Homeschooling: Advantages and Disadvantages

In 2001, around 1 million children were receiving homeschooling. This figure has continued to grow reaching around 2 million in the United States in 2012 (statistics differ on the exact number) and still showing indications of ongoing growth. There are many different reasons why parents choose to homeschool. For them it seems the logical and best alternative to either public or private school education. As with any form of education, there are both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

The advantages to homeschooling range in scope and effect. It depends upon the person teaching, their circumstances and their ability. The advantages also rely on the characteristics or nature of the student or students involved. This said, the following are the most commonly cited advantages of homeschooling:

• Control of curriculum – Depending upon the state, you can decide the curriculum upon which your child can focus
• Pace of learning – how long the child spends upon a subject is up to your judgment and the child’s capability
• Religious freedom – the right to teach religion or not in the classroom
• Freedom from external problems and situations such as bullies, peer pressure and even boredom
• Control over diet. There will be no cafeteria food or switching food when children are not supposed to do so
• The elimination of expensive and potentially dangerous school trips
• The focus of your child can be on studying
• Flexibility to make the schedule of the curriculum work with your own lifestyle and pattern

Disadvantages

As with any human endeavor, there are disadvantages to homeschooling. These include:

• • Time – homeschooling can absorb a substantial amount of a parent’s time
  • Financial restrictions – In order for one person to remain home as teacher, he or she may have to give up their job effectively reducing the family income
  • Too much togetherness – You will be in contact with your kids without little respite 24/7
  • Students may have limited involvement in team sports and other extra-curricular activities
  • Lack of social interaction – Children do not receive maximum exposure to the various types of people they will have to deal with in the wider world. This might affect their ability to develop the correct coping mechanisms required

Conclusion

Everything has advantages and disadvantages. This is why it is necessary to consider carefully the possibilities. What is also essential is to be very aware of your own nature and that of your child. Some personalities are not of the type to undertake the experiment of homeschooling successfully. Whether parent or child, homeschooling may not be the answer. The private or public system of education, in such situations, may serve best the needs of all parties.

Sources: homeschool.com, nces.edgov/gov/pubs2006/homeschool, home-school.com