The homeschool demographic has changed quite a bit since I started homeschooling in 1994, and especially over the past 10 years.
The reasons why people are choosing to homeschool now seem to have more to do with student anxiety and safety and less to do with family culture, independence and discipleship.
The use of online and computer-based learning has skyrocketed, despite studies showing a marked decline in learning outcomes when screens are introduced at a young age.
Parents are becoming less inclined to join support groups and participate in local homeschool activities with their kids and more inclined to use online forums and a.i. for information and seek drop-off activities.
The question "can we homeschool online while both parents work full-time?" is met with "of course!", personal anecdotes and endorsement of favorite online platforms requiring minimal parent involvement, instead of legitimate hesitancy and concern about the experience for the child, or encouragement to enlist family members or to adjust lifestyle to allow for adult interaction and a healthy, rich educational environment for the children.
There is a growing surge of interest in gaining access to public schools for an array of classes and activities because "we pay taxes", and less desire for separation and distance from the public educational institution because of a fundamental difference of worldview and belief in what is appropriate and beneficial for a child's development into a healthy, confident, educated adult.
There is a difference between "can I do this?" and "should I do this?" . Each family situation is unique and I don't think it is possible to issue a blanket statement about any situation, but I want to urge parents, whether you are tiptoeing in or diving headfirst into homeschooling, to consider the needs of the "whole child" - academic, spiritual, emotional, social, practical, etc.
As a Christian, you should first think about your God-given role as nurturer/protector, disciple-maker, and guide. Listen for the quiet voice and direction of the Holy Spirit. Order your priorities so that they align with God's priorities, as much as you are able.
Can you give your child the necessary foundation for a successful life? Are you ready to be the person responsible for their well-being? I hope your answer is yes! I hope you are eager to spend time with your children and be the primary influence in their lives, laying a foundation of strong faith, curiosity about the world, confidence in their abilities, a heart bent toward serving and helping others. I hope you are excited to learn alongside your child, continuing your own journey of life-long learning.
This is a short list that I made many years ago of Reasons NOT to Homeschool. This is based on my opinion and experience as a homeschool mom of over 30 years as well as a long-time leader in my local homeschool community.
REASONS NOT TO HOMESCHOOL
1. You do not like to spend time with your children.
Seems like a no-brainer, right? But if you don't like being around your children, then homeschooling will be most difficult for you and probably not good for them either. Before you attempt homeschooling, spend time in prayer and study, asking the Lord to turn your heart back to your family, from wherever it has been drawn instead. Perhaps seek the help of a counselor. Spending time with your children should make you happy. It should be a source of JOY. At least most of the time.
2. You don't want to change anything about your present lifestyle.
This might not seem quite so obvious, but homeschooling is a huge change of lifestyle from what most people are used to. It requires flexibility, sacrifice, and dedication. It requires time, finances, effort, and prayer. If you are not willing to give it your all, then you should probably look at other options for educating your children. However if you are willing to go all in, you will find there are great rewards to living a homeschool lifestyle.
3. You think you should homeschool because your friend, neighbor, sister, pastor, favorite influencer is homeschooling.
If you start homeschooling because you feel guilted into it or pressured into it because people around you are homeschooling, then you are going to struggle. It is not enough just to think it might be a good idea. You must believe in your heart that this is the BEST choice for your family. You will face opposition at some point - from family, media, the church, friends, strangers, employers. You will doubt yourself and wonder what in the world you were thinking! How will you respond? Will you be able to stand with confidence and make sacrifices to provide well for your children?
4. Your husband or wife is strongly opposed to the idea.
You never want homeschooling to put a wedge into your relationship with your spouse. Spend time researching, discussing pros and cons, visiting other homeschooling families. Pray for unity. A strong marriage is the foundation for a strong family and is vital for the success of your homeschool. If you are a single parent, you are in a different situation, and I believe the Lord provides grace to compensate for the missing parent.
Homeschooling is the easiest, most natural thing in the world. You have been your child's teacher from birth; you can continue to learn right alongside your children throughout their childhood all the way into young adulthood.
BUT
Homeschooling is the hardest, most challenging thing you will ever do.
No one knows and loves your child like you do, or wants more for their future.
BUT
No one can drive you crazy like your own child! He knows all the "buttons" to push and will challenge you and push the boundaries.
Homeschooling provides a flexible schedule, which allows you to work lessons around other activities, take days off when you want to, do volunteer work, etc.
BUT
There are not enough hours in the day to fit in everything you and your child would like to do. Be very careful to guard your time at home, be mindful of how much activity your family can handle, eliminate things that interfere with what is important for your family NOW. Set priorities for this season in your life, and be prepared to say "No" for now to those things that do not line up with those priorities.
We are blessed to live in a time and in a country with so many opportunities and resources available for homeschooling families. There are support groups, classes, co-ops, sports teams, debate teams, choirs, bands, seminars, clubs, camps. There are online classes and curriculums. There are companies selling every imaginable book, game, program, or tool you might want. Even more recently has been the introduction of hybrid schools, pods and microschools.
BUT
All these things have a COST in money and time and influence. There are always choices that have to be made. Guard against DISCONTENTMENT with your financial situation or geographic limitations. Every homeschool is not going to look the same, and that is not a bad thing! God has a purpose and plan for each of us, and limitations and challenges provide opportunities for ingenuity, creativity and developing strong character. The homeschool community has always been great at sharing resources and building ways to help our children to thrive. Tap into that community.
