The reasons people homeschool vary from family to family, but there are four reasons that seem popular. I have met numerous homeschoolers through the years and when asked why they homeschool at least one of these reasons are usually on their list.
I would just about guarantee, that if you homeschool and have been out with your children you have been asked at some point WHY you homeschool. With the rising popularity of homeschooling, the negative comments may not be as bad as they used to be, but in general, people always seem to be curious as to why you are choosing to against the grain.
The reasons people homeschool vary from family to family, but there are four reasons that seem popular. I have met numerous homeschoolers through the years and when asked why they homeschool at least one of these reasons are usually on their list.
Flexibility
Homeschooling leaves so many options open to families. They are not tied down to a public school calendar. This means they can take days off as needed, vacation when they want, and start school at a time that meets their families needs. This is great for families where dad may work out of town or unconventional hours. It is also great for those who love to travel.
Religious Convictions
Homeschooling allows families to teach their children biblical truths every day. Public schools are not allowed to teach anything other than evolution. Creationism isn’t taught as a secondary notion to evolution in Christian homeschool families, it is taught as the biblical truth that it is. Christian homeschool families also teach their children the religious foundations this country was originally founded on. This point of view is very important to religious families that want to teach their children their convictions. For many families, homeschooling is a conviction, something the Lord has laid upon their heart to do.
Customized Learning
Some children just don’t fit into a public school “box”. They don’t learn like other children. They may need time to practice a skill before moving on. They may have trouble sitting still or concentrating in a large group. These children do not do well in large classrooms. They need material that is more tailored to their needs. On the other end of the aisle are children who excel academically. They are ready for more than what the public schools say they should be learning. Homeschooling allows parents to tailor a curriculum for their children. Customized learning is a great benefit for all children, but especially for those unconventional ones
Safety
Schools are not always the safest learning environment anymore. School violence and bullying is on the rise, and this has many families concerned about the safety and well-being of their children. In addition to being concerned about physical violence in school, many families also struggle with food allergies that can be life-threatening. Homeschooling is a great option for these families because it can give them a peace of mind they may not otherwise have had.
There you have it the four most popular reasons people homeschool. If you already homeschool, I would guess that at least one of these are the original reason you gave it a shot.
Misty is a homeschool mom of three and has been homeschooling for over 4 years. You can read about her homeschool journey and more on her blog, Joy in the Journey.
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