How Do I Decide If I Should Home School? Is it for Me?

The decision to home school your child is personal. While home schooling may be ideal for some families, it is not the best option for all families. I myself have 2 boys, and in a few short years they will be old enough to attend school. After researching my options I have not made a final decision yet, but I am leaning towards private school for my children. However, I am still open to home schooling. I realize that the needs of my children and family may change in the future.

This article may help you decide if home schooling is right for you, but be sure to also do your own research and explore all your options. A great book which may also help is called Should I Home School? By Elizabeth & Dan Hamilton.

Does my personality fit the bill?

As a parent you naturally teach your kids on a daily basis. You teach them to brush their teeth, comb their hair, put on their clothes and do other tasks. If you love teaching your child and spending time with them all the time then home schooling may be right for you. If your patient and love to be heavily involved in what you do in life then you may just be the perfect home school teacher. You may also want to give it a trial run to find out if its really for you or not.

Do I have the time?

If you're working a full time job it can be nearly impossible to home school your children. Most children need at least 3 hours each day of book work in addition to creative activities or even field trips. If your working outside of the home it can be very difficult to find time to home school, and your children may suffer if your try to be super mom and do it all. Even if you work at home, you will need to be very organized with your time, and diligent to stick to the commitment of home schooling so that your child doesn't fall behind. You will need to learn how to be efficient and organized. Home schooling can be a great deal of work.

If you have the time to put into home schooling your children, it can be very rewarding and enriching for them and for you. Studies show that some children who are home schooled graduated 2 years earlier on average and score very high on tests. It can also be very exciting to be right there with your children when they are learning.

Can I afford the added cost?

Depending on your state you may have to foot the bill for all the materials and books needed for home schooling. However, some states do have programs which provide you with the curriculum, books and a lap top. It all really depends. To find out what options are available contact your local public or charter school.

Do I need to be a teacher to home school?

Again it really depends on the state you live in. In most states as long as you can read and write, you can teach your kids.

It can be a big challenge to be the parent and the teacher at the same time. The choice to home school your child is very personal. Good luck!