To those who homeschool can you give me some honest insight?

Question

into what some of the cons of homeschooling are? I have a six year old daughter with pretty severe OCD and we are considering homeschooling her and have been well before she was diagnosed or even had a problem.

However I find that in all my research into homeschooling I either read tons of great things from people who homeschool but no negatives. Or nothing but negatives from people who don't believe in it. Although at this point I strongly believe that it's a good thing I know there has to be negatives as well. I'm looking to hear they type of things you just don't know until you're doing it yourself. Can anyone give me an open and honest look at what it's like?

Answer 1

well i was homeschooled through 8th

you have heard all the nice faked stuff so ill give you some hard facts

my sis had OCD (how my family got started in homschooling) all of this is simply my opinion but i think it was good for her for maybe the first few years. after that it simply allowed her to withdraw and become more obsessive because she was not forced to neet many standards and fit in in society the same way.

i know that sounds harsh but now that she  really has to be out there she does so much better because there is not a choice.

while i was outgoing did lots of sports and all she had a really hard time socially so it was not really good for her.

no matter how organized you are once you start homeschooling beyend the first few years of elementry school it will be easy to get behind in assignments espicailly math. doesn't matter what program you are with either.

Also, no matter what you child is like she will have to live with the stereo types put on homeschoolers i deal with this everyday. "you were HOMESCHOOLED? *eye roll* " or the understanding look, or aren't all homeschoolers like nerds of something? or " so do you like have any friends?"

I had friends but really my sis and a lot of homshooler didn't

i suggest you try through k of 1st with your daughter to help her with  her OCD but make sure she understand what will be expected of her at public school and that you will be sending her there in the future. Then do that. it will help her with her OCD elieve it or nor and it will be less stressful for you and after having been there for years i think things might have been better at a public school, my family got so stressed, we got behind scheduel and my sister be came withdrwn. Another option to consider if you can afford it is private school? I have no insight on that though...

Basically you will hear how wonderful and "flexible" it is but it is socially hard and really will allow your daughter to limit herself what with her OCD because there will not be social pressure from classmated to act "normal" , the only thing that will really make her want to try to change her obsesive behaviors. I know you are constantly told she can't help it but i see with BOTh my sis's that when she really wants to she will find a way.

Answer 2

The only negetive I can think of is the number of people who will ask stupid questions or come up with stupid misconceptions about your daughter's social life and how "sheltered" she must be.

Colleges, on the other hand, aren't like this...just so you know. The most selective universities actively seek out and recruit homeschoolers.

Answer 3

It's possible to homeschool and keep a career (I did).

It's possible to homeschool and love being with your kids 24/7/365 (I do; they're now 9 & 13 and still fun to be with!)

It's possible to homeschool and not think of every little thing as a lesson (we live and learn without thinking, 'hey, this is math!')

It's possible to homeschool and not overschedule homeschool outings.

It's possible to homeschool and not be very organized.

It's possible to homeschool without lesson plans, unit studies, worksheets, and projects.

It's possible to homeschool on one income and not resent it (I'm a single mom).

It's possible to homeschool and have it be a fun, joyful, peaceful way of living, and not be a chore and a bother that will pay off in the future.

It's possible to homeschool and enjoy it fully, to see the joy in your children's faces every day, to have fun with them, to laugh with them, and learn right along side them.

I know this because it's true in my home.

Answer 4

That is because done right, there really are not any cons to homeschooling.  Here are the few that I could think of:

~When I was eight a lady at the store asked if I knew what two plus two is

~People constantly assume that I am uber smart because I homeschooled (while I tested very high and get great grades, I am not smart like some people I know, home and public schooled alike)

~People ask me if I think I had enough social experiences growing up (I am now in college)

~ I get bored with college because there is so much wasted time (I have found this to be true with many homeschoolers)

~ People make dumb remarks about homeschooling when they know nothing about it

There is a reason you are not finding anything bad about homeschooling.  Take a look at these studies about homeschooling:

http://www.hslda.org/research/ray2003/de...

http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/000010/20...

http://www.hslda.org/docs/study/comp2001...

