I get asked this question a lot. Why homeschooling? Is it because I’m super controlling of my child? Religious reasons? Is it because I’m afraid to let my child out of my sight?
There are a lot of misconceptions about families that choose homeschooling for their children. For me I’m not super controlling of my child, it’s not for religious reasons (though there is a plus side for this), and it’s not because I’m afraid to let my child go to school. Those questions really make me laugh inside. There is one simple answer to these questions. I choose to homeschool because I want the best education I can give to my son. That’s right. EDUCATION! That is why our family chooses this lifestyle. I also want to point out that you do not need a degree in teaching to homeschool your child. Anyone with a little time and patience can do this.
I also really like being around my child. I see a lot of people that are happy to ship their kids off to school in order to get a “break”. That’s totally fine, but that’s just not me. I enjoy being the main influence in his life. I also really LOVE teaching! I didn’t finish up my final classes or test to become a certified teacher (bed rest due to pregnancy) so this gives me the outlet for the need to teach. Who better to teach than your own children? So this is a perfect fit for us.
What about the “S” word?? Socialization. I’m extremely surprised that in this day and age that this topic keeps coming up, but it does. Again, this is pretty silly to me. There is no reason to think or believe that a child can ONLY socialize in a modern classroom setting. There are so many ways your child can get socialization in these days! A few examples: Church, play dates, gym, neighbors, study groups, meet ups, etc. The options are endless. Your kids will get the social skills they need. 🙂
Back to education again. I love the fact that my child will have one on one attention for his lessons. He can go at his own pace. This means if he is slow at something we can slow down and review it until it clicks (LOVE those ah-ha moments!). Also if he catches on to a lesson quickly we can just keep moving on. No waiting for others to catch up and no getting bored! I know of some homeschool children that graduate high school at the age of 16 and move right into college!
This is why we homeschool. Please let me know your “WHY” in the comments below!