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7 Reasons I Really Admire Homeschoolers
Posted on 10th Jan 2012 | In Science With Mom! Blog
Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher. (Japanese proverb)
Ok so let’s face it. As the founder of Science With Me! I take education seriously, very seriously. I love to teach and think about the best way to motivate children and encourage them to learn… So why don’t I home school my 3 children? I don’t know. Perhaps I am scared. I also think that school in Ireland is pretty enjoyable. However after my 2 years here in the South Florida school system I think if I were to stay on, I would seriously, seriously consider permanently homeschooling our 3 kids. But that’s another story…
So back to all those homeschooling families out there many of who are members of my Science With Me! Community. Just so you know, I often find myself defending homeschoolers to my non-homeschooling friends. I hear all the usual disparaging remarks regarding the homeschooling choice but as we all know, people usually criticize that which they are ignorant and fearful of. I understand homeschooling is a choice. It’s a choice I have chosen not make, though I AM going to home school my 3 children in early 2012 until we restart school in Ireland in September. Homeschooling IS a choice however that more than 4% of K-12 students in the U.S. have made. A pretty hard statistic to ignore I would say. Ok back to the topic at hand…… I am in total awe and admiration of homeschooling families and here are 7 reasons why:
1) Homeschoolers are serious about education.
And I have a meeting of the minds with anyone that takes education seriously. Education sets people free. Education gives people choice. Education broadens the mind. Education provides students a creative outlet to express themselves. The reasons to continually educate both the next generation and ourselves are numerous. I have never met anyone in my life that didn’t think education was somewhat important and homeschoolers are extremely serious about education. I admire people that are extremely serious about education.
2) Homeschoolers are not lazy.
They are willing to do the work. They don’t get to secretly breathe out very morning (like I do) when I drop my kids off at school and put the responsibility of their schooling in the hands of others. Note I say “schooling’. I am not naïve enough to believe that someone else is responsible for my children’s education. Whether you send your kids to formal school or home school them, we as parents and families are still responsible for their education. School is schooling. Education is far broader than that. I admire hardworking individuals that are not lazy especially when it comes to learning and education.
3) Homeschoolers integrate family life into learning.
Research shows that children learn best from the people they are bonded to, so there is no doubt that homeschooled children are going to benefit greatly from having the person they are most bonded to teach them. This is especially true in the formative years. Also having children understand from the start that learning does not begin and end at the school gate is one of the best gifts you can give your child. Homeschoolers position their children extremely well to grow into adults that are equipped to, and still have a desire to, learn. I admire anyone that raises or contributes to raising (i.e. passionate parents and teachers) life long learners
4) Homeschoolers teach their children to be self-starters and self-reliant.
Many homeschoolers that I have spoken to over they years have told me that as their kids get older they go off and do much of their “home” work by themselves. They check back in when they have either finished the assignment, want to discuss something, or require some help. And, no, these kids are not off playing internet games! No one can argue that homeschoolers don’t succeed academically, so these children are definitely doing the work. Learning to work and think independently from a very young age is a huge advantage in life. Being able to manage yourself, your time and your schedule is an extremely important life skill. Think of the thousands large corporations spend annually on time –management courses for their executives!
Personally I found the transition from boarding school to university overwhelming. Boarding school was a highly structured environment. All the thinking I had to do was when the bell rang carry myself from one class to the next.
I didn’t even have to remember what class I was going to. I could just follow my friends 
Luckily when I got to my next class my teacher would kindly tell me what book to take out of my bag and what page to open it on. Talk about being spoon-fed! Is it any wonder I had a disastrous first year in university and failed the year when I was expected to do these complicated tasks by myself. I couldn’t handle the “freedom” so to speak. I admire any parent that saves their child this unnecessary lesson in life and understands the important of raising children that can manage themselves effectively from an early age.
5) Homeschoolers prioritize child centered learning.
Because of the flexibility built into the homeschooling scenario, children that are homeschooled are spared much of the mindless, mind numbing, busy work that is required of my children to satisfy nonsensical state criteria. This reason alone has swayed me to pull my kids from school in early 2012 and teach them at home. Homeschooling families have the ability to blend different programs and methods to teach their children and they can select programs and approaches that suit, interest and stimulate THEIR child! My children attended Montessori school in the early years. The Montessori method also puts the child at the center of the learning. Homeschoolers teach to the interests and strengths of the child and this puts the child at the center of the learning process. I admire any person or method that embraces child-centered learning.
