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Homeschooling and
the family
According to the National Center For Education Statistics, almost
1.1 million children underwent homeschooling in 2005 alone. That's a
lot of children. Once upon a time, homeschooling used to be a
radical statement - something like a declaration of independence. It
was the conservative Christians who advocated homeschooling in the
'80s and legalized it in every State. But the typical homeschooler
of the day is not religiously motivated.
Recent surveys indicate that parents are actually quite fed up of
the public school systems where much of the learning is superficial
and compulsory. They are also concerned about negative school
environment ranging from drugs and abuse to negative peer pressure.
As a result, we have a surprising mix of people who form the
homeschooling world of today. They cut across all religious and
regional borders. Their main aim is providing meaningful and
productive learning through a method that strengthens the bond
between the various members of the family.
All these families have one thing in common - a long enduring
commitment to the sanctity of childhood. The children in these
families are accorded a primary position. Many believe, and rightly
so, that homeschooling allows parents to bring up children in a more
natural and nurturing environment. Public schools can make one
nervous, diffident and downright mean. Children who get schooled at
home are protected from these damaging negative influences till they
reach an age where they can handle it.
Homeschooling draws the whole family into the almost religious task
of schooling. Everyone is put to work. The parents together form a
bond with the children. Any experience can be turned into an
educational experience. Both the parents are aware of exactly what
is going into their child's head. Parents also have greater control
on the kind of religious and moral values that the child imbibes.
Even watching a movie together can become a learning experience.
Trips to the libraries and other places become educational as well
as recreational.
A homeschooling family is primarily dependent on the income of one
earning member. That means that often spending has to be curtailed
and proper planning of expenditure is a must. This helps to bring
the family members together and everybody gets involved in the
process of saving money.
Having a parent at home to supervise, to nurture and care for the
children brings with it a lot of love and caring. Even your husband
chips in and there just is no room for boredom. Yes, problems do
crop up, and there are a lot of misgivings in your mind. But when
you know that your kids can always count on you, and your kids know
it too, then homeschooling becomes a richly rewarding experience.
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