Have you ever wondered why people homeschool? There are several reasons people homeschool and if you’re lucky enough to live in the United States (where homeschooling is legal in all 50 states), you don’t even have to have a reason. If however, you’re still curious and looking for reasons people homeschool, take a look at a few of these. Also, be sure to check out this post 7 Important things every new homeschooling parent should know..
Nine Reasons People Homeschool Their Kids
Academic – Some parents live in an area with a school district that falls short, does not teach a subject they feel strongly about (ie black history), they hate common core or, they simply feel they can do a better job. Homeschooling allows parents to teach the basics (math, language arts, science, history, etc) but also focus on things they feel are important like life skills or even stock trading. The skies the limit with homeschooling
Religious – Some parents decide to homeschool because they don’t agree with the values taught in the public school system. They may not agree with sex education, talk of same-sex relationships or evolution being taught to their kids. Homeschooling allows parents to teach their own values and beliefs.
Learning Styles – Everyone learns differently and in the public school system if your child’s learning style clashes with their teacher’s teaching style your child can often fall behind. Homeschooling allows parents to teach their children the way they learn best. That might mean more hands-on learning, learning through travel or just being able to move around and take breaks when needed.
Health Concerns – Some children struggle with health issues that make being in a public school setting downright dangerous. Homeschooling allows these kids to continue to get the education they deserve in a safe environment.
Mental Health – More and more kids are struggling with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, and depression. This can make public school brutal. Mix these issues with the increase in bullying and school can become almost toxic for some kids. Reese was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 so for us, Homeschooling a child with ADHD was much better than fighting the public school system.
Safety – It seems like every day we can turn on the TV and see a news story about violence. For many people, this violence spills over into public schools with school shootings and bullying, and parents are scared to send their kids to school.
Extracurricular Activities – Many kids participate in extracurricular activities that make attending traditional public school difficult. This includes professional child actor kids, gymnasts, dancers, musicians, singers, and even BMX riders, etc. These are kids who have already found their career paths
Parents Schedules – Some parents have jobs that require them to travel for work and would mean constantly pulling the kids out of school. Maybe you are a travel nurse, in the military or you’re a pilot or trucker and your kids like to join you on the road. Homeschool adds consistency for these families.
Deeper Focus on a Trade or Career – Some kids already know what they want to be when they grow up. Maybe they want to be doctors, or professional bakers, or veterinarians. Homeschooling allows parents to tailor their child’s education to align with their future career goals. Everyone has to learn math and science but if your future veterinarian can learn math for veterinary science or veterinary science, they have a head start. Homeschooling also allows kids to move at their own pace and even finish school and start college sooner than their peers.
Many people think only really religious people homeschool but as you can see from this list, that’s just not the case. There are several reasons people homeschool their kids so if you are considering homeschooling (whatever the reason), don’t be afraid to give it a try.