6) Homeschoolers take charge of their child’s workload
One of the most alarming things to me over the past 18 months here in the public school system in South Florida is the amount of homework my children are assigned. See my earlier article: Is your kid getting too much homework?
Admittedly my children are in a language magnet program so the workload is expected to be higher, but even still, I think they have met a point of diminishing returns with the amount of homework they are expected to do. In fact I am worried that the amount of homework while being counterproductive will turn my children off school and learning. They are in school for 7 hours a day with little recess and then have two to three hours of homework (sometimes more!) a night. How can this be effective? I admire homeschoolers for taking a stand against this and not letting their children be the victims of a ridiculous system.
7) Homeschoolers take charge of their child’s diet.
The number of emails that have appeared in my Inbox in recent months written by upset parents complaining about the food that is being handed out at school without their knowledge is alarming. Pizza parties, thanksgiving feasts, Christmas feasts etc. all have taken place during the school day in addition to regular school lunches and no recess. This is a real problem in a society where obesity is on the increase. Homeschoolers don’t have to deal with this. They have taken control over what their child eats and it’s home cooked food in most instances. I admire homeschoolers for taking yet another stand for their children by providing a home school environment where their children can thrive both mentally and physically.
I would like to state for the record that I am not against formal schooling by any means, but I do think that when your child attends “regular” school, parents need to stay actively involved in the learning process. If anything, once you send your child through the school gates you need to stay more heavily involved in your child’s education and serve as your child’s advocate even more strongly.
I have met many wonderful Mom’s and Dad’s that do this at our school’s PTA. If you are not involved in your school’s PTA I would actively encourage you to do so. To all you other homeschooling families, I want to say you are a real inspiration and I admire you for your choice.
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Hi, there. I am a homeschooler in South Florida. I wish you also homeschooled as I would love to learn more about science from you. My passion is literature, though I teach my children all subjects. My oldest is graduated already and in college, and my youngest is 7. I have two who graduate next year. Homeschooling is wonderful in South Florida, especially with such an awesome support group as the Broward Parent Support Group. Blessings to you, and thanks for a wonderful website!!! Idania
I homeschool 2 kids and soon will homeschool a 3rd. This article is truly an encouragment. I don’t make any public school parent feel bad for their choice in sending their children to public school. As a matter of fact, I think there are great public schools out there! I 100% agree on your view of public school parents. Sending your kids to public school doesn’t rid you of your responsibility as a parent to educate your children!! Thank you!
I homeschool our 3 children and greatly appreciate this encouraging article. I needed it!
Thank you
Great article! Thank You!
Thanks Elva, loads of food for thought there. My daughter is not going to school yet but I have already become aware of the fact that kids are expected to spend the best part of their day learning outside the home. I live in France and am surprised to discover that young children are expected to attend school for 8 hours, not to mention homework and any extra activities. It just seems too much, so I am heartened to hear your positive comments on the alternatives. Looking foward to hearing about your homeschool experience in Ireland!
How do homeschooled children handle college. I grew up in a small town and basically knew everyone in my classes growing up. I was a little shocked once I went to college to discover how big the campus and classes were. Wouldn’t it be more of a shock if I was homeschooled?
Thank you.
Kim
I used to teach, but am now raising two boys. I have thought about home schooling, but I think they will miss out on so many opportunities that I cannot provide in the home. I think about all of the wonderful memories I have when I was in school mostly of friends and favorite teachers. I think children might be too sheltered from the real world if they are homeschooled. I do teach the boys through play and my four year old is already reading, but I think they will get more from school. I do respect the homeschooling families, but just need to add my opinion. Thank you.
Thanks Kim! I also have very fond memories of school and as many people have already said homeschooling (or school for that matter) is not for everyone. I think people think that homeschoolers are sheltered because they have an idea that homeschooled kids sit at home, all day, every day, only interacting with their parents. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! These kids are out in the community everyday meeting other homeschooled kids, attending workshops (like the one on chocolate that will be held at Fairchild Gardens in Miami this Friday (my kids can’t go because they are stuck at school!!!). Homeschooled kids take classes online (my kids have done this and have loved it), they often attend local community colleges for classes they are really interested in, they travel and learn languages. The world is their classroom! I don’t think they are sheltered:)
Many people who were homeschooled also have fond memories of it. They often choose to homeschool, so they can provide their kids with the same experiences they had. It’s wrong to assume also that the only place kids can socialize is in school. There are plenty of places to interact with other kids. I’ve actually found that some public school kids have no interest in socializing with any kids outside of their circle of friends at school. This is true of a very shy next door neighbor who limits herself to interacting with cousins and kids from school. My homeschooled child will play with anyone.
