Homeschooling - It’s not just for the weird neighbors.

What do you know about homeschooling? What you know about your neighbor’s cousin’s neighbor does not count. Twelve children and mom in a denim jumper reciting Bible verses? Nope. Homeschooling can be tailored to suit ANY family.

Hi, I’m Amy, the weird homeschooling neighbor - mom to four sons (21, twins 20, 14).

If you are looking for an alternative to public school, you should consider what homeschooling in the twenty-first century looks like before making any decisions. The following are 15 reasons to consider homeschooling your kids.

1. Weird

We’re all weird. People who see homeschooling as weird usually know next to nothing about it. Homeschooling speaks for itself over time. When we first started, one of the biggest doubters was our pediatrician. Fourteen years later, not only does she approve of our weirdness, she has homeschool magazines in her waiting room.

No one wants their child to be singled out for being different. Most kids, when finding out their new friend is homeschooled, ask questions - “Do you do school in your pajamas?” or “Do you have to call your mom Mrs. Mom?” - and that’s it.

2. Freedom

I don’t mean the freedom of waving goodbye as your offspring board the bus. It’s freedom from one-size-fits all teaching. If math does not work one way, you can switch to something that does. Schedule your own days. Some families enjoy a four-day week. Others, prefer half-days and work year-round. Still others travel and make the world their classroom.

3. Affordability

Private school is expensive. Homeschooling is an affordable alternative. With the internet, a library card and a little leg work, you can educate your child.

The less you have to spend, the more hands-on time for you. Some of our best years were also our poorest. One triumph was the flaming Viking funeral, held in our bath tub, with a milk carton boat. (Note: old action figures melt and stink up the house.)

4. Excessive Testing

One reason we began homeschooling was the increased emphasis on tests. The older boys, then in first and second grade, were stressed about tests they would not take until third grade. Their teachers were equally frustrated. Homeschool? The goal is mastery. If a child is not getting it, slow down. If a child is eating up math texts, let him go!

5. Age-Appropriate

With young children, a hands-on approach to learning with lots of reading aloud, art, science/history projects works well. There is no need to rush skills before a child is able.

6. Lunch and Fundraising

Two things that kept me homeschooling were thoughts of packing lunches and of PTA fundraisers. I hate making lunch. The PTA stuff? The kids attended sales meetings to see the fabulous prizes they could win if they sold enough wrapping paper, leaving me to explain to the excited 6-year-old why he would not be winning the cool bike.

7. Middle School

Many families homeschool their children through middle school, or only for middle school. What do you remember of middle school? Few adults have good memories of those years.

The differences among kids in the 11-14 range are huge. When you put them into one building and expect them to learn, the results are iffy. Kids often leave middle school discouraged, hating school. Homeschooling allows you to stay focused on learning.

8. Specialization

High school kids start to focus on one particular interest. If you have a child who is gifted in music, art, sports or academics, homeschooling can allow for tremendous growth in these skills.

Academics? Don’t despair! Tutors, in person and online, abound. Many community colleges are open to high school juniors/seniors. My boys were allowed to take three classes each semester during those years. We paid only for books.

This “jump start” will allow my oldest son to complete his five-year mechanical engineering degree in three years.

9. It’s Your Call

Strong religious beliefs? Incorporate them into your child’s education. Equally, you are free to leave religion out of your home classroom.

10. Socialization

Homeschooling is not about isolating your children. Most homeschool families find themselves over-scheduled between field trips, art days, science fairs, music, sports and/or scouts! The nice part about homeschooling is that you will not be going home to a stack of homework!

11. Mix It Up

It’s not all or nothing! Homeschoolers often avail themselves of public school services, like speech therapy. Many homeschoolers participate in the high school band and/or on athletic teams.

Check out virtual public schools. You can do all or just one class. You’ll have a teacher who maintains contact with you. We began using virtual school for science after a failed home experiment resulted in a visit from the local fire department.

12. Life Skills

Teach your children practical skills to help them navigate life. We worked on: cooking; sewing; basic house repairs; laundry; car maintenance; and money management.

13. Adult Education

You will be amazed at the things you never knew or truly understood when you were in school. Nothing beats learning alongside your children. I had a chance to read new and re-read old books. Do not underestimate the power of discovering a new book together.

14. Family Ties

Your family dynamic will change with homeschooling. Kids get along better and become less demanding. There will be days when you wistfully watch the school bus drive away. They are few. Seeing my three adult sons and the bond they have with their younger brother and each other makes it all worthwhile.

15. Fun

Looking back, I cannot imagine anything other than homeschooling. It was not easy, but, did we have fun! From our first project (mummifying a fryer chicken) to midnight bookstore visits to claim the newest Harry Potter, we had a great ride.

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