The choice to homeschool should not be made easily. You will need to research and discuss to make a wise decision even though homeschooling is legal in every state. There are a few questions to ask yourself when considering if homeschooling is right, or an option for your family.
Am I comfortable spending all of my time with my children? One of the main reasons that people homeschool is because they love their children and want what’s best for them. They also genuinely like spending time with their children, which is good since you’ll be spending all of your time with them. If your children frustrate you easily, homeschooling might not be a good match for you.
Will questions bother me? Homeschoolers are usually asked a lot of questions. Those questions could be about what curriculum they’re using or about socialization for their children. If you homeschool, it helps if you don’t mind answering the same questions more than once.
How can I find out about homeschooling? Check out books from your public library. There is more than likely a large selection of books that will tell you everything you need to know. The librarian might even be able to tell you if there are any homeschoolers in the area, since most homeschoolers rely heavily upon the library for source materials.
Is there a support system available? After you’ve read some books, find local homeschoolers, or do an online search for “homeschool groups (your city)” or “homeschool groups (your state).” There are homeschooling co-ops available in many places, as well as opportunities for families to get together and have fun.
After you have found some families that already homeschool, ask them about the pros and cons of homeschooling if you still have questions. Most families will be more than willing to share information, be honest about their reasons, and will be more than happy to help you make an honest decision. Some other questions you may ask; Should you be concerned about socialization for your children? Should you be worried about curriculum? What types of hardships they had to deal with when starting to homeschool. Do they have any suggestions about what to use or not to use?
What curriculum do I choose? Curriculum choices are astronomical – in the variety available, and often in the price. While it is possible to have “school at home” by choosing books very similar to what are offered in public schools, it is also possible to homeschool without using a set curriculum at all. The library books you checked out earlier should have explained about the different methods, and should have given you an idea of what your child should learn in each grade.
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