Thank you! As a homeschooling parent, I’ve faced doubts and criticism from everyone from complete strangers to my own family. 4 years into it now, at least some are starting to agree that we aren’t completely off the deep end. For us, what it all comes down to is that we want our kids to have a passion for learning and feel the best way to do so is an education tailored to the kids.
Good for you Kelly! It’s amazing how people feel they can just openly criticize homeschoolers. Mind you, having people challenge you is not always a bad thing however I am sure it gets old. I do think attitudes are changing though towards homeschooling and homeschoolers.
Elva, I admire the seven reasons that you admire homeschoolers for, but it left me wondering if homeschooled children get enough experinces to build good social skills that will help them succeed in society.
Marcelle – I think as Natalie pointed out in an earlier post “Homeschooled children fall on the social spectrum just like public schooled children.” I don’t think they are more “socially-disadvantaged” because they are homeschooled. If anything I think homeschooled children experience “real-life” much more than kids sent to regular school with the same 30 friends, year in, year out, and sit behind a desk day in, day out.
Hi. I read your post. Thanks for learning more homeschoolers and defending our decision. I just wanted to say (perhaps stating the obvious) that homeschooling families run the gamut from the super achievers to the very relaxed. I’ve learned that by learning a family’s educational goals upfront, can tell you a lot about how they homeschool. Family’s, like mine, who are working towards giving their children the opportunity to pursue a college education (preferably Ivy league
) will have a different approach to homeschool than those with a different goal. Moreover, I don’t know if ultimately my children will WANT to go to college but they will certainly be provided with all the education necessary so that it is a viable option for them. No goals are better than others. No homeschooling method is better than others. At the very least, having goals, is good, wouldn’t you agree?! Thanks again.
It is great to learn that a whole world exists out there which treats – rather practices this as a preferred choice. Regrettably, we are not so lucky as to avail of this personally, as our two daughters are almost through school. One joined college last year and the other is a ninth grader. Both struggled through school, not for any lack of basic intellect but due to gaps in adjustment, mixed feedback and mostly for being different in a highly templated and insensitive institutional environment. While the elder one has, by now, fairly ‘found’ herself, the younger is yet to do so. Perhaps homeschooling may not be so feasible in India too, just as yet. But then, the beaten path is no solace. School could be so much better but for the emphasis on conformity, notwithstanding all the lip-service to ‘changing the educational paradigms’. We as a couple, take as much interest in our children’s ‘education’ in its true sense, as routine allows us. Our children’s ‘weaknesses’ on the mal-formed scales of the world seem like ignored gifts to us. May the lord bless every child with faith in self, compassion for all and energy to contribute.
Not all parents are capable of homeschooling their children.
Absolutely agree and it’s not just a question of time and money, it’s personality too!
I’m from Ireland as well. If I lived there, I would have no problem sending my kids to school. Although, I think even there some supplementation of education is necessary. But Irish kids with a little extra at home can get an excellent education. I live in California and sending my kids to school would be a waste of time. I would have to teach almost everything at home to ensure they get a decent education, so why bother. I homeschool through a charter school that offers classes. So my child gets the benefits of both school and homeschooling.
Wow! It’s not often we get this kind of encouragement. Thanks for that
And all the best to you and to your family in this coming year, with all its changes.
I hadn’t planned to homeschool, placed myself and THE most unlikely candidate ever, and yet now…. I wouldn’t swap it for the world…
Anne x
Interesting article. Homeschooling is clearly an excellent option academically and I have great respect for parents who have the patience, discipline and time to commit to it.
However I do believe that generally speaking, physically going to school and making friends, interacting/networking with other children (including negative experiences) and learning from teachers both good and less good, equips children with crucial life skills that would be so difficult to achieve at home.
It’s about creating a balance. I find it so frustrating and sad to read about kids spending long hours at school and no time with their parents. But perhaps homeschooling is going to the opposite extreme?
