To Homeschool or not to Homeschool

For many parents, the decision to homeschool is a scary one. Should I or should I not homeschool? Professionals believe that parents are not qualified to educate their children. In some cases, I agree with them, but for most I do not. 

What makes homeschooling better or worse than in the private or public schools? First let us define homeschooling. Homeschooling is educating one's child (or children) at home. Parents become the sole educator in the child's academic career. This has its advantages but also disadvantages. Advantages to homeschooling include structure and educational control, flexibility, and social influence control. Some disadvantages include lack of responsibility, education,  structure, academics, and government assessments. In the private or public school, the same advantages and disadvantages abound.

Why would people decide to do this? My parents chose this route because it was financially affordable. Also they were in control of what we were learning. If I struggled in a specific subject, I could work slower on it until I completely learned it. In a private or public school, I would have been forced to keep up with my peers so not to keep them all behind. Many parents take this teacher role seriously. It is their desire to provide their children with the best possible education. Other parents use it to their own advantage. In these cases, many children are neglected, cheated and/or abused.

What should you decide? First what is your purpose in homeschooling or not homeschooling? Then decide if you could handle it. Parents that cannot discipline themselves into forcing a structure will not be able to discipline their kids to do it either. Disciplining yourself is the number one thing most needed when homeschooling. After these questions are answered decide what is best for you and your family.

Remember this: A child's education is highly dependent on the parents' role and involvement. If you are not involved in your child's education, then do not be disappointed in your child's performance in other areas of life.