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The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

Are you considering homeschooling? Learn about the advantages and disadvantages before you make your decision.
Re: The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
But With stuff like that kids test out different coping mechanisms and find the best solutions to deal with those problems by the time it matters. After High School. Making freinds. Talking to girls. Not being insecure. Being forced to go to a school forces interaction, and kids learn to deal with mean kids and how to play with the kids they like. Same goes with girls. When you are homeschooled your world is so small. But this world is so big. In the real world, your kid will not receive the amount of love he is given by being homeschooled and being taught by parents. He will end up being overwhelmed, won't find a wife, and will end up living at the only place he is comfortable in: Your house.
Re: The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
School is more than learning about Geography Science, or english. It is about dealing with people. Peer pressure and ther negatives thrive in school. But with strong support and love kids learn to deal with the bad stuff and this makes them stronger. You can only shield them for so long. The negatives in school are just as alive in the real world. The more practice kids get dealing with the negatives, the better they will preservere as they get older. Would you rather your kid's first time caving in to peer pressure be in 1st grade when it is cool to eat glue or would you rather his first time be working or attending a college and having a "friend" tell him how awesome meth is. It is also simple stuff. Like dealing with an annoying kid or a mean teacher, or perhaps getting your lunch money stolen. Maybe being picke on or made fun of. It is tough. Trust me , I know.
My Speech
Hi, I am a sophmore and for my speech class we had to do a speech to persuade and I chose to do mine on homeschooling. Can you tell me the date that you posted this? I need to know the date for my citation. I would love it if you could get back to me ASAP! Thank you SO much. :)
Possible Cons
My only reason for reading this is for the simple fact of wanting what's best for my child. I do believe homeschool is not for everyone. As a child I always felt like It was a struggle for me to learn anything in a public school. Teachers just weren't able to tend to every child when they had questions. Which would lead to staying after school to get questions answered. Many times that wasn't even an option. I've watched my 2 nephews being homeschool and they are now entering grades 4 and 5. I'm so AMAZED at how smart they are. They are such wonder well minded christian children. Seeing them makes me look at me 2yr and know that I'll be homeschooling her. My nephews are in basketball, soccer and piano classes with kids their age, as well as we have park days with other moms and kids. I've asked them what they think of homeschool and they replied with "I love it more then you can imagin. Wouldn't change it for anything in the world".
Re: Possible Cons
The filter has a maximum of 1000 characters, so I have to reply in 2 posts.
I worked as a network engineer for many years. One of the points I had in my favor was flexibility. Employers liked that I was willing and able to go in and work on their servers at 3am. Other systems engineers refused, then wondered why I got promoted ahead of them.

Most colleges offer classes at different times so students that are working can still get their classes. Also, many colleges are now going to a CBT model. As many homeschool students have had to use computer based training at one time or another, this actually gives them an advantage. Many of the curricula homeschool students use on a daily basis are completely CBT. Rosetta Stone and Switched on Schoolhouse are prime examples of that.

As far as the discipline, after witnessing their behaviour, I think I can safely say there are many more public school students in need of discipline than homeschool students.
Re: Possible Cons
To Mississippi:
When I was in school, I distinctly remember being told, "We are here to learn, not socialize." Maybe that's part of the reason so many parents are turning to homeschooling, public schools are turning away from education to become social engineers.

Do you honestly think homeschool parents lock their kids in the basement until it's time for college? Just because they are not getting beat up everyday does not mean they are not socialized. I prefer that my children's socialization be of a more positive form. I like that the peer pressure in homeschooling is to do well on tests, schoolwork, and life in general. For us, the "socialization" aspect is a major reason TO homeschool.

Re: The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
I went to a private Christian school for several years and then I was homeschooled for three - middle school aged. When the private school became too expensive, my parents decided to homeschool. I continued to use the same curriculum as the private school, so the transition was easy. We participated in a local 'home school group' where the homeschoolers would meet once a week for group learning. If one parent was fluent in a foreign language, they would teach the other children, etc. It encouraged socialization in a controlled environment. When entering the public high school, teachers actually asked if I could read. I wouldn't change my educational experiences. I went on to go to a four year college where I obtained my bachelor's degree in Social and Behavioral Studies. I plan on homeschooling, finances permitted, when my son reaches school age. When making your decisions, don't just assume, talk to people that have participated. And remember, not all experiences are the same.
PROS AND CONS?????
Socialization??? The priority of school is not to "socialize", but to LEARN! I am TRULY sorry to those FEW that have had such a negative experience with homeschooling. Trials, tribulations, insecurities and so forth are not ALWAYS a direct result of where or by whom you were educated! Often they are a direct result of LIFE! Therefore, whether you are homeschooled or in public school, the personal challenges one will face as an adult could be the same! However, how one chooses to handle those situations may differ! I happen to have raised and homeschooled two wonderful children. My children are very well educated, spiritually and emotionally strong as well as very social! They just make wise decisions on whom they CHOOSE to socialize with! Whether your child succeeds or not as a homeschooler totally depends on your ability as a parent to teach and your childs ability to listen! Good Luck to all!
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Re: The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
I was homeschooled all but two years I can safely say it is not the way to go. Wake up people, "peer pressure, competition, boredom, and bullies" are all part of the real world. It's very important for kids to experience this. While these things may be considered cons of public school, you also get one major pro which is of course socialization. At the age of 20 I find myself socially awkward around girls I'm attracted to and sometimes socially inept. "Closer Family Relationships" is a lie. I ended up running away from home a year ago and just recently started feeling "close" to my family. Religious freedom? Please. Is any religion confined within the family free at all? I was raised christian protestant; while I am thankful for this theology it creates an image of the whole world (or most of it) believing in God. If you're afraid your kid is weak enough so that he or she believes to refute God (or whatever religion you teach them) for another religion, maybe their faith wasn't so strong to begin with. I could continue with the real "cons" of homeschooling but I'll stop there. Please, if you feel you MUST homeschool your kids only do it through elementary.
A word from a post-homeschool grad
Homeschooling is terribly damaging to your child. After being homeschooled my entire life, my children are now in public school. I have a blog site devoted to my upcoming book, Dispelled: One Girls Journey in a Home School Cult; which will shed light on this insidious movement that needs far more government regulation. Check it out if you want food for thought or if you want the TRUTH (something you can't find anywhere on the internet!) http://www.chandra-bernat.blogspot.com
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