Building a case for homeschooling ⇒

It’s amazing how suddenly an idea can come to you and replace the way you previously viewed the world. Erin has recently read a great deal about homeschooling, approached me with the idea as something to consider for our children and whammo! I am now in the process of building a case for (or against) it.

In my usual fashion of research, I am doing a lot of talking about it with my friends and other resources. Erin reads. I talk. So for the next few months, expect to see arguments for and against the idea on this blog.

As much as you are probably initially shocked that I am considering it (I am shocked myself, to be honest) when you think about it, there are ever so many compelling reasons for and fewer reasons against it. Most of my reasons against it are purely selfish. I was quite looking forward to getting some time back for myself and to contribute more financially to our household dreams of renovations and travel. Also, I worry that I will not teach them correctly, though this is less of a fear with Erin in the house. Plus, I already struggle with a lack of personal space.

The biggest reason against homeschooling seems to be the socialization element that I agree is so important. More on this in another post but the short story is I am a very social person and would join at least one local homeschool group that meets regularly to combat this very issue. On the plus side, without the peers at school, they are less likely to be bullied and have to deal with peer pressure if they don’t go to school. This has always been a big concern of mine as the mother of daughters. Have you HEARD what happens at parties these days? Please tell me you mothers of boys are on it! As one mother of a boy I know so appropriately put it “I only have to worry about one penis. You have to worry about all of them.” We can all hope if we raise our kids well, they won’t partake in less desirable passtimes.

I will end this post for now and tell you about the pros and cons in individual posts. But do understand that I am not considering this because I am against public education. Indeed, I love our little neighbourhood school and it was one of the reasons we purchased this house, it being walking distance to one of the best elementary schools in South Surrey and one of the best public high schools in the province. This is just a lifestyle choice that we are considering.

I welcome your comments on the subject. Fire away!