Homeschooling: When To Go
Homeschooling is not for everyone. It is a complex decision that requires a good understanding of all its edges.
The homeschool or homeschooling is an alternative that is becoming more popular among parents, who see it as an opportunity to educate their children outside the classroom and for some reason considered inadequate school environment.
However, home schooling does not only represent a change in the academic formation of children, it is also a different lifestyle, full of demands and new responsibilities that parents must be willing and able to assume.
After all, the future and the preparation of the little ones will depend on whether they receive an appropriate and competitive education to face the challenges they will face as they grow up.
Aspects of homeschooling
Homeschooling requires a great deal of time and dedication on the part of parents. It also represents an additional economic cost because the resources available to h omeschooling are not properly free.
Finally, it is necessary to know the educational laws of each country. While in some home schooling is regulated by official educational legislation, in others there is more flexibility and in some it is prohibited.
It is also important to know the validation systems. There are countries that allow children who study at home to take monthly or annual exams, others do not give this recognition.
There are also countries in which to do higher studies they accept an entrance exam without a school degree, but many require conventional school degrees or have to be validated.
Reasons to choose homeschooling
There are several reasons why parents choose homeschooling. Here we explain the main ones.
Bad school environment
The US Department of Education conducted a survey that found that the main reason parents choose homeschooling is their concern for the school environment. For 90% of those surveyed, this was a factor that somehow influenced their exit from the regular school system.
The bullying or bullying is a big concern for parents. From physical harm to psychological bullying, this is a common problem in schools. Victims of bullying lose self-esteem, can have serious consequences on grades, and become depressed.
A passive form of bullying is social marginalization. Those who suffer from it are not directly attacked, but find it difficult to make friends and join groups. In those cases the effects on the child are the same as in bulliying .
Physical problems
Although most schools are able to receive and serve children with physical disabilities, some parents feel more comfortable using homeschooling to meet their child’s specific needs or even to avoid travel difficulties .
Learning difficulties
Also, in this case, regular schools have resources and teachers prepared to teach children with learning disabilities, such as Down syndrome or autism.
However, there are parents who prefer to take charge of the care and education of their children in these cases. There are specialized resources to guide parents who decide to take charge of their children’s education in these cases.
Dissatisfaction with the educational system
There are parents who consider that the education provided in public schools is not the most appropriate. Those who think like this see several problems in regular education.
- Overcrowding in classrooms.
- Excess of tasks.
- Quality teacher deficit.
- They consider personalized education more effective.
Dedication to another activity
Students with special talents in certain areas, such as sports or the arts, often have very demanding schedules and even constant trips. In those cases, home schooling is a good alternative for them to continue their academic education.
Long moving or rest periods
Sometimes home schooling is a temporary option for special situations, such as a change of town or the need for rest at home due to illness. In these cases, homeschooling is a way to keep up with school classes.
Religious beliefs or family values
This is another reason why parents choose homeschooling. Although there are religious schools of different denominations, there are those who consider that these and other values are better imparted within the family.
Pros and cons to consider
Advantages of homeschooling
- Greater involvement of parents.
- Greater interrelation with children.
- Family values are transmitted.
- Flexible teaching hours.
- There are no abuses.
- You can choose a faster or slower pace depending on individual needs.
- Ability to focus more on areas of individual interest.
- Individual dedication.
- Fewer distractions during teaching hours.
Homeschooling problems
- Less time available for parents.
- Parents need to prepare to meet academic goals.
- Increases parental stress and fatigue.
- Higher outlay and possibly less income, as it can prevent one parent from working.
- It is not validated in some countries to pursue higher education.
- Less activity and social experience of children.
- Not all school resources are available, such as labs, gyms, etc.
- There is no public recognition for achievements.
Finally, before considering homeschooling, you should take all of these factors into account to ensure that your child receives the academic and social training that they can take advantage of in schools. Find out and consider the most relevant option.
