A great debate exists in the realm of child rearing and education, and both sides are equally passionate. Some believe that homeschooling is the best way to control what your child learns, and allow him the freedom of learning and expression. Some firmly believe that traditional schools offer benefits and social experiences that should not be missed. Either way, parents should weight the pros and cons carefully before deciding if homeschooling is right for their family, lifestyle and, most importantly, their children.
Pro: Controlled Learning
Some parents are worried that their children won't be challenged enough in attending a traditional school. Others are worried that their children will be too lost in the curriculum. Homeschooling affords parents that chance to control what their children are learning and the pace at which they learn. With no other students to accommodate, parents can teach their children their own curriculum on their own time table, allowing for a longer or shorter emphasis on topics as needed.
Con: Time Commitment
To properly home school your child, you need to commit a certain amount of time each day that is devoted to your child's learning. Some parents may thrive in this arena, while others will struggle with the constant need and attention, lesson planning and time with their children, without getting the break that a traditional school gives them each day.
Pro: Religious Freedom
Some families may have a religious background that is important to them and that they wish to incorporate into their curriculum. For instance, some staunchly Christian families may not want their children to learn about the theory of evolution at a traditional school. At home, they can teach about Creationism and incorporate religious teachings through the units of study.
Con: Social Exclusion
A traditional school allows for much social interaction among children, with day-to-day activities and team sports. When children are homeschooled, they will not get to experience those same social interactions. While other homeschooling social groups exist, your child may miss out on being on the basketball team, learning to interact with other children in large groups and interacting and conversing with other adults.
Pro: Family Bonding
Homeschooling could give you the tight-knit, close family that you've always wanted. Not only are you your child's teacher, you are also his support system. His siblings are his classmates and friends. The time that you spend together learning and growing through your homeschooling experience could knit your family close together for years past their homeschool years.
Con: Financial Constraints
At first glance, homeschooling may seem like the more frugal option when compared to traditional schooling. No uniforms, supplies and field trips to pay for. But all of these extracurricular supplies will need to be paid for by you, as the homeschool teacher. Parents may also have to give up work and lose income in order to oversee the education of their children full-time.
