Homeschooling has become more and more popular over the past decade. From school shootings to teachers with various issues, and yes … even bullying! So it’s no wonder more parents want to keep their children at home. Whether it’s by choice, or as a temporary fix, homeschooling is an excellent alternative to the traditional way of teaching. Except, you still have to consider whether or not homeschooling right for your child.
If you are wondering, the first thing to consider is if your child will thrive in a home environment. In this post, you will find a few pointers to help you decide which direction is the right fit for your family. Just remember, your child’s’ happiness is the primary key to their growth and success.
Can You Handle It?
Before you consider how homeschooling will affect your child, you need to think about yourself. Can you teach the curriculum to your child? Are you a self-starter that can get your kid in gear to do the work? Can you afford to stay home and homeschool your child? There is a lot to consider. With that said, if the only thing holding you back is your worry, and are confident that you can teach the material, remember there are options. Believe it or not, homeschooling is also achievable through online, or you can even bring in a tutor.
Is Your Child’s School Failing Him or Her?
If your child is in a public school, just know that the majority of them simply don’t have enough resources to go around. Public education can also mean that your child’s classes are quite overcrowded. It is often the case that they do not have enough books to go around too. The problems can be endless. If your child’s school is failing them and they are directly not receiving the proper education that they deserve, homeschooling is definitely a good option.
Is Your Child Being Bullied?
Bullying is one of the biggest reasons parents choose to homeschool. After all, not all kids are well mannered and considerate of how others might feel. Some parents would try different and would go as far as transferring their kids to another school. Except, this doesn’t always fix the situation. If you are in this position and have tried everything to fix the problems, and it is still not working, then homeschooling may be your only chance to help your child. Bullying can cause a child to stress to the point that he/she can’t focus on their education. Stress can cause grades to suffer but can also lead to depression. If you want your child to be successful, a home curriculum may be the best option to suit his/her needs.
Is Your Child Driven?
Another deal-breaker is whether your child will do well in a homeschool environment. You and your child both need to be on board to make this work. If your child is dead set against being homeschooled, chances are it’s not going to work. There are many tips you can use to help your child become driven and become a self-starter, but if he/she wants or prefers to stay in his school, nothing can change that. Some kids enjoy socializing and thrive better when they are around their peers.
Do You Have a Different Curriculum in Mind?
Is your child learning things that will help him/her in life? Parents sometimes opt for homeschooling instead of the traditional schooling because they want their children to learn essential skills at their own pace. If you’re the type of parent that prefers to be more in charge of what your child learns, homeschooling is excellent. This option works even better if you already know your kid’s passion. Homeschooling your child will help him/her get there faster. One thing to note, you will still have to teach your child some core curriculum aside from essential skills, but you will have more control.
Is Homeschooling Right for Your Child?
While there isn’t a complete and foolproof way to determine whether homeschooling is the best choice for your family, it sure doesn’t hurt to revisit all angles mentioned in this post. Keeping an open mind to specific possibilities and outcomes is also a great way to picture what lies ahead of the homeschooling route.
Regarding the school closures because of the Pandemic Coronavirus Covid-19 it is not at the point where homeschooling is the only choice for a few weeks. While for some families, homeschooling is just a temporary thing, consider all the pointers mentioned above if ever you find yourself considering making this option a permanent thing.
Stacie
March 18, 2020I think homeschooling could be a great thing for kids. It has to be right now, since we all have to do it. I love the criteria you put forth, though. It’s an excellent resource to make that decision.
Surekha
March 18, 2020There’s a lot to think about here. It’s important to really take your time making this decision. Homeschooling might not be right for every child OR every parent.
Ann
March 18, 2020You have really thought this through, which is good! Especially in times like this, where it could be necessary
Brianne
March 18, 2020I think it all comes down to what your child needs and what you can do. These are great things to consider for anyone thinking about homeschooling.
Myrah Duque
March 18, 2020I always asked myself that question and never thought of doing it for my daughter. I think it would miss out whole “school life” way.
Denise @In-Home Medical Supplies
March 18, 2020There are so many curriculums available. There should be one that’s a good fit for any child.
Heather
March 18, 2020I don’t think we have a choice at this point. We are all homeschooling, until at least mid-April, but most likely until the end of the year.
Shahrom Martijn
March 18, 2020we have always wanted to try to homeschool our kids in the near future… will definitely bookmark this for future reference. Great article.
