Home Schooling – Pros and Cons

When it comes to making a decision as important as home schooling for your child, it is imperative that you have the right information to make this decision. So, here we will discuss exactly what home schooling is and the pros and cons associated with it.

What is Home Schooling?

Home Schooling is an alternate form of education to the normal schooling system. It allows the parents to become mentors and teachers to their child. It requires a significant level of planning and training both for the parent and the child to make home schooling a success.

Home Schooling, as a practice, began when parents with adequate training felt that their child was not getting the education required through the normal education system. One important point to note is that the practice of home schooling is legal in only certain countries including:

• United Kingdom (UK)
• United States of America (USA)
• India
• Canada
• New Zealand

Benefits of Home Schooling

One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is the academic freedom and flexibility you get and the impact that it has on you and your child.

In a school, with 20-40 learners in a class, a teacher has to address everyone’s learning style and everyone’s pace. This, we know, is mortally impossible. The teacher is always aiming at a non-existent average student in the class. When some are ready to move on, some are left behind, invariably.

This academic freedom in Homeschooling allows you to match the learning to your child's pace. While on one hand, it will not hold back a fast-paced learner; on the other hand it will give adequate space to your child if there is a struggle in the learning. You can work with your child until she/ he has mastered the material. Likewise, if your child is ready to move on, you do not need to waste time on redundant or repetitive lessons. Homeschooling children can move through educational materials at a faster pace than their peers.

Another benefit of this academic freedom in homeschooling education opens up a whole world of choices to study and learn. It exposes children to more varied and unique experiences. Parents and kids often cite how home school curriculum encouraged them to get out of the home and learn about science, art, math, culture, and history in the real world. Experiencing things outside of a classroom is often more engaging and leads to better absorption of knowledge and skills. Quite literally, you are limited only by the energy and enthusiasm of your own.

Of course, with the educational freedom also come added responsibilities. As mentioned above, parents are now required to become teachers and administrators. We do firmly believe every parent is capable of being the best teacher to their children. In addition, you can also bring enthusiastic experts and friends to engage with children in their chosen field of choice.

Cons of Home Schooling

It would not be fair to simply show the greener pastures of home schooling without talking about the harsh realities as well. Given below are some of the cons that are associated with Home Schooling:

• Less Time for yourself as the responsibilities on you increase
• More time would need to be dedicated to your child’s education compared to a normal school education.
• Less Recognition outside their usual community
• Possibility of fewer resources compared to public schools

Conclusion

As with any other option, home schooling has its own benefits and disadvantages. However the decision, at the end of the day, would depend upon you and your ability. If you are looking to find out if home schooling is the right decision for you, click here.