There are so many advantages to homeschooling your child(ren). There is also a cost – in terms of loss of personal time and possibly income – a sacrifice many parents believe is well worth it.
Calvert Education’s website has listed some pros and cons for homeschooling. Calvert’s offers a complete homeschool curriculum as well as an online academy. Check out their website here: www.calverteducation.com
Below are several of those for your consideration.
Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
TIME
More family time is spent on homeschooling.
Pros:
- You have a more direct role on your child’s daily learning.
- You have the satisfaction that your children are learning, developing skills, and maturing in a way that aligns to your goals and values.
- Build stronger relationships with your children.
Cons:
- You have to plan school-time and activities and handle the administrative work of being a teacher.
- Less time each day for yourself.
- Potential for more stress and fatigue by taking on parenting and teacher responsibilities.
MONEY
More money dedicated to education in homeschooling.
Pros:
- You can use vacations and other activities as part of your homeschool curriculum.
- Purchasing bundled learning packets can help with budgeting and ultimately help reduce costs.
Cons:
- Dedicating time to homeschooling can mean a loss of income or reduced time working.
- Need to tighten your family’s spending.
Pros:
- You can use vacations and other activities as part of your homeschool curriculum.
- Purchasing bundled learning packets can help with budgeting and ultimately help reduce costs.
Cons:
- Dedicating time to homeschooling can mean a loss of income or reduced time working.
- Need to tighten your family’s spending.
TEAM SPORTS
Team sports options change for homeschoolers.
Pros:
- Your children can still participate in recreational leagues, amateur leagues, attend local homeschool sports classes, or create their own sports leagues.
Cons:
- Most school districts do not allow homeschoolers to participate in public school sports teams.
socialization
Different path for your child’s socialization.
Pros:
- Less ridicule and social pressures that reduce self-esteem and discourage learning.
- No bullying.
- Greater exposure to more adults through field trips and other activities.
- Connection to other homeschoolers of varying ages and skill levels.
- Real-life skill building is stronger in home-based learning.
Cons:
- Some kids who were homeschooled recall having a smaller circle of friends.
- Less daily interaction with large groups of kids within the same age group.
Freedom and Flexibility
More educational freedom and flexibility in homeschooling.
Pros:
- Your child can move more quickly through assignments and subjects they understand, and spend more time on topics that are challenging.
- Homeschoolers tend to perform better on standardized tests.
- No homework! Yeah, that’s right. Since all learning is going on during the day, there is no need to task your child with additional work.
- Ability to pursue child’s interests, and have more personalized learning – matching lessons to child’s learning styles.
Cons:
- Possibly fewer resources such as technology that may be available in a public school.
- Parents must teach a broad range of subjects. Greater freedom and flexibility requires more time and responsibility from the parent.
- Potentially less structure when compared to public school.
Recognition for Achievements
Recognition for achievement is limited to homeschool.
Pros:
- Less distraction from students who do not value learning allows for greater achievement
- Homeschool students often show a greater pride in their own achievements, as they are self-motivated.
Cons:
- Less outside family recognition of good work.
- Fewer award ceremonies, as are common in public schools.
Community Involvement
More time for community involvement.
Pros:
- Less distraction from students who do not value learning allows for greater achievement
- Homeschool students often show a greater pride in their own achievements, as they are self-motivated.
Cons:
- More time to be involved in the community whether through volunteer opportunities or community projects.
- Children lose some social interaction with peers.