Why Home School & Cracking Myths Surrounding Homeschoolers~

 I can remember a time before homeschooling became part of our life. I actually think back to that time and ask what views did I have upon home school. I found that truthfully I don't remember thinking much about it. I don't even remember anyone practicing it.  As I became an adult it seemed to me that the number was increasing. I later wondered if this was true or was it simply that by becoming a parent I also became interested in the choice of education.  Researching I found that home school has in fact increased 15% per year over the past several years.

   From the outside looking in homeschooling is easily seen in a group of its own.

This can not be further from the truth.

As a homeschooling mother of three years now, I have come to realize homeschooling is a tree of many branches.

I have listed what I would call the most common reasons people choose to home school

• Desire of advanced education or the need of one-on-one schooling.
• Concern with mainstream influences.
• Conservative Christan values.
• Continuing the tradition after being home schooled themselves.
• Having a minimum choice in schools.
• Unschooling. Allowing their children to grow and learn with day to day life.

   In the end many of us home school for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is that we home school for the benefit of our children.

 Not to suggest question of parents choosing public or private schools, I know that majority of you also do what you feel is best for your child.

 I hope this allows others to see the variety of reasons one chooses home school. Along with the knowledge that we are not completely in a group of our own.

Let me help crack some of those myths about homeschoolers.
  You know you have heard them.

•  Many homeschoolers are religious to the extreme. Yes, I believe there are many that live good christian lives. Striving for daily holiness. I also believe most manage to give their children a well-balanced education. Along with religious instruction their children learn other subjects and explore many areas of life. Just as christian individuals attending school.  
•      Homeschoolers are the reason the public schools are in such bad shape. For one I don't believe all public schools are in bad shape. Some assume homeschooling families are taking money away from the local schools. The difference lost from the non-attending homeschooling students is offset by the school not having to spend money on those students. These same critics forget that the homeschooling family pays taxes which support the school system, even though they aren't utilizing the school's resources.
•    Homeschooling parents think  public schools are not good enough for their children. This criticism often arises from a feeling of defensiveness on the part of the public school parent. I for one can say that most parents want what is best for their child. In stating that I am sure majority of parents sending their children to school do so because they feel it's best.
•     Home school kids end up strange and who live outside "normal" society."  The truth is that homeschooling families are as average as any school families. Just like most families they love each other, respect society's laws and traditions. As they also enjoy socializing with others.
•    I said it, socializing. This is the myth that we hear the most. Homeschooling does not allow kids the ability to socialize. These individuals are confused. They believe that it is confining rather than socializing. Individuals that believe this are thinking about the stereotypical socialization of an age-based classroom. Children that are home schooled are exposed to social situations in a age variety. You may hear that they have “age-mates” instead of “class-mates. It is really all you make of it. Of course, whether this is true or not depends on the homeschooling family and how much they offer outside activities to their children.

Some of the  positive socializing my children do not receive from school, I do my best to create.  With the growth of homeschooling, home school groups and organizations are easily accessible. We also attend play dates, organizations such as 4-H, Brownies and sports. We are surrounded with friends, family and our church family. Along with the day to day interactions they will use for the rest of their life.  So as you can see the socializing opportunities are endless. 

I hope this post cleared up any questions you have about homeschooling. Feel free to ask me anything on the subject and I will do my best to answer you. Blessings to you all, Catherine Anne