25 Reasons to Homeschool

I never planned on homeschooling. In fact, I always thought I would be an elementary school teacher, an architect, or a business executive, not a SAHM with four kids. But through a series of circumstances coupled with a nudge from God, I took the leap and began homeschooling my first child. Four kids in, it has been absolutely challenging at times and even crazy-making on occasion, but the payoff has been worth it!  I have gotten to know my kids in a deeper way than parents who only see their kids for a few hours each day. I have had the privilege of seeing their bents, hearing their thoughts on a broad spectrum of topics, and getting to know their fears and dreams. We have gotten to discuss topics that wouldn’t normally come up at dinner. The rewards far outweigh the challenges for me and my kids.

The most rewarding things in life always come with challenges. People tend to want blessing without hardship, but life doesn’t work that way. I often talk with parents who say they can’t homeschool, because they clash with their kids. All the more reason to homeschool! Work through the clashing and heal the relationship! The crazy truth is that homeschooling actually helps with many of the excuses parents give for not homeschooling! 

Other parents I have spoken with say they don’t know how to teach or they don’t remember how to do 3rd grade math, but these excuses, along with many others, are completely solvable without a teaching degree or brain transplant!  For those of you who are considering homeschooling or are just starting out, I will cover some of your concerns in other posts. If you already homeschool, use this list as encouragement to keep going!

Why Home Education is a Good Idea

This list is not extensive, but here are 25 very good reasons why you should consider homeschooling if at all possible:

1. Families get to spend more intentional time together, which creates a closer family bond and more secure kids
2. Learning times can be scheduled to allow for rest, because we all focus better when we are not exhausted!
3. Kids get to learn at their own pace, instead of being funneled through a system that may pass them by or leave them bored
4. Kids can go in-depth in a subject when they are interested
5. Learning can be approached from a whole-life perspective, not just by age or subject
6. You avoid the struggle of homework taking up your evenings after children have already been at school all day
7. Kids get personal, individual attention to focus on the areas in which they struggle
8. Children are less likely to compare themselves to their peers and often have greater confidence
9. Children learn how to accept and interact with other kids of all ages instead of isolating themselves in cliques of their own age
10. Children can focus on true learning from an intrinsic desire to learn instead of stressing about grades
11. Bad habits are quickly noticed and can be resolved before they become ingrained patterns
12. Because homeschool avoids class correction, hall transitions, etcetera, learning is condensed into less time, leaving extra time for non-curricular learning, such as music, art, sports, or any interest
13. Field trips can be as often as desired and specific to what is being studied
14. Kids face less peer pressure while they are maturing
15. Kids are allowed to be kids longer without being faced with mature themes often found in schools
16. Families can talk about world events using their own discretion without kids overhearing often disturbing things from other children with no context or filter
17. Kids get to spend more time learning for the sake of knowledge and growth, instead of being taught for testing
18. Children can spend more time outdoors, which is healthy for everyone!
19. Frustration from busy-work can be avoided entirely
20. Family values can be instilled to a greater degree, and schoolwork can be paused as important conversations arise
21. Kids can learn subjects not normally taught in school, such as Bible study, financial management, entrepreneurship, etc.
22. Children can spend time working on their passions or exploring topics for future careers
23. Children are not limited in their education by low expectations from peers, school personnel or the government
24. Children who are “different” can avoid harmful criticism, taunting, and bullying until they have developed their own self-confidence
25. Children can learn life skills, such as cooking, grocery shopping, cost comparisons, changing car oil, gardening, and more, which also helps to develop competence and a sense of personal responsibility

I hope you found at least a few reasons that resonated with you. If you are considering homeschool or are just getting started, be sure to check out my Resources page!