Many parents are dissatisfied with the current situation of public schools and are in greater numbers, choosing to homeschool their child (children). According to Education News (educationnews.org), since 1999, homeschooling has increased by 75%. While only 4% of children in the United States are homeschooled, homeschooling as a choice, is growing seven times faster than the K-12 public schools.
Sometimes parents choose homeschooling because of bullying, academic issues, learning or behavioral issues, a teacher mis-match or a desire for their child to learn areas of life not covered in school. Other parents wish to instill their children with particular religious or spiritual outlooks or want to travel and homeschool their children through involvement in varied cultures.
Many parents, whose children are having difficulties in the school system, attempt to resolve issues with the school. Some are successful and others find that their child cannot be served best in a formal school setting.
Some parents homeschool for a year or two. Others homeschool just elementary or middle school and there are some homeschoolers who go all the way through high school.
When a parent decides to pull a child from school, there are often many pressures from extended family, peers and sometimes the other spouse, to keep that child in school. Parents making this choice for the first time will usually go through a stressful period of self doubt and a questioning of their capabilities to homeschool and provide their child (children) with a rich environment for learning.
At this time, it is very important for the parent/s to receive informed support from other homeschooling parents or those who are familiar with the effectiveness of homeschooling. There are numerous-on-line groups for homeschoolers that provide support and offer field trips, classes and other social opportunities for both parent and child.
There are numerous ways to homeschool a child and varying requirements regarding homeschooling in each state. It is important to meet requirements and seek guidance regarding these various choices and also to decide as a family how much money can be allocated for trips, materials, classes and supplies.
Some parents form co-ops to educate their children and provide for social outlets. Other go through a local charter school that can provide consultation, materials and some reimbursement for more costly homeschool classes. Some utilize classes in the area, use workbooks or "unschool", allowing their child to take more power in their educational focus.
There are numerous on-line groups for homeschoolers that provide support and offer field trips, classes and other social opportunities for both parent and child.
Creating a positive learning environment is vital, if a parent is considering homeschooling. In order to create this, it is important to explore mixed feelings about homeschooling, decide on the homeschool approach, and resolve concerns about getting personal needs met while homeschooling.
As a therapist, and someone who has spent some years homeschooling my own child, I would be happy to sit down with you and explore your feelings and needs, whether you are trying to decide to homeschool, or whether you have already started and need some support.
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