| Have you been wondering why so many parents | | | | teasing, bullying and negative peer pressure. |
| are choosing to forgo public education and teach | | | | Instead of spending their energy learning to |
| their children at home? Here is a look at 5 pros of | | | | conform in order to avoid harassment, |
| homeschooling, along with reasons you should | | | | homeschooled children learn to appreciate their |
| consider educating your children at home. | | | | unique characteristics and share them with the |
| 1. Academics | | | | world. These children also avoid pressure to use |
| Although some parents are concerned that they | | | | drugs and engage in other risky behaviors at an |
| are not qualified to teach their children, statistics | | | | early age. Instead of being too sheltered to |
| show that homeschoolers outperform their peers | | | | survive in the real world, homeschool students |
| in both public school and private school on | | | | leave home with the strong self concept they |
| standardized tests. Homeschooling provides a one | | | | need to face life's challenges. |
| on one, tutorial environment that is geared to the | | | | 4. Freedom |
| student's needs. Children proceed at their own | | | | Freedom and flexibility are also pros of |
| pace through lessons that are tailored to their | | | | homeschooling. When teaching their own children, |
| interests and learning styles. They develop a love | | | | parents have the freedom to choose materials |
| of learning that will serve them through college | | | | that fit their values and needs. They have more |
| and beyond. | | | | control over what their children are taught, and |
| 2. Socialization | | | | are able to wait to introduce sensitive or |
| Socialization is usually cited as a reason not to | | | | controversial topics. Homeschooling families also |
| homeschool. However, I believe socialization is one | | | | have the ability to set their own schedules. This |
| of the main benefits of homeschooling. Unlike | | | | provides them with more freedom to plan field |
| children in public schools who spend their days | | | | trips, vacations, and other appointments. |
| with others who share their age and | | | | 5. Family |
| socioeconomic status, homeschooled children learn | | | | Family unity is one of the most important |
| in a diverse, real world environment. These | | | | homeschool advantages. In addition to spending 6 |
| children are regularly exposed to individuals of | | | | hours per day away from home, public school |
| various backgrounds and ages through | | | | students use their evenings to complete |
| participation in support groups and community | | | | homework and attend outside activities, leaving |
| activities, and they learn positive social behaviors | | | | little time to build relationships with their parents |
| from the adults around them. | | | | and siblings. Homeschoolers recapture these |
| 3. Safety | | | | essential daytime hours. They spend time learning |
| Children who are taught at home grow up in a | | | | and growing as a family, and building memories |
| cooperative environment that is free from | | | | they will treasure for years to come. |