Deciding on how to educate your children may be one of the most important choices you make as a parent. Their social, emotional, and physical well-being need to be taken into account, as does the quality of their education, and their unique learning style.
While some parents seem to have known the answer to this question from day one, others are struggling with what to do as their children inch closer to school age. Because I have always found that the best way to make a smart decision is to speak with as many people as I can, I went out in search of parent bloggers who homeschool their children, and asked them the following question: “What is one Pro and one Con of homeschooling?” The list you are about to read is the result of that questioning. 41 seasoned homeschoolers chimed in with their best experiences and biggest challenges, and I just love the honesty with which they responded.
The answers you read below may help you come to a decision of your own. Good luck, and happy reading!
PRO – My favorite is how much I am learning alongside my children.
I have learned infinitely more than I did during my own school years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share these moments of education, observation, discovery, and wonderment with my children.
CON – It’s difficult for me to think of a con when there are so many pros! If I had to give a con, it would be that it can be hard on a mom depending on her circumstances, the pressure and expectations she is burdened by, and even her own personality.
The homeschool moms who really thrive are the ones who learn to not look around them at what others are doing, and just stay steady at their own pace in their own unique style.
PRO – The world is your schoolhouse.
Your children are not confined to the four walls of a building, but are out and about, interacting with children their own age, adults, and older people, gaining insight and experience in the real world into which they will enter as well-rounded adults.
CON – The biggest con to homeschooling is that nearly all of your non-homeschooling friends, family members and neighbors think you have all this free time all day and have nothing to do, so they frequently ask for your help with their errands and projects.
And generally, you help them because you're demonstrating a servant's heart to your children. So it's a win-win.
PRO – Homeschooling is flexible! Because of the nature of homeschooling, you can tailor your studies, your schedule, and your teaching style to fit your student's needs!
Your child is the focus of the homeschool process, and the benefits are limitless! In addition, there are so many options with homeschooling.
From co-ops to help with difficult subjects to internships that prepare your high schooler for their future - it's the perfect way to put success in the hands of your kids!
CON – Homeschooling requires a big investment and it's not money! As with anything that is worth doing, homeschooling requires an investment from the parents.
The responsibility of education rests on the parent; however, today there are many resources that help to lighten that load. It takes a lot of heart to work with your children every day, and it's important to take steps to ensure that you don't get burned out!!
PRO – You get to choose the schedule and style that is best for you, your child, and your family.
If you are a stay at home mom homeschooler, working homeschooler, working at home homeschooler, traveling homeschooler etc. you can find and design a schedule that works for you!
CON – You need to stick to this schedule that you just planned! Making sure it is if flexible enough for any emergencies that may spring up, and for when "life" gets in the way. Guarding your time must be a priority as a homeschool mom.
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