Invalid Reasons to Homeschool - A Public Educator's Opinion

by Lyn Newton | More from this Blogger

My last article listed some of the reasons that I feel it is valid and justifiable to homeschool your children. Now I would like to turn to the other side and give my ideas of when it is not a good idea to homeschool your children.

In some cases parents choose bad reasons to homeschool. They often jump into the idea of homeschooling without research and thought. It sounds like a good idea and they begin without enough background knowledge to carry it out properly.

These parents usually begin by enrolling their children in public education for a year or so and then try to homeschool. In the middle of that same school or year or by the next school year these children are back in the public school.

Parents such as these did not have a valid reason to homeschool.

Some of their reasons are listed below.

Fad/Phase

Homeschool was simply a fad that they wanted to try or a phase that their family was going through. They were not dedicated to the idea when they started. It was very similar to the idea of getting a puppy because it was cute and then giving it away when it began barking and chewing up everything in sight.

Anger

Many parents get upset with a teacher or a school and decide to pull their children out and homeschool. The reason behind the homeschooling is completely the fact that they are mad at the public education system. This anger typically wears off and the parents reenroll their children in the school. Some parents even homeschool for a single year just to avoid having a certain teacher.

Laziness

I have heard the comments from some homeschooling parents that they choose to homeschool so they are not tied to a schedule. They do not like having to get their children to school or do homework. These parents often do very little when it comes to educating their children at home. They may opt to use the computer or videos for their child's education.

Unschooling Articles

Lessons from Unschooling Families: The Greens

Lessons From Unschooling Families: The Smiths

Lessons from Unschooling Families: The Jones

Does Unschooling Really Work?

Learn more about Lyn Newton

Lyn is a kindergarten teacher and mommy to a girl and a boy. In her spare time, she enjoys informative and creative writing.

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