Reasons to Homeschool - Personal Reasons Are Reasons Enough

"Why do you homeschool again?" is a question I'm sure all homeschooolers have had asked of them time and time again. Nothing wrong with the question, but sometimes the question is really not a question at all. Sometimes it's more like a criticism wrapped up in the form of a question. Have you ever had one of those? You can always tell by the tone. Am I right?

Maybe we should all have t-shirts printed just to free up our conversation for other things? I don't mind talking about why we homeschool and even welcome the discussion, except for those instances when the person I'm discussing it with is so incredibly closed minded about the issue, that they won't stop to consider homeschooling's many benefits.

There are a lot of people who seem to think homeschooling is unhealthy, unrealistic and/or just plain wrong. I would guess that many of these individuals have misconceptions about why we homeschool and possibly have not witnessed the triumphs of a homeschooling family first hand.

So, why do I homeschool? If you're a homeschooler, your list might be different than mine, but here are just a few of my reasons... just in case you're interested! I'm still working on the t-shirt.

1. To assure that my son doesn't fall behind in his lessons (he doesn't focus well, doesn't listen well, and would just as soon sit and stare at a wall.... if I weren't sitting right there with him).

2. To experience the luxury of choosing the curriculum that best suits my children's learning style and level of readiness.

3. To limit exposure to teachers with an agenda to brainwash my children into adopting their warped social values or twisted understanding of how the world should be (basically limit their exposure to secular education).

4. Eliminate 7 hours of school, followed by an evening of homework. I think young kids should be free of homework in the evening.... especially if they've been in school all day long.

5. Because I know without a doubt that one-on-one teaching is more effective than subjecting my kids to a classroom with a student to teacher ratio of 20 to 1 (sometimes even more than that).

6. Knowing first hand that my kids are learning EVERYTHING they're supposed to learn and that nothing has been glossed over. We don't proceed to the next level, book, or even page until we have it right.

7. Reduction in peer pressure to act in ways or participate in activities that they otherwise wouldn't

8. No school wardrobe to buy, no overpriced school lunches, no fund raisers where I end up buying the bulk of the products.... equates to a lot of savings for our family.

9. We can take a vacation anytime of the year, plan our own school calender, choose our own hours, take as many field trips as we choose, and basically do things our own way.

10. Less comparison between my kids and those at the same grade level. No labels placed on my kids... like special, delayed or even gifted. My kids will be less likely to develop feelings of inferiority or superiority based on their performance or level of understanding.

11. Incorporation of our faith into our studies

12. We can instill our own values into our children rather than having a virtual stranger teach them right from wrong.

13. More time to explore their individual passions, sometimes even incorporating them into our studies

14. Reduction in teasing or the pressure to fit in

15. More time to bond as a family, to enjoy our time together before they're grown and out on their own!

So, there you have it! Yes homeschooling is a very personal choice and for certain children is the best way for them to be educated.