Top Five Bad Birthday Gifts for a Homeschool Child

A homeschool family usually has extended family members who do not homeschool. Whether they be supportive of the unconventional educational system or not, chances are they really do not understand what homeschool is like. This lack of understanding can be most evident at holidays and birthdays when the family tries to purchase gifts that have to do with homeschooling.

Below are the top ten bad birthday gifts that people can buy for a homeschool child. I homeschool my children, and some of these have been given to them.

Bad Birthday Gift #1 - Workbooks or Text Books

Books make great birthday presents for a homeschool child, but not workbooks or textbooks. First of all, unless you ask the parent specifically, you are unlikely to know what level the child is learning at. Second, the homeschool teaching style may not include this type of book learning at all. Third, can you imagine a more boring birthday gift? What child would want to get schoolwork for his or her birthday?

Bad Birthday Gift #2 - School Specific Items

School specific items are those things that public or private school children must have. These items include book covers, locker decorations and mirrors, and lunch boxes. There is less of a chance of these items being useful to a homeschool child.

Bad Birthday Gift #3 - Books and Movies about School

Of course, every homeschool child knows that there are other children who go to school every day. However, they might not be able to identify with stories about children who deal with multiple teachers, lockers, playgrounds full of bullies and things like that. Also, if the homeschool parents want their child to be homeschooled even if the child would rather be in public school, it will undermine their authority and cause tension in the family.

Bad Birthday Gift #4 - Religiously Inappropriate Items

Many people homeschool their kids for religious reasons. Some disagree with such theories as evolution and natural selection. It would be a bad idea to give a science book that outlines these ideas. Also, movies, fiction books, and music can clash with a family's religious beliefs.

Bad Birthday Gift #5 - Uninspiring Toys and Books

Many homeschool kids are advanced in their education and maturity. Even the ones that aren't should not be given toys and books that are designed for younger children. Most homeschool families think that learning happens all the time and they strive to challenge their children. Homeschool children often love to explore and learn new things. Giving picture books or toy cars to ten year olds will not excite their minds.

You can hardly fault people that do not know about homeschooling for buying inappropriate things for your child's birthday. Increasing their knowledge about homeschool is a good first step. In future years, your homeschool children will hopefully receive better gifts for their birthdays.