Homeschooling

Homeschooling is a big decision but also a very important one. Your future and your kids future will be heavily impacted by your decision to homeschool. So, the question is, is homeschooling right for your family?

Lets take a look at the questions I ask people who are unsure about whether or not they want to homeschool, because the truth of the matter is that it is not the right decision for all parents.

• Do you like learning new things and do you stay on top of a number of different issues?
• Do you have the time? If not can you make the time? This may mean quitting your job and cutting back on expenses, or getting a different job that is more accommodating.
• Do you have the knowledge to homeschool your children? Lets be honest here, you can learn as you go, but if you don’t have the head for this don’t even try. I am frightened by some parents that I meet that homeschool their kids, who don’t even seem to have made it out of middle school. If you are of limited intelligence don’t condemn your kids to a life of mediocrity.
• Are you doing it for the right reasons. If you want to give your kids a better education than they can get in public school or you are scared that they might be exposed to things that you do not agree with go for it. But, if you are one of the crazies who is ultra conservative, hyper religious, or anarchist, come on, let your kids have a semi normal life.
• Do you have the support of your spouse. If your spouse resents you homeschooling the kids it may not be a good idea. Homeschooling is a sacrifice and a trade off on many levels. often one income is sacrificed and lots of time is sacrificed. There are also numerous large expenses associated with homeschooling on top of your already high school taxes. Save yourself the grief and put them in public school if you do not agree. Building resentment is no way to build a strong family.
• Is it what your kids want? Some kids are social animals and will do much better in a more social environment. Not to mention the benefit of dealing with different teachers.
• Last but not least, do you have the discipline to keep it up. Homeschooling can last from kindergarten through 12th grade in some cases. Do you have the desire and the discipline to stick it out with all of your kids?

If you are happy with all of your answers to these questions then homeschooling may be right for you, but realize once you start you are committed. Homeschooling is a great way to build strong kids and strong families but it is not for everyone.