Hello there, parents!
So, homeschooling. If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be homeschooling my daughter from home between Lego dodging and snack negotiating, I would have laughed and directed you to the nearest school bus. ???? But here we are! Homeschooling was Plan B when anxiety and health issues made normal school not possible for my daughter. And honestly? It’s been quite the adventure—equally rewarding and “pass the coffee, please.” ☕
Here’s my breakdown of the pros and cons of homeschooling and a pinch of humor (let’s face it, humor is how we parent).
The Pros of Homeschooling
1️⃣ Top-Notch Online Programs:
Our online homeschooling program was fantastic. The videos, resources, and lesson plans were so wonderful that I started learning things I’d forgotten since middle school. (Yes, I can now once more describe photosynthesis. Thank you very much.)
2️⃣ First-Hand Knowledge of Your Child’s Learning:
Are you curious about what your kid is actually learning in school? Homeschooling gives you that front-row seat you never asked for. You get to see their strengths, their weaknesses, and, yes, their particular gift for turning any activity into an opportunity to ask for snacks.
3️⃣ Less School Hours:
Skip the 8-to-3 grind. Homeschooling is the speedrun version of school. Lessons are shorter, which translates to having more time to do chores, clean the house, or—let’s be honest—binge your favorite show.
4️⃣ Social Groups to Fit Every Need:
I worried my daughter would miss out on socialization, but guess what? There are fantastic peer groups for homeschoolers, even ones just for children with anxiety. She’s been able to connect with others like her in a low-anxiety setting, and it’s been a game-changer.
5️⃣ No Germs, No Problem:
Homeschooling: where the only germs we get are the ones my toddler kindly smears on me. No constant colds or flu outbreaks, no mysterious stomach viruses—just sweet immunity from the classroom petri dish.
The Cons of Homeschooling
1️⃣ Chaos, Chaos Everywhere:
Stripped of the ordered world of regular school, our home devolved into a chapter from Lord of the Flies. My kids took “homeschool” to mean “free-for-all,” I taught fractions while refereeing a wrestling match.
2️⃣ Younger Sibling Distractions:
Scene: I’m teaching the Revolutionary War, and my toddler belts out the ABCs—at the top of her lungs and off-key—in the background. Homeschooling with toddlers in the house is a lesson in patience, multitasking, and noise-canceling headphones.
3️⃣ You Become the Principal, Teacher, and Cafeteria Lady:
Yes, you get to be the boss of your child’s schooling, but you also get to be the boss of your child’s schooling. And their attitude. And their snack requests. Did I mention the snacks? ????
Tips for Homeschooling Success (a.k.a. How to Stay Sane)
If you’re considering homeschooling, here are some tips that saved my sanity:
Stick to a Schedule: Some structures prevent complete chaos, even if it’s not rigid. We established regular hours for school, free time, and chores, which kept everyone (mostly) on schedule.
Create a Dedicated School Space: Designating an area for learning, whether it’s a corner of the kitchen table or an entire room, helps establish the mood for school time.
Take Breaks When You Need Them: Everyone’s off their game some days. It’s okay to call a mental health day and reboot—homeschooling is all about flexibility!
Join a Homeschool Community: Socialization is key! Research local homeschool groups or online communities to connect with other parents and children.
Use Online Resources: From YouTube tutorials to apps and lesson plans, there are countless resources to keep things fun and interactive.
Don’t Neglect Self-Care: Homeschooling is exhausting. Don’t neglect to look after yourself, too—you cannot pour from an empty coffee mug. ☕
Is Homeschooling Suitable for You?
Homeschooling is not for everyone, and that is okay! But if you are thinking about it, know it is a path filled with highs, lows, and snack negotiations. For us, it has been a lifesaver for my daughter’s anxiety and health, and although it is crazy, I would not give up the gains we have made for anything.
So to all you homeschooling parents out there: You’re doing a good job, even when everything’s falling apart. And to you parents who are thinking about it: Take the leap. You might learn as much as your kids do (and maybe even relearn about photosynthesis).
Now I’ve got to go mediate a pillow fight that’s posing as “PE class.”