Personal Side of Teaching Kids at Home

There are several arguments to be made for teaching kids at home and a quality education is at the top of the list but at the same time there is a personal aspect to this that must be considered along with the logistics.

Homeschooling is an educational method that is growing more popular every year across the country because of the flexibility, the convenience and the affordability of teaching kids at home. Growing dissatisfaction with the atmosphere in the public schools and safety concerns have more and more parents turning to alternative options to ensure their kids receive a quality education without sacrificing their wellbeing.

As a parent it is perfectly reasonable to look at the best home school program with an online student portal for assignments, resources and tools to help with research and a teacher-led support system for academics. However, at the same time it is important to consider more than just the education perspective because this is a personal decision that affects a child’s social interaction, how they learn and the family dynamics where the parent may act at times like the teacher and principal. While it may be the right choice for hundreds of families, the question you need to ask is homeschooling the best option for your family.

If asked, kids would probably be split down the middle on whether they would like to do school at home especially if they have a group of friends they are close to at school.

The best home school program can meet every academic requirement and should set them up for a smooth transition to any college they want but it can’t satisfy the personal side of this technique. As a parent, it is necessary to set up a clear schedule and organization so that during school hours, you are the teacher – if you have selected that option, rather than the online school’s teachers -  and then after that you are the parent so kids don’t always feel like they are in the classroom. One of the top benefits to homeschooling is the flexibility that families have to make the schedule and environment personalized to their needs so if your child is not a morning person then maybe let them sleep in a little longer and start a little later or take a longer lunch break to give them some time outside for refreshing the mind. For highly social kids, take advantage of the extracurricular activities and sports that public or local private schools offer and get your students involved. This not only helps them develop artistic and athletic skills but it increases their ability to socialize with other kids in the area and reduces the risk of them becoming isolated and feeling alone.  

The best home school program could be offered by a local school but the convenience of teaching them at home works better for your family’s situation and the child’s learning ability than a traditional classroom or it could be halfway across the country. The goal as a parent is to provide a comprehensive learning experience that addresses all of their needs and builds a solid foundation for the child in life and work.

Parents want to give their kids the best of everything and that can look different for each family. Before deciding about education for your child, review the options for the best home school program, talk with your child (children) about their thoughts and then give it a try to see how you can make this work.  Peace of mind does not have a price tag and kids learn when they are having fun and are engaged.