How to Make the Decision to Homeschool

By Sabrina Justison on 08 February 2013 / Homeschool Information / 2 Comments

Homeschooling is actually NOT a good idea for every family.

Deciding that you will homeschool your child next year is a big deal, not something to be handled lightly.

Here are some things to include in your decision-making process:

1.  Prayer.  Seeking God for wisdom and guidance is where  this process should start.

2.  Honest talk with your spouse.  Whether you are automatically on the same page about this decision or not, solid, honest, ongoing communication about the decision-making process is crucial.  Homeschooling is not just an educational choice; it is a lifestyle choice.  A homeschool led by parents who are not in unity is a messy thing.

3.  Expert Advice.  Read information from reputable folks in the homeschooling field.  Do your research.  HomeSchool Legal Defense Association is a great place to start for information.  Read books about homeschooling, or even if you are not a book-reader there are many wonderful blogs and homeschool forums online.

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4.  Personal Advice.  Talk to homeschoolers you know.  Ask them hard questions.  Ask them dumb questions.  Then go away and think of some more questions for the next time you get together!  There's no place like another homeschool to get ideas about what homeschooling might be like for your family.

5.  Talk to your kids.  Especially if your children are older and you will be bringing them home after time in traditional school, it's important to hear their thoughts, expectations, and concerns.

6.  Count the cost.  Homeschooling affects finances in the family.  It can cause tension with grandparents or extended family members.  It requires lots of time; is there a parent who can truly be available enough to effectively homeschool?  Do you have a local homeschool community?  There are pros and cons to homeschooling alone and to homeschooling with regular involvement in co-ops, day-schools, and other homeschool community options.

7.  Search your own heart.  What are your dreams for your children?  What are your struggles with parenting?  What are your goals for your own life, career, etc.?  How will all of these things be impacted by your choice to homeschool or not?

Winter is a great time of year to dig into this decision-making process.  Waiting until summer puts too much time-pressure on you; start examining your options early and you will have time to make a wise decision about homeschooling your child.

What else would you recommend including in the decision-making process?

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