Homeschooling and the family

According to the National Center For Education Statistics, almost

1.1 million children underwent homeschooling in 2005 alone. That's

a lot of children. Once upon a time, homeschooling used to be a

radical statement - something like a declaration of independence.

It was the conservative Christians who advocated homeschooling in

the '80s and legalized it in every State. But the typical

homeschooler of the day is not religiously motivated.

Recent surveys indicate that parents are actually quite fed up of

the public school systems where much of the learning is

superficial and compulsory. They are also concerned about negative

school environment ranging from drugs and abuse to negative peer

pressure. As a result, we have a surprising mix of people who form

the homeschooling world of today. They cut across all religious

and regional borders. Their main aim is providing meaningful and

productive learning through a method that strengthens the bond

between the various members of the family.

All these families have one thing in common - a long enduring

commitment to the sanctity of childhood. The children in these

families are accorded a primary position. Many believe, and

rightly so, that homeschooling allows parents to bring up children

in a more natural and nurturing environment. Public schools can

make one nervous, diffident and downright mean. Children who get

schooled at home are protected from these damaging negative

influences till they reach an age where they can handle it.

Homeschooling draws the whole family into the almost religious

task of schooling. Everyone is put to work. The parents together

form a bond with the children. Any experience can be turned into

an educational experience. Both the parents are aware of exactly

what is going into their child's head. Parents also have greater

control on the kind of religious and moral values that the child

imbibes. Even watching a movie together can become a learning

experience. Trips to the libraries and other places become

educational as well as recreational.

A homeschooling family is primarily dependent on the income of one

earning member. That means that often spending has to be curtailed

and proper planning of expenditure is a must. This helps to bring

the family members together and everybody gets involved in the

process of saving money.

Having a parent at home to supervise, to nurture and care for the

children brings with it a lot of love and caring. Even your

husband chips in and there just is no room for boredom. Yes,

problems do crop up, and there are a lot of misgivings in your

mind. But when you know that your kids can always count on you,

and your kids know it too, then homeschooling becomes a richly

rewarding experience.