Home Schooling Your Kids

By Yosef Solomon on January 1st, 2009

Home Schooling Your Kids: Is Playing Teacher Really For You?

With public schools mired in debt and private schools often priced out of reach, more Americans are choosing to home school their kids than ever. Few things are more important to a child than their education, and selecting the proper one can be an agonizing choice for families. The decision to pull your kids from the school system should not be taken lightly, but can pay dividends if done properly.

Getting started: how free are you?

In reaction to several controversial court cases states are generally decreasing parental requirements and assessments, but most states still mandate some sort of relationship with home teachers. Each state applies different standards to home schooling your kids, and some require prospective teachers to jump through more hoops than others. Parents should contact their local school district or government representatives to find out their local requirements.

Do you have the time and energy?

First consider if you can spare the time and energy to home school your kid. Can you really get out of bed every day to teach elementary math and the principles of Federalism? Teaching your child is a full time job and can involve field trips, curriculum-designing, and grading on top of the regular commitment of raising a kid. It can put stress on your relationship with your children as you wear the hats of teacher and dad.

Can you handle the material?

While you don’t have be an Einstein to teach division, home schooling your kids demands a lot of your intellectual self. Not everyone can reach back into their grade school days to answer questions about science, math, and civics. Educating your child can force you to re-educate yourself, another commitment.

Do you know where to get help?

Home schooling your kids has never been easier, thanks to a dazzling array of supporting resources. Websites, books, and regular magazines can help design curricula and answer questions. Local school systems often maintain a liaison to home school parents, and are on hand to help with testing and other issues. Internet forums and community centers often set aside time and space for home schooling parents to compare notes about educating their kids. One of the critical areas in home schooling deals with the social development of children who may miss the company of other kids.Whether offering reading clubs, athletic opportunities, or simple social events, local resources can help get your kids involved with other children.

Ready to make the decision?

In the end, each parent must decide what can best benefit their children. If home schooling your kids looks like the best bet, more power to you. It can be an intensely rewarding process, and the bond forged between a home schooled kid and their parental teacher can enrich your family beyond description.