Entering our third year as a homeschooling family, I still feel like a newbie in many ways. But the absence of a total freak-out this month tells me that I must be hitting my stride! And I’m far enough into this adventure now to confidently debunk a few common myths. {Ones, quite frankly, that I used to believe myself!}
Myth #1: Homeschooling must be really difficult/really easy.
The truth lies somewhere in the middle. It is a wonderful thing to not participate in the frenzied morning rush to the bus stop anymore, to snuggle up with classic novels on the couch, and to be finished with school most days before lunch. We can take vacations anytime, and we spend every Friday morning studying at the local coffee shop.
It is also a heavy thing to be completely responsible for the education of your children. To make sure you have subjects covered and are imparting skills and knowledge effectively. To wade through the mountains of options available for study styles and curriculum companies and find one that works well. And also…the children? They are always there. This is a good thing, as well as a sanity-tester!
Myth # 2: There are accurate homeschooler stereotypes.
The days when homeschool families seemed to mostly fit a mold in terms of belief system or appearance are completely gone. I still poke fun at it sometimes, such as when I mentioned on my blog that I wasn’t sure if I could homeschool because I don’t even own a denim jumper {and received several serious comments from people assuring me that it wasn’t a prerequisite}. But in reality, homeschooling has become so mainstream over the past several years that there is no one descriptor that applies. I have many Christian friends who homeschool, but non-religious friends who do as well. Crunchy types and not-so-much, all sorts of income levels and political preferences are represented. Homeschoolers are everywhere!
Myth #3: You do not possess the skills to homeschool.
Oh, but you do. Truly, you do. Because here’s the thing: there is so much help available that you never need to do this alone! If you are not a teacher by nature, if you did not get straight A’s in math or grammar classes growing up, if you cannot think up a multi-subject study unit about gophers or llamas on your own, that is okay. From curriculum packages that give you everything you need with step-by-step instructions, a zillion incredible homeschool blogs with loads of ideas, math programs with on-screen tutors {hallelujah and amen}, and opportunities for community with other homeschooling families in online forums and local groups and clubs, there is a vibrant, encouraging homeschool culture out there that I knew nothing about in the days when I was still certain I’d never do this. You do not need an extra-large set of skills to be a homeschool mom. All you need is a commitment to your children’s education, and to research and build the schedule, supplies, and support you need to walk it out.
Myth #4: Homeschoolers believe we’ve made a better choice.
There are definitely people out there who will express strong opinions against one form of schooling or another. Most of the homeschooling parents I’ve met, though, do not believe that teaching children at home is the best choice for every family. So many factors sway school decisions that it is impossible to arrive at an accurate, across-the-board “best”. We were a public school family for two years, and that was the right choice for us at that time. We homeschool now, and it is the right choice for us at this time. We have friends with children in public school, private school, and home for school, and I can look at each situation and have complete confidence in those decisions. God is faithful to speak perfect wisdom to every family as they seek Him in this – and any – choice before them. Our attitude toward one another should only be one of support as we follow His lead!
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
What are some other homeschooling myths you’d like to see disappear? Are there misconceptions you once held that you now see differently?
Want more encouragement? Read part one in our Back to Homeschool Mini-Series >> Sage Advice from a 13 Year Home Educator and part 2 >> A Newbie’s Perspective
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