The REAL Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

What are the pros and cons of homeschooling? Anyone who has ever considered trying to homeschool has asked this question. And every parent has a list of reasons that convinced them to give it a try.

What are your reasons
for homeschooling?

Click here to
share YOUR story.

We've all heard the typical answers from critics (who don't homeschool). They always point out the same "disadvantages of homeschooling" whenever the topic arises.

Some parents may have even decided against
the idea based on this information.

Like most things in life, homeschooling does have some disadvantages, but they aren't what you would expect.

So before you make that decision, you should hear the pros and cons of homeschooling from someone who's been involved with public school and home school.

Read the "Top 5 Reasons for Homeschooling".

Then review the homeschool statistics page for the latest research.

This is by all means not a comprehensive list of pros and cons, but a personal one. I'm sure you experienced homeschool parents could add some of your own.

Pros

24/7 family time.

One-on-one attention.

Can learn at their own pace.

Kids are more influenced by parents' beliefs and values than peers'.

Safe learning environment.

Parents have more control over the people they associate with.

Choose curriculum based on child's interests & learning style.

Flexible schedule.

Can offer more hands-on learning experiences (field trips, camps, apprenticeships).

Take vacations/breaks when we need to.

Turn vacation into learning opportunities (school days).

Schedule outside activities around school or school around activities.

Don't need a doctor's excuse every time child gets a cold.

Your child's self-confidence is not diminished by the negative comments/bullying from other kids on a daily basis.

You can raise your child to be a happy, kind, confident, intelligent individual who thinks for him/herself and will strive to make the world a better place.

Cons

24/7 family time. (Sometimes the kids need a break from each other!)

Kids can have trouble keeping focus on school.

Parent must do their best to be patient (see above).

Can be expensive, depending on curriculum.

May be difficult to find sports/activities depending on where you live.

May be overwhelming at times to be teacher, principal, counselor, chauffeur, and parent to your kids.

Difficult to find time for yourself to relax and recharge.

All of the pros and cons of homeschooling that I've mentioned here may not apply to every family, but I'm sure some can relate to at least a few of them.

We thought our girls would always be in the public school system, but it didn't work out that way.

We became dissatisfied with the public school environment for several reasons. As a result, I knew I had to try something different.

Four years later, I'm positive that this was the right decision for them.

Check out Part 1 of our story, "Homeschooling vs Public Schools".

Then read Part 2: HOMESCHOOLING

What's Your Story?

Why did you decide to homeschool? Religious reasons? Unhappy with the school environment? Share you story with other parents!

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Your Reasons for Homeschooling

Click below to see the stories submitted by other visitors to this page.

For the Love of a Child
I wish I could say I homeschool all of my kids, but I can't. I am homeschooling my youngest of 5. She is in 6th grade, and we have only been homeschooling …

From Public School to Homeschool Not rated yet
I thought my girls would always attend public school, just as I did. But our experiences with different school systems were disappointing. I felt I HAD …

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Don't forget to check out Homeschooling Statistics.

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