There are a lot of outdated myths and misconceptions about homeschooling.
For example, some people think homeschoolers are weird or that homeschooling families must be religious zealots. However, homeschooling is a valid educational choice for any family, regardless of their religious beliefs (or lack thereof). And just like any other form of schooling, homeschooling has pros and cons. This blog post will debunk some of the most common myths people believe about homeschooling.
We are on our eighth year of homeschooling. Every year, I grow more and more confident in the decisions we make for our families. However, this journey has not been without criticism from others. Some say my children will be awkward and anti-social, unable to socialize with their peers. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I tell these people to spend a day with my 11-year-old and then get back to me. Other people have told us we shouldn’t use homeschool- without explaining why. Regardless of what others have said, I know we made the right decision.
If you are on the fence about homeschooling because of the myths that others perpetuate, read on! You may be surprised at how untrue these myths are.
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Why are more and more people choosing to homeschool?
There are many reasons why families homeschool their children. Some parents homeschool because they want more control over their child’s education. Others may feel that the public or private school system isn’t meeting their child’s academic or social needs. Still, others may believe that homeschooling is the best way to prepare their child for college.
No matter the reason, homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular choice. In 2020, more than two million students were homeschooled in the United States, a number that has increased post-pandemic.
When a family chooses to homeschool, they will sometimes be criticized.
Many people are still afraid of homeschooling, I think because it is different. When we started our homeschool journey, my husband told an acquaintance that we homeschooled our preschooler. He responded, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” He didn’t know us, our family, or our daughter, but he had the common misconception that homeschooling was a bad idea across the board.
Why? I don’t know. Homeschooling works for our family. It might not work for you, but that is okay! Homeschooling is one size that does NOT fit all.
But as homeschooling rises in popularity, it’s becoming more apparent that some misconceptions are frivolous.
If you take the time to get to know the current homeschooling community (I’m talking about the ones in today’s society, not the ones from 30 years ago.) You will notice that most of them are pretty normal. Furthermore, if you take the time to figure out why they chose to homeschool, you may notice that many of them have had their day in the public school system. I have met plenty of principals and teachers who have stated, I will never send my kids to a public school for this reason or that.
I, myself, was a girl who went through public school. While I didn’t have a traumatic experience, I wouldn’t say it was a topnotch experience or education. I had plenty of qualms with the way some teachers treated me (not allowing a seven-year-old to go to the bathroom and making her pee herself in front of her peers, for one.) Then knowing what I know about the education system in our town, I just knew I didn’t want to send my kids there. That’s my own choice.
The more stories you hear from the homeschooling community, the more ability you have to open your eyes to the fact that these myths are outdated. Let’s take a look at the most common ones.
Myth: Homeschooling is too Hard
Fact: homeschooling can be as complicated or easy as you make it. If you want to do a lot of hands-on activities and unit studies, it may be more challenging than if you wish to use a curriculum and let your child follow along. But either way, it’s up to you. There is no one right way to homeschool. In my experience, I love to homeschool my kids! It doesn’t feel hard to me.
Myth: I Need to be an Expert in Homeschooling
Fact: You don’t have to be a homeschooling expert to teach your children at home. Many homeschoolers are self-taught. Plenty of resources are available online and in libraries to help you homeschool successfully. And if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, homeschooling groups and co-ops can offer support.
Myth: My kids Will be Social Outcasts
Fact: Homeschooled children are just as likely to be social as other children. Homeschoolers often have more opportunities to socialize because they have more time to participate in Scouts, sports, and arts programs. And many homeschooling groups offer socialization opportunities.
Homeschooling in 2024 doesn’t mean your kids won’t know how to socialize. In fact, in my own interactions with children, I have noticed on average, the kids who are home educated know how to carry on a conversation with people of various ages, not just their own, the majority of the time. (is this always the case, no) but it’s pretty typical.
Myth: Homeschooling Will Isolate My Kids from the World
Fact: homeschooled children are just as likely to be exposed to current events and the world around them as any other children. Homeschoolers often have more opportunities to travel and participate in community service projects. So to this myth I say, nah. It’s on the parents to make sure their children have plenty of opportunities to experience the “real world.” But when it comes to who is experiencing the “real world” more often? My money is on the homeschooled student down the street.
Myth: I Won’t Have Time to Homeschool
Fact: Depending on your family’s needs, homeschooling can be part-time or full-time. And many homeschooling parents find that they have more time to homeschool when their children are out of school. So, there is no need for long bus rides, early morning drop-offs, or late afternoon pickups. Some homeschoolers school in the evenings, after work, early mornings, and weekends.
Myth: My Kids Won’t Learn Anything
Fact: The homeschooling movement has grown steadily for the past few decades because homeschooled children often outperform their peers academically. Many homeschoolers go on to homeschool their children.
Why do homeschoolers typically outperform their peers? First, homeschooling families often have higher educational expectations for their children. In addition, homeschoolers usually receive more individualized attention and can move at their own pace, which allows them to learn more effectively.
Homeschooling is not as hard as people think; you don’t need to be an expert to do it, your kids will not become social outcasts, and they will still learn just as much (if not more) as if they were in public or private school.
If you consider homeschooling for your family, research, talk to homeschoolers, and decide what homeschooling will work best for you. Homeschooling is a great way to customize your child’s education and have more control over what they learn. As homeschooling becomes more popular, misconceptions about it will continue to disappear.
What are some of the misconceptions you’ve heard about homeschooling? Let me know in the comments!
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