Negative Effects Of Homeschooling

What Are The
Disadvantages of Homeschooling?

How can a homeschool site talk about the negative effects of homeschooling?

Okay, granted, there will always be parents who would never admit that there are any disadvantages of homeschooling. And they may be right. Well, at least I’d like to think that! =)

But, when I asked a group of home educating parents if they felt there were any cons of homeschooling, you know what I found? Enough to want to pass along what I learned so that you can make an informed decision. I think you will find the results quite interesting…

A Parental View on the Negative Effects of Homeschooling

1. Having to turn in a quarterly report to the state and test the children yearly. This is required for the state of New York. Wisconsin does not have this requirement and I am not sure about other states. For more information regarding the laws of your particular state visit: HSLDA.

2. People always asking you, “But what about socialization?” It’s so funny, but most people think that when you take a child out of a peer dependent immature atmosphere, that they will somehow not know how to communicate with others! Yes, your child may not make as many friends or may even feel lonely being home all the time. That is when you find other ways to socialize by joining clubs, volunteering, etc.

Left to right:
Annette, Emily, and Laura playing with the camera on one of our fun family outings to the park.

3. Lack of free time for Mom. Homeschooling takes a chunk of time, especially if you’re just starting out and your kids are young. So, if you’re a mom with a career or hobby that is important to you, then you may want to reconsider. But you could always pick up those interests after the children graduate. One mom commented that her temper, her boredom, and her problems were negative effects of homeschooling. And they can be if you let them. If I may be so bold as to say that it’s not about you, it’s about them.

4. Loss of income. Most homeschooling families are able to make ends meet on one income. I will admit it can be difficult. But, you learn to do without the boat and snowmobile. One has to adjust priorities. Only you can decide whether or not your lifestyle will allow your family to get along without the extras. But there are creative ways to make money for Moms who want to work from home for some additional fun money!

5. It’s expensive. That’s debatable. It really depends on what you choose for a curriculum and if you can find it used (which you can if you hunt long enough!). Someone may even borrow it to you. We have been on both the receiving and the giving end!

6. Record keeping. It is very important to keep records, especially when your child approaches the high school years. Most colleges will require a transcript, so make sure you write down everything they've studied.

7. Lack of public school technologies. I suppose if you want to play competitive sports, learn a foreign language or learn how to drive you just may have to source it out.

8. You have a gifted child. I had to chuckle when we heard this one. Let’s think about it. If I had a gifted child, I would want to teach them at home so that they could excel at their own pace! So many children outdo their peers when allowed to blossom in their own time. And that can be at a later time in their student life, especially for boys. Some don’t even read until they are nine years old and eventually surpass their buddies!

9. How about the pressure of what others parents and peers think about your decision to homeschool? That could really bother some of you. But it shouldn’t. We are still living in a free country, do what you feel is best. Which brings me to the last comment made my a good friend of mine:

10. "You still have to pay those darn school taxes!" ~ Karen P.
Need I say more?

So, in answer to the question if there are any negative effects of homeschooling…I think the majority would tend to agree with Moria on this one:

"No, not a single one!! Best choice I've ever made concerning education!"