Reasons Not to Homeschool - Homeschool Helper Online

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If you have spent much time listening to people talk about homeschooling, you might have heard these 3 Reasons NOT to Homeschool.

Here’s a rebuttal to each of them.

3 Reasons NOT to homeschool:

#1 I want my kids to be smart.

I have heard this from friends many times. “I’d homeschool, but I want my kids to be smart.”

Sure, I can understand that. But wait, homeschool kids ARE smart!

Studies show that homeschoolers score significantly higher on standardized tests than public schooled students.

The longer a student was homeschooled, the larger the difference between their scores and public schooled student’s scores.

These differences exist regardless of the students’ race or what the parents are able to spend on a curriculum.

So, if you want your kids to be well educated, homeschooling might be a good option.

#2 I want my kids to be socialized.

This is probably the most often heard reason to not homeschool.

But, in reality, most homeschoolers have to struggle with too much socialization.

Because homeschooling is so widespread, there are many groups to join and outings to attend.

It can be difficult to say no to some socialization opportunities so you can get your schooling completed.

My kids currently go to drama class, robotics twice a week, dance class, as well as 4-H activities.

Interspersed with all of that, they have to find time to get their school work done!

Because of the nature of public schools, students will spend a lot of their time with people of the same age.

Homeschoolers, on the other hand, get the opportunity to interact with people of all ages at co-op class, the grocery store, the library, etc.

This causes them to be better able to relate to a variety of people in different age groups.

And let’s face it, that is more like real life. As adults, we interact with people from all ages.

#3 I don’t want my kids to miss out on things.

I actually would like mine to miss out on some things… bullying, drugs, cafeteria food, etc.

I know they really are missing out on some things that are worthwhile.

There are many good teachers they will never experience, many worthwhile projects that we won’t have the time or resources to complete, school dances, etc.

But if they went to public school, they would miss out on all of the things we do here at home.

They wouldn’t be able to bottle feed their lamb in the middle of the day.

They might not have time to develop their drawing or painting skills.

They would miss all of the nutritious leftovers we eat for lunch!

Just like any choice you make, you have to give up something to get something else.

Only you can decide what the most important things you want for your kids are and then making the decision to homeschool or not will be much easier!

Check out 3 Myths about Homeschooling High School.