HOMESCHOOLING IS IT RIGHT FOR MY FAMILY

Here are some of the biggest concerns in deciding if homeschooling is right for your family.

1. Time commitment - Homeschooling tends to be time consuming. Sitting down with books is only the beginning. There are experiments and projects to be done, lessons to prepare, papers to grade, field trips, and the list goes on. Setting a schedule and sticking to it is the best way to ensure success.

2. Personal sacrifice – Unless your children participate in extracurricular activities, you will have very little personal time. A homeschooled child is with you 24/7.

3. Financial concerns - Homeschooling is not expensive; however, it usually requires that the teaching parent will not be working out of the home. Some sacrifices will need to be made if the family is used to two incomes.

4. Socialization- Homeschooling ensures you will have more control over your children’s social contacts which is a positive thing. However, care must be taken to make sure your children experience plenty of social contact.

5. Household chores- Housework and laundry still have to be done, but expect to change your routine if you tend to be a morning cleaner. Not only does housework need to be let go at times, but homeschooling creates a whole new type of cleanup.

6. Both parents agree - It is paramount that both parents agree to try homeschooling. It is nearly impossible to homeschool if one parent is against it. Plenty of discussion is in order and total agreement must be reached.

7. What do your children want? - A willing student is always helpful. Ultimately, it is the decision of both parents, but if your child is dead against it, you will be fighting an uphill battle.

8. One year at a time – Thankfully, it is not a lifetime commitment and each year is a new decision.

9. Can I handle the teaching? - If you can read and write, you should be able to teach your children. The curriculum and teacher materials will help with planning and there is plenty of help available for the more difficult subjects. Any number of homeschool forums can be found online.