Calm Mama Kit (4 most popular tools). Traditional education works for most of the population, but for some children and their families, homeschooling is an attractive option. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lines between homeschooling and traditional education have blurred, and the number of homeschooled children has nearly doubled. Now, the total number of children learning at home stands at about 5 million in the United States.
When considering homeschooling, it's important to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages. The short-term comfort and control parents have now won't mean much compared to the problems their children will face in the future. Being prepared for adult life, in general, is not easy for anyone. It will be much more overwhelming for children who have been sheltered, controlled and held within tight restraints that in no way reflect the real world.
The task of homeschooling a child is certainly not an easy one, especially for working parents, single parents, or stay-at-home parents. They have to spend time organizing and preparing lessons, teaching, taking tests, and planning field trips. Homeschooling is a full-time commitment, and to ensure that a child receives a quality education, parents must invest the necessary time and effort. Every education system offers great opportunities for children to learn new information and skills, as well as to take advantage of their own unique qualities and interests.
Now is the time to have a very frank conversation about the pros and cons of homeschooling, based on feedback from our parents at Calvert and others. One of the first issues to consider is that homeschooling represents a major lifestyle change. A second topic to consider is the socialization of homeschooling. One of the biggest myths we break is the idea that the socialization of homeschooling doesn't exist or that those who study at home are all weird or don't know how to interact with people.
The truth is that there are pros and cons with the social experience of homeschooled students, just as there are pros and cons with public school. Experiences will vary for all children, but the fairest way to characterize socialization in a homeschooling environment is to say that it is different. A third aspect of homeschooling to consider is the academic freedom you can gain and the impact that will have on you and your child. Missing certain opportunities is also something to consider when deciding whether or not homeschooling is right for your family.
It's not surprising that the workload of homeschooling and children at home all day leaves you less time for yourself. Some homeschooling parents say they don't have time to shower, let alone work out or tend to their own needs. While many families find that homeschooling increases good vibes between siblings and parents, there is such a thing as excessive bonding. As more and more parents explore the wide world of homeschooling, it's wise to analyze the many advantages and disadvantages of this type of education before making a decision.
When people ask “what is the biggest disadvantage of homeschooling” many assume that homeschooling will hinder a child's social development. One of the first disadvantages of homeschooling that comes to mind for most is difficulty in socializing children. Taking the time to understand and address these disadvantages will help you pave the way for some of the wonderful benefits of homeschooling. Below is a pros and cons chart from Calvert Education which includes some points from this article along with additional factors: Pros: • Flexibility in learning • Ability to customize curriculum • More one-on-one attention • Increased family bonding • More control over learning environment • Ability to explore interests • More freedom in scheduling • Increased safety • More time for extracurricular activities Cons: • Lack of socialization opportunities • Difficulty finding resources • Increased financial burden • Lack of access to specialized programs • Difficulty transitioning back into traditional school setting • Increased workload for parents • Excessive bonding between family members • Missing certain opportunities Choosing to homeschool your children is not a new concept; however during this pandemic it has taken on a whole new meaning as more parents see it as an option for their families.
If you're thinking about homeschooling your child for the first time or have always considered this option for your family, it's important to consider both the pros and cons before making an informed decision.
