Is Homeschooling Right for Your Child?

Are you considering whether or not you should homeschool your child? You may not be certain that your lifestyle, current situation or your child can handle homeschooling. Below are a few tips for determining if homeschooling is right for your child.

1. Determine Why You Want to Homeschool. It’s important that you take the time to explore the reason(s) why you want to homeschool. For example, is it because you disagree with the governmental policies regulating mainstream education? Do you want to incorporate your religious beliefs into your child’s education? Does your decision have something to do with your childhood school experience?

2. Are You “Tough Enough” to Handle It? You have to mentally tough if you make the decision to homeschool. Why? Because those who homeschool are under constant criticism by those who don’t understand it. So, you need to make sure you are mentally tough enough to handle the misunderstood and opinionated views that others will express to you.
3. Do You Have the Time? When you make the decision to homeschool, you will be making the decision to give up some of your time. The question is, do you have the time available to give up? It’s a great sacrifice to make, if you can. Just realize that it takes time to plan, teach and grade.

4. Do You Have the Money? While homeschooling isn’t going to cost you a fortune, you need to understand that it will cost you some money. You will be out money for the curriculum and school supplies on a yearly basis. You will also have other expenses arise along the way. For example, if you decide to take your children on a field trip to the zoo, museum or aquarium…these all cost money.
5. How Will Your Child Interact with Others? Since your child will be homeschooled, he or she won’t be around other kids on a regular basis…unless you get involved with another homeschooling group in your community. You can also get your child involved in other child-related groups such as youth sports like Soccer and Little League Baseball. There are also clubs like 4-H, Boy/Girl Scouts and church activities as well. This is important and worth consideration.

6. What Level of Education is Your Child At? Some parents make the decision to homeschool because their child is at a different academic level than his peers at school are. This may mean they have a learning disability or are exceptionally smart. Regardless of which it is, if your child is at a different academic level than his classmates, homeschooling may be the best way to give him the unique education he needs.