Lisa Joy Thompson
March 19, 2020I have 5 kids. We have done private schools, public schools, montessori schools, alternative schools and we’ve also homeschooled. It’s so important to figure out what works best for each of your kids and for yourself. Our twins are the only kids left at home and before the pandemic hit, we were homeschooling one of the twins while the other went to public school.
Rhian Westbury
March 19, 2020A lot of people aren’t having the opportunity to make that decision at the moment with UK schools being closed. I do think it’s a chance to find out if it’s right for you and the kid though. I just hope people get enough support x
Becky
March 19, 2020One of my children used to ask if he could be home schooled. I don’t think I have the right temperament as a parent to be able to make it work, and the arguments over screens would be monumental. I am going to try my best over the coming weeks – who knows what I might find out?
Catalina
March 19, 2020Homeschooling is the only option I have right now. But I prefer that my kids go to school and learn and interact with other kids.
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too
March 19, 2020I can see the positives and negatives for homeschooling, which ultimately comes down to the individual child and whether or not a home environment would allow them to thrive more than a school.
Rebecca Smith
March 19, 2020We are having to homeschool for the forseeable future and I am feeling a little overwhelmed about it all at the moment.
Samantha Donnelly
March 19, 2020Home schooling is what some children need, and there is a place for it. My daughter has had to come out of mainstream schooling due to an illness she is desperate to go back but sadly not something that will happen. I do think that it is a decision that needs to be totally thought about as to every aspect of it
Mellissa Williams
March 19, 2020Homeschooling was something I never considered with my son but if I was to have other children, I certainly would now.
Kara Guppy
March 19, 2020Home Schooling is not for me but I do understand why a lot of parents choose that way forward
Gervin Khan
March 19, 2020I love sending my kids to their school but right now I am going to consider homeschooling for my them as our world is currently facing hardships brought by COVID19.
the joyous living
March 19, 2020i was homeschooled 7th-12th grade. my senior year started w/ 9/11 in fact. so i sort of feel and understand how other seniors are feeling with cancellations. for me it was the right choice. but some kids and parents are not going to survive it.
Jenni
March 19, 2020I must admit I was so tempted to homeschool my daughter as I felt that school started too young here, but I worried about the social aspects as she loves people. Luckily we have found the most amazing school for her but I still feel better knowing that homeschooling would be an option for us.
Rosey
March 19, 2020That’s a relevant question for everyone now. If people make the adjustments for childcare a lot might decide to keep their kids home from now on.
Anosa
March 19, 2020I honestly don’t think I could home school my kids, I did think about it at one point before my son started primary school but I think the routine and socialisation has done him the world of good plus I am too soft and would probably end up watching a movie with him by lunch time lol
Stephen
March 19, 2020From Monday so many parents in the uk are about to find out all about homeschooling and maybe some will choose afterwards not to send the kids back
di
March 19, 2020I don’t have kids but I think if I did I’d homeschool. One of the local teachers lives a few houses up and they homeschool. What does that tell you about schools? I just don’t think kids thrive in todays schools!
Kendra
March 19, 2020It’s such an important decision. Thanks for the ideas and advice!
Knycx Journeying
March 19, 2020You asked a good question and raise some nice comments. I do think it’s important for my kid to have a *social life*.
School is not a place just for exams I t’s important to make sure they are being social to their surrounding as well – Knycx Journeying
Lily
March 19, 2020Due to this pandemic some parents do not have a choice but to home school. It seems like a route many will be taking.
Ntensibe Edgar Michael
March 20, 2020Oh yes, in a way, I think homeschooling is really good. “We” get to study at our pace and also, get to determine what we studied altogether.
Natasha Mairs
March 20, 2020I have tried homeschool before with my youngest, but I much prefer them to be in a school. But now I have no choice and I have all 3 kids at home. But I have found an online homeschool site which is amazing and also free!
yana
March 21, 2020well this is very serios theme and really homeschool is an option, but we should firght with bullying and just do sit at home, as bullying is exist not only in schol, so this it not a way to avoid it.
Emma Raphael
March 21, 2020Well as things have been kind of taken out of our hands now, I am going to have to do the best I can with homeschooling my three. I asked my 15 year old last night if we should give our new “home school” a name, and she said “the Wish I wasn’t Here School” 😀 😀
Joan solange
March 21, 2020People never really consider homeschooling, until now.
Homeschooling could be very good for a child in a time like this.
I really love how you’ve talked about it. This is worth sharing.