I think it’s important and stimulating for children to have some space from their parents in the day and for families to share anecdotes (work, hobbies, school days etc. and discuss these together after school and in the evening.) My children are interested in the jobs that my husband and I do and I believe they see us as role models – a reason to study.
Also, dare I say it, school can actually be a lot of fun which is important too! Plus, my kids love their end of term reports, it gives them a real feeling of achievement and a healthy sense of competition.
Mine finish school at 1:30 but stay for lunch until 3pm (we live in Spain) and I spend a great deal of time ‘educating’ them myself, reading together, watching and discussing films, baking, artwork, interesting excursions, travel etc. Doing homework with them also ensures you play an active role in their formal education and enables you to identify any areas which need extra work. We really enjoy that time together because it’s concentrated.
I guess it depends on the child and the family’s situation. However sometimes I think parents worry too much about giving their kids ‘the best possible education’ (such as sending them to the best private schools when they really can’t afford it) or not giving enough space for play, or believing that unless a teacher is outstanding we are somehow letting them down. I think we can afford to relax a little, put ourselves under less pressure!
Charlie – I couldn’t agree more that sometimes we as parents can over obsess on providing the “best possible education’ for our kids and over extending ourselves to do it — both mentally and financially. Kids need time to be kids.
Perhaps it is different in Spain, but I think if you knew some current homeschool families here in the US, your opinion of needing school to fulfill the peer/separate teacher role might be different. Homeschooling now isn’t like it was 20 years ago. The vast majority of us participate in co-ops and classes, in addition to the “regular” after school activities. My kids have FAR better social and adaptation skills now that they are regularly interacting with groups of children and adults of varying ages, rather than the same 25 kids of the same age in the same classroom with the same teacher every, single day. And, as a former teacher, I have a very real understanding of exactly the kind of instruction and interactions my children were exposed to on a daily basis.
School is a wonderful place for many children and homeschooling is not the right choice for everyone. But, the idea that homeschoolers are lacking socially is an antiquated one. In my experience, most homeschoolers who seem socially “different” were pulled out of public school for that exact reason. Homeschooled children fall on the social spectrum just like public schooled children. The current homeschooling movement is no longer a small group of religious parents wanting to shelter their children from anything outside the home, but a growing movement of parents, dissatisfied with the current social climate and emphasis on testing that is currently strangling the life out of our kids.
WOW!!! Agree! Agree! Agree!
Hi Natalie, It sounds look you have an excellent set-up and that it ticks all the boxes, including the all important social element. How inspiring! Where I live, I have met just four kids who are home schooled and they did seem isolated and actually asked their parents if they could go to school. Plus the local state schools are very good so I think you are right, it definitely depends on the environment in which you are based. It must also be a major advantage being a former teacher too.
I have copied your comment and am placing this in a binder I have that I keep inspiring notes, articles, blog posts, etc… Thank you for your very thoughtful perspective. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Actually after your last post about homework, I wondered why you didn’t just homeschool your kids.
I think the main reason “regular” parents fear and criticize homeschooling stems from societies message that people choosing something different from you means your choice is wrong. I don’t believe home schooling is for everyone, and know that traditional public school does not fit every learner. I know that, for my son, homeschooling is the best choice. We did “after schooling” when he was in “regular school” so, when issues with the speed and culture of public school began to arise, homeschooling was a short leap. I’m proud that my son is not defined by his peers, or, limited by his teachers resources. I rarely feel the need to justify our homeschooling choice, but will keep these 7 points in mind the next time a well meaning looky-loo questions my sons presence in the grocery store on Tuesday morning =D
I completely agree with your comments. I am a retired public school teacher, raising and homeschooling my now 11 yo grandson with Aspergers. He reads about 2 years above his age/grade level, struggles with math facts but gets the concepts easily, and absolutely loves science, especially anything in electronics, computers and robotics. He has weaknesses, but I am better able to meet his special needs while encouraging his exploration of science to soar than any public or private school in our area could or would do. Many do not understand that homeschool kids are not kept from involvement with other children (and adults) outside the home. My boy is doing quite well in his twice-weekly karate class, enjoys 4-H, special science activities for kids at Kenyon College and a local outdoor education center, activities at a nearby museum, and has volunteered at the local cat shelter. He has a few friends with whom he shares playdates and activities, also. I often receive compliments from parents and grandparents about his good manners and patient interaction with even younger children in lots of locations. One of his best friends is jealous and wants to homeschool, too. He says he doesn’t mind the academics at school, but the social problems are really painful for him, and his teachers are no help with it. Personally, I disagree that children must be forced to suffer from bullies so they can learn about the “real world.” School is NOT the real world, the community is, and that is where homeschooled kids learn.
I really enjoyed this great, on-target blog post!
I am in FL too, how are the schools in Ireland different? We have thought of home schooling, but right now we do have a wonderful school that has a STEM program. We do appreciate the extra science material on your website and have found it fun and informative with efficient explanations of concepts, thanks!
Thank you for the article about Homeschooling. I am seriously thinking of pulling my 8th grade son out of his private school. How did you go about figuring out a program that will work for your children?
,
Kim maybe some other homeschooling parents can reply to you here as I have not looked at different programs in depth. What I plan to do in the coming months is fill in gaps that I feel are lacking in my children’s education such as essay writing.
I always recommend people do an internet search for homeschool groups and resources based on your location. You will probably find a combination of cooperative groups and independent study programs that can provide some direction for schooling at home for the upper grades. Rest assured, that you do not have to be the primary teacher for all subjects in the upper grades. CD-ROM based programs, on-line learning, etc offer a great deal of support.
Maybe some homeschooler parents can give me some information on how to help my daughter with her Math. We subscribe to adapted minds, bought a Flash Master and I continiue to work with her daily on the concepts (using various methods – including hands on). She has a hard time getting or remembering concepts. We are still working on knowing the basic addition and subtraction facts and we have begun multiplication because that’s where they are going next. What do some of the home school parents use to teach math?
Anyone? I have used singaporemath.com and found it excellent.
Thank you Monique and Elva.
We are having a good experience with Teaching Textbooks. Just go to http://www.teachingtextbooks.com for samples.
I enjoyed the article. I am a former teacher. I am not homeschooling my third grader, but I am very much involved in her education and the educational process. Thanks for sharing!
I am an certified educator for grades K-8 and my son and daughter-in-law have chosen to Homeschool their four children. I am amazed at the level of learning and understanding of subjects my grandchildren have. Their reading is way above grade level and their math skills are not only above level, but their concept understanding is excellent. I wish I could get some of the parents of the students I teach to even read for twenty minutes a day with their child. Thank you for your admiration and backbone in standing up to criticism of parents that send their children to private or public school. Your seven points are spot on and I promise I will use them, if I may, to teach my fellow educators about home school!
By all means Cathy. I too am always impressed at the knowledge and social skills of home schoolers. It’s great to hear teachers speak in favor of it.
Great Article! I homeschool my three boys. I believe kids are oil paintings, all different and unique, and schools treat kids as mass produced, dot printed posters, the same. I am sending this article to my fellow homeschoolers in Central Coast, Australia, it is good to be reminded that we do the right thing for our kids.
Great Article sis! I definitely admire any parent who decides to Homeschool their kids. I think it’s something that will become more and more common.
School also teaches to the lowest level, hence you will hear often, kids all catch up by third grade. Children who are home schooled are at least ahead one year by fifth grade and four years by eighth grade. I read that in Generation Joshua and believe it. It is also fun to teach to your child’s learning style and let them drive their curriculum in that you incorporate their area of interest into their subjects.
Some of us have to homeschool our children if they are not getting what they need at school. I am the mother of an 8 year old gifted girl and homeschooled her one year when the school was just not a good fit for her. She is social and loves to observe her sorroundings, so she went back to school. She loves the school experience even though educationally she does not find what she needs there, so I am preparing to partially homeschool her again this year so she can have hopefully the best of both worlds. I love sites like this one that have lots of resources for homeschoolers or curious children.
I appreciate your post regarding homes schoolers. Our choice was pretty simple. Our oldest son is Dyslexic and the school district we were in at the time did not have the proper resources to assist him with his learning differences. Although we never considered homeschooling our children until that point, we are very happy we have take this route in walking along side our son during this season of his life. In fact, we will homeschool the rest of our children who show no signs of Dyslexia.
It’s not an easy endeavor and there have been many bumps long the way since we began this endeavor two years ago but one thing we have learned is that anything worth doing is going to take effort! Much effort!