents. If your child has a behavioral issue or if you just want to have him or her keep their room clean, home education will give you the chance to mould your child’s behavior and work ethic.

Home education isn’t a perfect fit for everyone, but it’s a great choice for many. The amount of homeschoolers across the country is growing year by year, and the benefits of homeschooling can be seen in the form of higher test scores and college admittance rates. You can choose to create your own program, follow pre-made lesson plans from an in-the-box curriculum, or enroll in an online program. Many states now offer online public schooling options, as well. As the parent, you know what’s best for your child. If homeschooling is in your heart, especially after reading this article, then you’re a step closer to making the decision to be a home educator!