10 Reasons to Homeschool

While thinking through my favourite aspects of homeschooling I decided to write them down for the benefit of others considering it. So here are my top 10 reasons to consider homeschooling:

1. Lots of family time & sibling bonding

This is a benefit I discovered after choosing to take the home education path. Childhood is such a short and precious time – I don’t want to miss out on those years! Also, siblings in homeschooling families often seem to forge close bonds and enjoy hanging out with each other.

2. Family values and priorities infuse and inform everything you do

For us this is our Christian faith – for others it might be something else. Homeschooling allows you to filter everything through those values. You know what they are learning and are in control of this. You can also focus your time and energy on what is important to you as a family.

3. Privilege of educating your kids

While this is also a responsibility, it is so exciting to be the person to teach your own kids to learn how to read etc, rather than outsourcing it to someone else. It also means you – the person who cares most about them in the world – are acutely aware of where they are both succeeding and struggling. Often homeschooling produces great academic outcomes.

4. Everything is educational

Homeschooling is about all of life – so you start to see everything as educational! Whether it’s a new baby, a trip to the gardens, a locksmith fixing the door – all are fantastic learning opportunities!

5. Flexible schedule

While routine is helpful, homeschooling doesn’t have to look the same from term to term or year to year. Often it doesn’t from day to day either! One-off events or special occasions can easily be worked around.

6. Social benefits

Home educating allows your kids to avoid a lot of bullying and naturally leads them to pursue friendships with families and children you choose. You have the benefit of knowing and controlling who they’re associating with and being influenced by. Plus, you get to hang out with other like-minded mums!

7. Opportunities to follow child’s interests

You can really tailor the learning experience to your child, and allow them to spend time on what interests them. Additionally, there are so many opportunities in the homeschooling community for your kids to try out lots of different activities.

8. Valuable investment

As a parent, educating my own children allows me to spend my time on what I feel is really valuable and important. Investing time and energy into my children’s lives is something I am unlikely to regret later in life!

9. More free time

Homeschooled kids usually spend less time on school work, which means they get more free time to do what interests them!

10. Trips together

We really enjoy going on trips and excursions together as part of our homeschooling. Plus, we can enjoy public places like the beach and playgrounds when they’re empty and most other kids are in school!