Homeschooling is legal in every state, but the choice is all up to the parent(s) to home school and should not be made in hastily. Do your research and discuss the various ways you and your family can go about this and make an informed decision. Still on the fence about homeschooling? Here are a few questions to ask yourself, especially when considering homeschooling and if it is a viable option for your family.
Am I Comfortable Spending ALL my time with my Children?
One of the main reasons that people home school is because they love their children and want what’s best for them. They also genuinely like spending time with their children and seeing how they learn. On the other hand, If your children frustrate you easily, homeschooling might not be a good match for you.
Will questions Bother Me?
Homeschoolers are usually asked a lot of questions about how they home school their children. From what curriculum they are using to if their children are socialized enough to function in reality or society itself. Unfortunately not a lot of people are convinced that children should be home schooled and then you will realize in time that these invasive questioning on how you home school your child will be asked time and time again. Remain diligent and do what is best for your child and your family.
How Can I find Out About Homeschooling?
Check out books from your public library. There is more than likely a large selection of books that will tell you everything you need to know. The librarian might even be able to tell you if there are any homeschoolers in the area, since most homeschoolers rely heavily upon the library for source materials.
Do You Have a Support System?
After you’ve read some books, find local homeschoolers, or do an online search for “homeschool groups (your city)” or “homeschool groups (your state).” There are homeschooling co-ops available in many places and you should not have to do this all alone. Get together with other families who share the same values and beliefs as you do and you will find life long friendships in the process of it all.
What If I Have More Questions?
After you’ve found some families that already home school, ask them about the pros and cons of homeschooling. Most families will be honest and have their reasons as to how or why they home school and will be more than happy to help you make an informed decision. Ask them about hardships? Home school burnout? Should you been concerned about socialization? What curriculum would you recommend? Any suggestions on where to find these curriculum and of course at an affordable price.
Which Curriculum?
Curriculum choices are over the top and in many different varieties. While it is possible to have “school at home” by choosing books very similar to what are offered in public schools, it is also possible to home school without using a set curriculum. The library books you checked out earlier should have explained about the different methods, and should have given you an idea of what your child should learn in each grade.
If you are considering homeschooling your child, or children, answering the above questions should help you make an informed decision. Not everyone will choose to homeschool, especially after investigating the option. However, if you want to be more involved in your child’s education, homeschooling might be the exact fit you are looking for.
