In my previous post: Making the Decision to Homeschool: Weighing the Pros and Cons, I addressed the benefits and drawbacks of the homeschool lifestyle.
That post got a bit long, so I thought I’d address the ‘cons’ in a separate blog. This blog is intended for parents who have a desire to homeschool, but feel unable.
In today’s post I offer encouragement and potential solutions to the perceived ‘cons’, or barriers which may be preventing you from exploring home education.
This post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated for purchases made using these links, at no cost to you.
Here we go:
1. Time Commitment
You may be thinking, “sure homeschool is great for those who don’t work or have no additional commitments. I have to care for my aging parents, have church obligations, and work full time. And what about MY personal time? I’m not willing to give that up.” These are all valid reasons to hesitate and it is important not to downplay the time and dedication which homeschooling requires.
However… families determined to homeschool create strategies to make it work.
Financially supporting your family is, of course a priority. It should not be something that takes precedence over your employment. However, remember that one of the benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility it offers. It can be as intense or relaxed as you wish. You do not have to complete school in a conventional time period.
Some parents work during the day, then do school in the evening or on weekends. The possibilities are endless! Look into co-operatives, online classes, and enrichment programs as options to take some of the direct teaching responsibility off your list, giving you time to focus on other things.
Other potential solutions include:
- Allocate some of your responsibilities to others. Teach your children to do chores and encourage them watch younger siblings. Your spouse and other family members may be able to take on new tasks as well.
- Encourage free play and creativity. You do not have to be ‘hands on’ every minute of every day. Send them outside to play, and don’t be afraid to let your children be bored- they will soon learn to entertain themselves.
- Mandate an afternoon rest or quiet time. This will give you a couple hours to do what you need or want to do.
- Ask a friend or family member to come by occasionally or if finances permit, hire a babysitter.
On the fence? Not sure where to begin? Here are some recommended resources:
TIPS TO GET STARTED
HOMESCHOOL PLANNING
TEACH YOUR CHILD TO READ
2. Lifestyle Changes
For most of us, becoming a parent has been our biggest lifestyle change. Deciding to take on the responsibility of another life (or lives) to raise is no small thing!
Parenting is hard work, with no real breaks (I’m sure like me, yours are on your mind even when you aren’t directly caring for them). Some parents cannot wait for their kids to go to school so they can have time to themselves. I’ve heard some describe it as ‘get their life back”.
If this is you, there is no shame in being honest. I get it, as an introvert I get drained by constant commotion and recharge best spending time alone.
May I suggest is a mindset change?
Comparatively speaking our kids are with us for a short time. If homeschooling is truly on your heart, you can make it work. Pray for patience, and make a practical plan to get some alone time. Hire a mother’s helper, invest in online classes or a co-op where the responsibility and attention is not all on you.
If homeschooling is something you really desire, give it a try. You never know, you may find you enjoy it!
Childhood is soon passed, in the blink of an eye your kids will be grown – I know it seems like a cliché, but trust me it so true! Time spent together, creating memories with the ones you love is priceless.
3. Cost
Yes, homeschooling can be very costly- but it doesn’t have to be!
Much of the expense is in the curriculum, which of course is so very important. Here are some solutions:
- Buy used. You can find some nearly new, even unused curriculum if you search thrift stores, yard sales, used books stores, flea markets, and online homeschool sites (if you are pressed for time, I’d probably check those first).
- Share with a friend.
- Take advantage of free offerings and discounts – create a Teacher ID card for discounts.
- Utilize your local library.
- Ask for homeschooling manipulatives, games, and curriculum in lieu of other gifts.
There are plenty of low-cost or even free curriculum available. Ask around. Veteran homeschoolers will likely be able to assist you. While I don’t know many specifics off the top of my head, I do know that (while it may not be for every subject or all ages), almost every big publishing outlet offers some sort of trial. When I can, I will create a list and offer it in a future post – I’ll link it here for future readers.
There are no federal tax breaks for homeschooling families. However, the following states – Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana do offer tax breaks or stipends for homeschool parents.
Homeschool families are eligible to receive discounts on activities, supplies, books, and entrance fees to certain historical and educational sites.
I address these discounts more specifically and offer instructions on creating your own homeschool IDs in a previous post, which you can access by clicking here.
4. Lack of Socialization
I include this point not because it is true, but because it is one of the most cited reasons for dissing homeschool.
Years ago home educating was viewed as a fringe movement, something done by radical parents who shunned mainstream society. Homeschooled kids were often considered weird or different, even if they weren’t.
Now, decades later, homeschooling has become an increasingly popular educational choice. As more children complete homeschool programs, the misinformation and stigma once associated with it has, for the most part been debunked and dismissed.
Abundant evidence demonstrates that home educated kids are creative, intelligent, well-adjusted, and productive members of society.
5. Lack of Support
This is a big one. My first advice is – develop a thick skin. No matter what you do, some people will just not be happy- this goes for almost all parenting matters, not just schooling!
It is a fact you may face opposition and negativity from family and friends. Usually this is due to lack of knowledge or fear of the unknown. Consider pointing them to the data and research which supports your choice.
Unless they have experienced it or thoroughly researched homeschool themselves, take their comments with a grain of salt. Don’t allow their feelings undermine your confidence. You know in your heart what is best for your family.
If the negativity persists, you may have to limit contact with them, or cut them out of your life temporarily. They may come around, they may not but in the end, it is not up to you to make them happy. These are your children to raise as you see fit.
Even with family support, the homeschool life can be tough. Frustration, struggles, and burnout affects parents as well as children. It is important to have a strong support system to offer encouragement and assistance when needed. Support can come from many areas- co-operatives, church, playgroups, even online groups including social media or chat sites.
HOMESCHOOL CONVENTIONS 2023
Attending a homeschool convention allows you to speak one on one with veteran homeschoolers, curricula publishers, and shop for resources. Teach Them Diligently convention link below:
