It’s never too late to start homeschooling, even if you have teenagers – and there’s no reason to stop homeschooling in high school either! This month, Marina Chernyak dispels some myths about homeschooling that apply to homeschoolers of all ages.
By Marina Chernyak
Many parents choose take advantage of homeschooling their children. Others, however, simply look at homeschooling as a huge disadvantage in the lives of children. Often times, these are the people who have been plagued by the myths that often surround homeschooling. Home schooling, if done correctly, can provide many great benefits for students. If you are considering home schooling, this article could be beneficial for you. The following are 8 myths that are commonly associated with the topic.
Kids who are home schooled do not have social skills. This is perhaps one of the biggest myths associated with home schooling. Yes, it is true that these kids do not have as much social interaction on a daily basis as children who attend public school, but it doesn’t mean that they do not have ANY social skills. Parents who home school kids make an extra effort to socialize their children. Whether it is at church or the park, there are opportunities for socialization other than just public school. Parents of home schooled children often ban together and form organizations that provide socialization opportunities for their children.
Kids who are home schooled can’t function in the school setting. Myth. Many times, people get the wrong impression of home school. They expect that a child is home schooled because he somehow can’t function in the school setting. This is untrue. Many parents choose to home school because they feel they can provide their children with a better education. It may also fit more easily into their schedule. Families who travel around a lot enjoy the advantages of homeschooling rather than switching schools time and time again.
Kids who are home schooled have over protective parents. This is another myth. As stated above, some parents simply feel that home schooling is the better option. It often has very little to do with protecting their children and more to do with helping their children earn a solid education. While protecting children may be the reason for some parents, the overwhelming majority just believe in a more solid education for their children.
Kids who are home schooled miss out on extracurricular activities. Myth. Home schooled children may not participate in after school sports at the local school, but they do have opportunities to play in local sports. Many parents take advantage of winter basketball leagues or other sports that are opened to all children. It is up to the parent which extracurricular activity their children participate in. It should not be assumed that just because the child is homeschooled that he has any less of an opportunity than public school children in playing sports and getting involved.
Kids who are home schooled aren’t as smart. Once again, this is untrue. There have been countless home schooled kids who have gone on to be doctors and lawyers. A great education does not lie within a public school. It lies within the person who is willing to teach the child. Parents make great teachers for children if they are willing to put for the time, energy and effort to provide their child with the best education possible.
Kids who are home schooled do not do as well in college. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, many home schooled children enter college well ahead of public school children.
Kids who are home schooled can’t function in society as adults. Myth. Society is full of adults who were home schooled that have done just fine in society. As long as children who are home schooled are familiar with how society works, they often do very well.
Homeschooling is easy. Myth. If you are considering homeschooling you will want to pay close attention to this myth. As a parent, home schooling will take a lot of time on your part. Before you choose to do it you must make sure that it will work into your schedule and that you have the time to devote to teaching your children.
The myths listed above have given homeschooling a bad name. Now that you know the truth, you can make an informed decision about homeschooling. Will you choose to teach your children at home?
About the Author: Marina is a freelance writer and co-owner of a nesting doll store. She learned a lot about homeschooling from her sister who has been homeschooling her teenagers for the last 3 years.