Going to school can be one of the most crucial parts of growing up for a child. Not only does time in the classroom educate them, it also is a valuable experience that will allow them to adjust to social norms and make friends. Even so, recent surveys have shown more than 1 million children are homeschooled in the United States, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
So is there a benefit to either schooling option? Are homeschooled children just as likely to lead a successful life? Or will they end up the weird kid in the corner?
It all depends on the circumstances. Many fathers may choose to remove their son or daughter from public school due to extenuating circumstances such as the death of a loved one or behavioral problems.
While there are certainly situations that merit it, there are some drawbacks to homeschooling as well. Of course, the largest disadvantage is that parents are not licensed teachers. One possible disadvantage of homeschooling might be that parents are not licensed teachers. Though some parents might naturally be gifted instructors, others might find it a challenge to correctly convey information. Perhaps another significant drawback is that might be that homeschooled kids are often not exposed to other children and may lack the socialization skills necessary further on.
Entrusting another group of adults with the well-being of your son or daughter can be tough, but unless there is a significant reason not to, enrolling them in school might be essential to his or her development.
I am a former homeschooler who is now a public school parent because I needed to go back to work. This “article” is useless and devoid of facts. It’s complete hogwash to even suggest that homeschooled children are “not exposed to other children.” “Homeschool” does not mean “never leaves the house.”
You seriously call this article “The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling”? I don’t see any pros or cons mentioned, just a few short paragraphs based on one very uninformed man’s opinions.
In reality, children spend very little classroom time being educated. Most of the day is spent lining up to transition to different classrooms and activities, and waiting for other students to quiet down and get their supplies out or put away.
Why do children need to adjust to social norms? They are many things that have become “normal” social behavior that in all reality, is not admirable, moral, or even healthy.
One does not need to be a licensed teach to teach children. That is simply a job requirement for public education. Parents teach their children to talk, walk use the potty and tie their shoes. Why should education by the parent not continue? Why is a parent qualified to teach these skills but not others in your mind Mr. Thompson?
Most homeschooled children are NOT lacking in social skills. The great majority of home educated children participate in a variety of social activities including, but not limited to: scouts, 4H, homeschool cooperatives, dance, martial arts, sports, community events, church events, theater, play groups, and many more. You would be wise to recall the words of your elementary school teachers, “We are not here to socialize!”
Enrolling a child in government run school is NOT essential to his development. In fact, in many cases, it may do more harm than good.
Please excuse the typo in line 7. It should read:
“There are many things that have become “normal”….”
Please John Thompson, explain the children who blow up their classmates, engage in criminal behavior and the 40% of children who go to public institutions who leave uneducated!!