Why Homeschool - The Benefits and Objections

Many people ask the question "Why Homeschool?" Whether you are thinking about homeschooling or have been homeschooling for a while, this question can pop up in your mind at any time. It's important to know why you're doing what you're doing or why you want to do something. 

Here is an article about this topic with my comments at the end.

Why Homeschool? Have You Asked and Answered These Basic Questions? by Don Rodriguez

The number of children being schooled at home has doubled since 2002, according to recent surveys and studies. Still, many parents continue to ask themselves why homeschool?. This article will discuss some of the key factors parents ought to consider before deciding whether or not to teach their children at home.

Some of the benefits of homeschooling are special needs children get the special attention they need; parents have more control over the subject matter their children are exposed to (religion or no religion, sex education or not, etc.), and children are shielded from peer pressure and other "bad influences" of our culture. Parents also say they enjoy more time with their children and feel that their children are safer than in public schools.

Among the objections to homeschooling are costs (textbooks, diplomas, all materials needed in the home school will have to be purchased), lack of socialization for home schooled children, parents can be overwhelmed by the demands of homeschooling (record keeping, assessment, submitting reports to local superintendent, etc.), and some children who have attended public school before being home schooled have difficulty making the transition.

The expense of homeschooling and the lack of socialization are two of the most prominent objections to homeschooling and more will be written about each. No doubt, homeschooling is more expensive than public school education. However, homeschooling is a lot less than most private and parochial schools. In addition, some of the costs of homeschooling are offset by certain tax deductions which parents are able to claim, savings in transportation and school uniforms, and the availability of many materials for free on the Internet needed for homeschooling.

As for lack of socialization, homeschooling associations and homeschooling schools have made that objection a thing of the past. Both provide parent forums and get togethers where home schooled parents and children can mix and mingle. Homeschooling schools also help plan field trips and other events where homeschooling parents and children can join together.

If you would like more information about homeschool lesson plans [http://homeschoolingbasics.info/homeschool-lesson-plans] as well as general information on homeschooling, please visit [http://homeschoolingbasics.info] These websites are no longer active, but I am required to list them here.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com

My Comments: The author makes a good point that there are benefits and objections to homeschooling. As with anything in life we need to weigh the pros and cons. Is the expense of homeschooling worth the benefit of being able to choose your own curriculum and resources? Is the time required by parents worth the benefit of being able to see your children learn and grow in character? These are all questions we must answer when we are thinking about "why homeschool."

It's true that homeschooling is MUCH cheaper than private education and that homeschool support groups and associations have help with the socialization issue. Each family needs to decide what their priorities are and what they are willing to sacrifice in order to reach their goals as a family.

We have made lots of sacrifices for our children and looking back I have not regretted it for a minute.