As a homeschooling mom, I often get asked why I chose this path for my kids. It’s a big decision with a lot to consider, and both homeschooling and traditional schooling have their own sets of benefits and challenges. I thought I’d share some insights from my perspective to help you decide what might be best for your family.

Homeschooling: Tailoring Education to Your Child

Why I Love It:

1. Personalized Learning: One of the biggest perks of homeschooling is that I can tailor the learning experience to fit my kids’ unique strengths and interests. It’s amazing to see them dive deep into topics they’re passionate about. Some of my children learning by reading, some learn by doing. In history, for instance, one child might make a medieval castle, the other might read books all about medieval castles.

2. Flexible Schedule: We’re not tied to a strict 8:30-to-3 schedule. This flexibility is a lifesaver for our family, especially since we have other commitments. The other day one of the children wanted to go to the park to see his friends. I said he could go, as long at he got his maths and writing done first. So, at 7:30 am he was sitting at the dining table working hard on his maths – he even went on to then help pack a picnic lunch and hang the washing out for me before we left!

3. Close Family Bonds: Homeschooling has brought us closer as a family. We spend a lot of time together, and I get to be directly involved in their education and growth. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their “aha” moments up close. The siblings are also each others best friends. That’s not to say that they don’t annoy each other at times, but overall they have very close friendships.

4. Safe Environment: I love knowing that my kids are learning in a safe, nurturing environment. At times, even in the homeschool environment they are exposed to bullying. I feel it’s important to not have such a ‘perfect’ environment that they won’t be able to cope if they get exposed to peer pressure or bullying later in life. But with homeschooling the exposure is limited and more often than not it can be dealt with quickly and swiftly.

What Can Be Tricky:

1. Time and Effort: Homeschooling is a huge commitment. I know I’m giving up any day-time kid-free coffee with other mums. I also have to juggle being a teacher, while still being their mum. It’s a lot, especially if you’re balancing other responsibilities. Some people ask how you can be teacher and mum? I say that it becomes the norm that you are both – there is no differentiation between the two.

2. Social Opportunities: Making sure my kids get enough social interaction requires effort. I am naturally an introvert so staying at home isn’t a problem for me. But I have some extroverts for kids. They all have done sport and music lessons. We join co-ops, arrange playdates, and participate in community activities to ensure they’re getting the social experiences they need. When we couldn’t find co-ops we started our own. Our current co-op meets weekly and has over 80 children attending!

3. Resource Limitations: We don’t have access to some of the resources traditional schools offer, like science labs and sports teams. We’ve had to get creative and find alternative ways to provide those experiences. Science teachers offer homeschool science lessons and after school sport replace school sport teams.

4. Regulations: Keeping up with homeschooling regulations can be daunting. Every state has different requirements, so it’s important to stay informed and compliant. Here in Western Australia we have a moderator who comes out once a year to check on the progress of the children. Some people find it a difficult experience but I find it’s best to see it as a celebration of what your children have been learning for the last 12 months.

Traditional Schooling: The Structured Route

Why Some Families Prefer It:

1. Established Curriculum: Traditional schools have a set curriculum, ensuring a broad and balanced education. This can provide a solid foundation in all the core subjects.

2. Social Interaction: Schools offer daily opportunities for kids to make friends and develop social skills. Some children enjoy this daily interaction.

3. Extracurricular Activities: Traditional schools typically offer a variety of extracurricular activities, from sports to arts. These can help kids explore different interests and talents.

4. Professional Teachers: Teachers in traditional schools are trained professionals. They bring a level of expertise and structure that can be beneficial for many students.

What Can Be Tricky:

1. One-Size-Fits-All: The standardized system doesn’t always work for every child. Some kids have unique learning styles that aren’t catered to in a traditional classroom setting.

2. Rigid Schedule: The fixed schedule of traditional schools can be tough for families who need more flexibility or for kids who learn better at different times of the day.

3. Large Class Sizes: Overcrowded classrooms can mean less individual attention for each student. This can impact the quality of education and the support each child receives.

4. Negative Social Influences: Schools can sometimes expose kids to bullying and peer pressure, which can affect their emotional and mental well-being.

So, How Do You Choose?

When deciding between homeschooling and traditional schooling, here are some things to think about:

1. Your Child’s Learning Style: Do they thrive with structure, or do they need a more flexible approach? Tailor the choice to fit their needs.

2. Family Lifestyle: Can you dedicate the time and effort homeschooling requires, or does the structure of traditional school suit your family better?

3. Social Needs: Does your child crave daily interaction with peers, or do they do well with more controlled social settings? Homeschooling can provide daily social activities but that requires a lot of extra effort.

4. Educational Goals: Are you aiming for a broad education with access to diverse resources, or do you prefer a focused, customized learning plan?

5. Available Resources: Consider what’s available in your community – support groups, extracurricular activities, and educational materials.

For us, homeschooling has been the right choice, but every family is different. Weigh the options, think about what will best support your child’s growth and happiness, and go with what feels right for your family. You’ve got this!