We who homeschool should be aware of the commonly held cons of homeschooling. Some are legitimate concerns. Some are inaccuracies. With the grace of God and our cooperation, any negative effects of homeschooling can be overcome.
- The kids won't have any friends.
Cons of Homeschooling--Old--Tired--Wrong
Anyone who even cursorily glances at the current homeschooling movement discovers immediately that this argument is silly. I, along with most other homeschoolers, just laugh
when this con of homeschooling is brought up. The "problem" now is too many opportunities for socializing!
Note: When we began homeschooling twenty years ago, this was a real concern. But even back then, with diligence, this negative was overcome.
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- The parent doesn't have a teaching degree.
Cons of Homeschooling--May Be True--But Really Not Relevant
--Since when does a teaching degree guarantee that a child will learn? Check out the situation in the schools.
No one loves the youngster like the parent. No one has such a vested interest in his success. Not even the kindest, smartest, most talented teacher can understand, monitor and
sacrifice for that child like the parent can and will.
Because a Mother is so close to her child, she can immediately detect a problem with his studies, behavior, mood, habits, etc. Right away, steps can be taken to correct the situation.
There is no slipping through the cracks with homeschoolers.
(Of course, there are a few bad apples in any barrel, but in the homeschooling movement there are far fewer bad apples than in any other barrel.)
Please do not misunderstand. After homeschooling one year, I realized what a great job most professional instructors do. But in today's society, they are struggling with forces afflicting their students that are almost impossible to overcome--broken families, drugs, sex, etc. We all are only too aware of these evils.
--Parents can use home study schools which have expert help available.
1. All forms of communication are used to assist the parents--'phone calls, internet, e-mails, etc. If she desires, a Mom can have immediate and continual back-up with any and
all problems.
2. These schools have lesson plans available. This provides assurance that all material is covered and in appropriate order, scope and sequence. (A little lingo thrown in there!)
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- What if the parent doesn't know algebra or chemistry or Latin?
Cons of Homeschooling--Reasonable Question--With Ready Solutions
Most of us are not experts in all of the difficult classes. But help is easily available. Our family
has successfully used
tutors
and
co-oped
with other Moms who are versed in the subjects. Other options are DVD and internet classes and using a "Teacher Directed" program. The exciting options are growing tremendously.
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- Homeschooling is too expensive.
Cons of Homeschooling--Not True!
We won't even address the issue of homeschool vs. private/parochial school. Too obvious.
OK, homeschool vs. public school. If money is critical, you can
(1.) Design your own curriculum. Adhere carefully to the curriculum guidelines of one of the many homeschool books. Check one or two out from the library.
(2.) Buy your books used at discount booksellers, e-bay, garage sales or other homeschoolers.
(3.) Watch for sales and buy supplies then. In August, I buy a year's worth of spiral notebooks for ten cents each.
Note: I have to say that I am a huge proponent of enrolling in an accredited home school. Please check thoroughly through schools in which you might be interested. Some are
extremely reasonable, under six hundred dollars a year for an entire family.
Is public school free? No! transportation...tickets to sports events and dances...sports and extracurricular equipment..."cool" clothing daily...dances (dresses, tuxes, flowers, limos, dinner)...fundraisers...gifts...snazzy backpacks and supplies...cafeteria lunches...
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- The kids won't have college choices.
Cons of Homeschooing--Not True!
Many colleges welcome and actively recruit homeschoolers. Many are also generous with scholarhips for those who are worthy.
My daughter is the homeschool admissions counselor at a selective college, the
University of Dallas.
I assure you that the schools that keep abreast have discovered that homeschooled students are well-prepared and excited about learning. They study hard, are self-disciplined, active in
campus activities and set good examples.
There are a still a few institutions that make acceptance difficult for those who are home educated.
The key is to contact immediately any and all colleges in which your child expresses an interest. Talk to the admissions office regularly and often. Know the requirements and organize your youngster's education accordingly.
Of course, people raise the cons of homeschooling. It is our job as homeschooling parents to recognize and overcome them.
