Having homeschooled my children since my oldest was a toddler, I’ve become quite familiar with the unique challenges and rewards of this educational path. Surprisingly, I never envisioned myself as a homeschooler; I used to be a traditional classroom teacher. Yet here we are, navigating the humorous twists of life.
For many, the concept of homeschooling can be puzzling, so I’m sharing my insights to shed light on the experience. Like most choices, homeschooling comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Interestingly, some of the positives can also be viewed as negatives. Here’s my take on the five best and five not-so-great aspects of teaching your own children.
Let’s dive into the not-so-great aspects first:
- Heavy Burden of Responsibility
If my kids struggle academically, that falls squarely on my shoulders. With three children at various developmental stages, it’s a hefty weight to bear. There’s no teacher to blame—I’m the one who needs to step up. While I strive to be diligent, I sometimes wish I could slack off a little more. - Cluttered Living Space
While this might not be universal, it certainly is true in our home. With both my spouse and I working remotely and three kids being taught at home, keeping our house tidy is a constant challenge. Add to that the cooperative schooling we do with other families, and you can imagine the chaos. Learning is rarely neat and orderly. - Too Much Togetherness
This can be both a blessing and a curse. I cherish the time I get to spend with my kids, but I also value my solitude. Homeschooling affords me ample family time, yet I have to be intentional about carving out moments for myself. Without that balance, I can easily feel overwhelmed. - Need for Structure
While some parents excel in establishing routines, I find it difficult. My naturally flexible Type-B personality doesn’t always mesh well with the need for consistent schedules. I often wish I had a partner to help create and uphold a structured learning environment. - Lingering Doubts
It’s common for homeschoolers to question their choices. Even when I feel confident, I sometimes wonder if I’m doing enough for my children. Are they missing out on vital experiences? Am I adequately teaching them? Although I often find reassurance in my answers, the doubts persist.
Now, let’s explore the positive aspects:
- Witnessing Childhood Fully
One of the most rewarding parts of homeschooling is being able to savor every moment of my children’s upbringing. They are somewhat shielded from societal pressures to grow up too quickly, allowing their natural innocence to flourish. It brings me joy to see my 12-year-old more interested in imagination than makeup. - Learning at Their Own Pace
I initially chose homeschooling to keep my advanced reader from feeling stifled in a traditional school setting. As a pleasant surprise, our middle child thrives with this flexible approach. She took her time mastering reading but then soared, devouring books at an amazing rate. This freedom has allowed all my kids to flourish academically. - Strengthened Family Bonds
With all the time spent together, we’ve developed a close-knit family dynamic. Yes, sibling squabbles happen, but overall, my kids enjoy each other’s company and create wonderful memories during our learning adventures. - Time Freedom
This is possibly my favorite advantage of homeschooling. We had the opportunity to tour the country for nearly a year, unhindered by a school calendar. This flexibility means we can travel during quieter times, avoiding crowds and taking spontaneous trips. When my oldest began community college classes, we truly appreciated the freedom we once had. - Personal Growth
I can honestly say I’ve learned just as much, if not more, than my kids. My interests in subjects such as history and science have deepened, and my understanding of education has expanded. Experiencing this journey alongside my children has been fulfilling, demonstrating that learning is a lifelong endeavor.
Homeschooling isn’t suitable for everyone, and I wouldn’t universally endorse it. Yet, it has been an incredibly rewarding choice for our family. There have certainly been days when the challenges made me want to give up, but the benefits have always outweighed the drawbacks. I can’t envision our life any other way.
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