10 Reasons to consider homeschooling

Another school year is right around the corner, which means parents are gearing up for the classroom. This is the time when parents start receiving supply lists from teachers, take advantage of back-to-school sales at clothing retailers, pay tuition fees, schedule physicals and immunizations, and the list goes on. It can be exhausting and frankly, I don’t want any part of it. Here’s why.

10 Reasons to consider homeschooling

My family has chosen to join over 1.5 million homeschoolers in a non-traditional educational journey. Homeschooling allows parents to have a hands-on approach to educating their children. I’m not referring to the type of homeschooling where children sit in front of a computer screen learning independently or being taught by a virtual teacher. Homeschooling has allowed us to focus on topics that will be most helpful in life and in creating a customized education for our children. Homeschooling takes some effort, but choosing this path is already proving to be beneficial for both my children’s education and our family’s lifestyle.

I have had no dealings with a public or traditional schooling since I graduated high school in 2005, but I remember what my mother had to deal with when sending my siblings and I to school — finding before and after school childcare, packing lunches, dragging us out of the bed at six o’clock in the morning, and the list goes on. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my traditional, public educational career and it helped me to earn a degree from one of the largest universities in the U.S. However, the school system has changed quite a bit and social media has provided a good look at what goes on in today’s classrooms. From large classroom sizes to Common Core math (what a nightmare) to bullying, traditional education appears to be more of a stressor than beneficial.

10 Things traditionally-educated children and their parents experience

Waking up early
PTA meetings
School fundraisers
Carpools
Drop-off and pick-up parking wars
Teacher-parent conferences
School uniforms
Late night or last minute projects to help with
Guessing about school delays or cancellations due to weather
Astronomical enrollment fees or lotteries

OK, I know that the list above aren’t the worst things in the world to deal with, however, homeschooling allows you to experience your child’s education in a rewarding way. Homeschoolers have many, if not more, opportunities to learn about the world and practical living and to socialize. Co-ops, numerous play dates, homeschool specific days at local museums, zoos, and libraries are just some of the ways homeschooled children can experience diverse learning opportunities and environments.

10 Things homeschooled children and their parents experience

Less time is spent on school work during after school hours.
Endless opportunities for field trips.
The ability to go on vacations all year long.
Parents can integrate practical life skills into lessons.
Quality time is spent with your child, allowing you to learn their personalities even more.
Being able to see your children grow and grasp an understanding of the subjects being studied.
More time to enjoy being a kid since fewer hours of school time are needed.
Sleeping in and not worry about packing lunches and backpacks.
Saving money.
Ability to teach the morals and values that are important to your family.

Homeschooling, just like parenting, has challenging moments, but is a great alternative for families who are looking to have a more hands-on approach to education. While the benefits of homeschooling are great, choosing what is best for your family and your child’s education should be the ultimate goal.

This post was contributed by Teri Watters as part of Savvy Sassy Moms Product Scouts. You can find more from Teri on her blog, MommyWifeLife.

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Savvy Sassy Moms Product Scouts have been hand selected by our editors to bring you the latest and greatest products that make your life a little easer and a lot more stylish! Our product scouts have a variety of children from newborn to age 10 and are on the ground (literally) using and testing these products. Our reviews are honest and the opinions of the scouts are always their own.