You should consider homeschooling your child if you want them to be happier and learn at their own pace. It's easy for them to focus on their interests and not feel pressured to have the best performance if you homeschool them.
According to the National Home Education Research Institute, about 6% of school-aged children learn from home instead of going to school. A lot of families are looking for ways to make learning fit their child's lifestyle and family life.
Knowing about the pros of homeschooling is the first step to determining if it's a good idea.
What Is the Best Age to Homeschool?
There isn't a single answer. You should focus on what your child needs and their abilities because each one is unique.
Some children will do better if they go to a traditional school first before you can homeschool them. Starting in such a way can make homeschooling easier.
You may find that your child does well even if they don't start with the traditional route. Homeschool education benefits almost every child, so think about:
- Their social skills
- Emotional wellness
- The learning methods they like
Your child may want to stay in school for a bit longer to spend more time with their friends. If you notice they are struggling to pay attention in a large classroom, consider homeschooling them.
Are Homeschooled Kids Happier?
A lot of parents who homeschool end up noticing that their kids are more confident and relaxed than they were before when attending regular school. Happiness is one of the top advantages of homeschooling. It avoids:
- Waking up early in the morning
- Long commutes to and from school
- Peer pressure and negative influence
Having more time to play sports and interact with parents makes homeschooling kids happier.
The Pros of Homeschooling
It's normal to wonder if homeschooling your child is the best decision. If you don't know a lot of people who do it, or you went to a traditional school, you may look for reasons to homeschool.
Personalized Learning
Not everything covered in traditional school captures your child's interest. Tailoring the learning process makes it easy to grasp what's being taught.
Some kids are great at things like math, but end up needing some help with reading. You can focus on your child's main strengths and help them improve in areas they need to catch up on without pressuring them.
It's possible to build your kids' confidence and show them they're capable when you homeschool them. You'll find an easy way to tailor your child's lessons at home if you check out the Montessori Homeschool Curriculum from Multisori.
Flexible Scheduling
Your child may not always do well with strict school schedules. If you have a job requiring you to show up very early or work late, it may be hard to take them to school or pick them up. Flexible learning is among the homeschooling benefits you should look forward to.
You can take your child to a zoo to learn about animals instead of just seeing them on the screen. It's a great way to combine homeschooling and having quality family time.
Health needs are easier to navigate if your child doesn't have to stick to a strict school schedule. They pick up lessons after they feel better. Learning ends up feeling more natural and less stressful.
Safety and Comfort
Bullying and school violence sometimes make schools feel like an unsafe space for many kids. You can help your child focus on learning instead of worrying about such things. Create the following:
- Quiet spaces for reading
- Hands-on zones where they can do experiments
- Creative corners for their arts
Enhanced Family Bonding
You'll feel closer to your child if you homeschool them instead of letting them spend at least half of their day away from home. Make the experiences more fun with:
- Family activities related to the lesson you're teaching
- Fun memories like creating crafts together
- Rewards for doing well after a test
A child will feel more loved if they have a great bond with their family. It becomes easier to support your kid emotionally once you know the challenges they face daily and the learning styles they like.
Homeschooling Tips You Can Use When Starting Out
In the first few days you start homeschooling your child, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. They'll stay more organized if you keep supplies in areas they can easily reach without always needing to call you for help. Use these tips to make homeschooling easier:
- Have a flexible routine and give them short breaks now and then
- Start with a simple curriculum
- Mix screen time with real-world learning
Find a group of other Atlanta parents who homeschool their kids for support. They can give you tips they used when starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Homeschooled Kids Socialize?
Yes. There are many sports teams where your child can socialize even without going to a traditional school. You should also consider:
- Local clubs
- Interaction with neighbors
- Attending regular gatherings with loved ones
Determine what your child likes to do in the company of others to help them learn teamwork and communication.
How Do Homeschooled Kids Perform Academically?
Homeschooled children often do well on tests. Keep in mind that every child is unique, and you need to focus on giving them flexible learning opportunities. Their success can depend on how involved you are in their learning and the resources you give them.
Can Homeschooling Fit Into Busy Work Schedules?
Yes. You don't need to drop everything at work to homeschool your child, especially if they are older.
Working from home gives you an advantage because you'll be able to check on them as they learn on their own. Make homeschooling blend easily into your routine by using flexible resources and coming up with a good plan.
Discover Homeschooling Benefits
Once you discover the pros of homeschooling, you may prefer it over taking your child to a traditional school. Think about your child's abilities and ensure the curriculum you choose suits them.
You'll have more time to bond with your child if they learn from home. Reward them and encourage them to learn independently now and then.
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