-by Mimi Rothschild
It is certain that at least once since making the decision to educate your children at home, you have been admonished by someone who does not agree with the concept of home schooling. Likely it has happened more than once. And the truth is, it will probably happen plenty more times before your children graduate. So how do you deal with those who are anti-home school?
In my experience, there are certain arguments that come up more frequently than others. Chances are you’ve heard them already, or if not you soon will. Here are a few suggestions on ways to combat the nay-sayers and stand up for your decision to home school.
You don’t have a teaching degree. How can you possibly teach your child? Well, let’s take a look at the numbers. Yes, the teacher in a traditional classroom has a degree in education. She also has the task of teaching 30 students of differing skill levels several different concepts in multiple subjects. I, as a home educator, have the pleasure of spending one on one time with my child to teach him to read and do math, allowing him as much time as he needs to learn and understand it. Which do you think is more effective from a learning stand-point?
Home schooling is illegal. A common misconception, and completely false. In fact, home education is legal in every single state in the U.S. This argument can be quickly and easily extinguished.
Your child will never learn to socialize. Just because a child does not sit in a traditional classroom every day does not mean she doesn’t interact with her peers in other ways. Activities such as ballet lessons, sports, church and home school groups allow for plenty of socialization. And the things my child will learn in those settings are much more desirable than what they might pick up attending public school for 7-8 hours a day.
Your child will fall behind and not be on the same level as his peers. Many states mandate annual testing to ensure that children who are educated at home are achieving the same academic milestones as those in traditional school settings. Additionally, most of the curriculum used to home school is far superior to that used in public school, which actually places the quality of education of a home schooler at a much higher than his peers will receive from a traditional education.
Your child will never be able to get into college. On the contrary, many colleges today have begun seeking out and recruiting children who have been home schooled, citing that they are better prepared and more conscientious. This also makes scholarships more likely.
Whether brand new to the world of home schooling, or a seasoned pro, you’ve certainly been met with one or all of these negative statements. It’s a shame that as parents we are made to defend our decision to take our own child’s education to a higher level and ensure that they are raised the way we see fit, with integrity and Godly principles. But the sad truth is we do. And although you will likely find your own way of explaining to others the reasons why educating your children at home is the right decision for your family, hopefully I’ve provided you with some ammunition to start.
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Mimi Rothschild is the Founder of LearningByGrace.org the nation’s leading provider of online PreK-12 online Christian educational programs for homeschoolers.