Hope those links help out!  Good luck!

Answer 5

Other than the annoying way some people who misunderstand homeschooling and the dumb arguments they come up with against it, I don't really have any negatives. It's not just something you do a few hours per day, it's a lifestyle, and overall we like our lifestyle.

It's like if someone asked me what the negatives are to having kids, I wouldn't know what to tell them. I love our family, there is nothing about being a parent that I could really chalk up to a negative because the experience is kind of a package deal. You know you were giving up one type of life for another, but you did so willingly, you love what you've chosen, and you don't really feel you're missing out on the one you didn't choose, so you don't really consider it a negative.

Hope that makes sense.

Answer 6

I wanted an honest look at the negatives to before I started.  Here are some of the pros/cons, and disadvantages:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

However, being totally honest, the surprising thing for me is how easy and fun it has been.  I was scared at first, but teaching my own child now seems so natural that I couldn't imagine it any other way.

My advice would be to just dive in.  If problems do arise, you'll be able to handle them!

Answer 7

I've been homeschooled for 5 years and I love it, I love not feeling pressured and the attention i get when I really need help with something. I love not having to deal with other children, I love not having to worry about bullies, catching the bus at 6am and I love it doesnt take as long as Public school. I feel Im learning things that I didnt learn while in public school, I love being able to wear my slipers to the table and not having to worry about my clothes or uniform. I really think you would like it, It would take some getting used to but I really love being homeschooled. ^_^ Good luck with your choice

Answer 8

Okay remember you asked for it, so here goes.

You become a ONE income family if you were previously a 2 and that puts a strain on finances.

YOU are with your child 24/7/356.

You start thinking of every little thing as a school lesson.

You forget what 'ME' time is.

You get offended when your other half comments about the 'funny tasteing' green food that was in the fridge and then realize the he/she just ate your child's most recent science project.

You spend more time in the car going to all the different Co-ops, Science/Math clubs and outings than you spent at home when your kid was actually GOING to school or daycare.

If you are not a very organized person to begin with, you need to have some type of 'system' in place or you'll be looking for things constantly (the voice of experience talking here). Likewise if you find it difficult to write things down, you want to figure your way around that because you will need to keep records and write Lesson Plans ( I take the first friday of every month and write out her lesson plans for the next month--I keep ahead of myself and know ahead of time if I need to locate 'special' materials for certain projects or whatever).

Look it's not ALL bad and it's not ALL good. You just have to find the balance that works for YOU and your family.

I gave up a career and took us down to a one income family and even though my husband makes good money it's still tight at times. I just remind myself that she will be better for it in the long run.

The above stuff is no joke and is what can actually kill a homeschool family. Remember to take ME time and make sure that your daughter has her own ME time.

Answer 9

Time alone. Finding time for yourself can be difficult.

Answer 10

As a teacher I see previously homeschooled children quite often.  The quality of a homeschool education is largely dependent on the committment, time, and skills that the parent is willing to put into it.  For example, I knew a young lady who was homeschooled, but neither of her parents were literate.  Obviously, in an environment like this, it would be impossible for her to emerge educated.  On the other hand, I have seen that creative, committed, patient parents can do a great job, regardless of whether the parent has formal training in education.  For a special needs child, especially for one who may have anxiety issues, homeschooling can be a good idea, as long as it's balanced with plenty of social experiences, like sports, tumbling, music, etc.  

Also, if you choose to homeschool, it's good not to go it alone.  There are tons of groups out there dedicated to helping homeschool families, and they can be a great resource.  In some states working with a certified teacher occassionally is required, and it's generally a good idea to consider, because a professional teacher will be able to help you stay on track and will give you the support you need.  

One negative I have seen from some (just some) homeschooled children is a distrust of the outside world, especially the traditional school system.  I think it's important for parents to emphasize to their children that all families make different decisions about school, and that there isn't a "right" or "wrong" choice, and that everyone has to do what is right for them.  Hope this helps!