Homeschooling? Yes, You Can

It was reported last week that filings to homeschool are up 21 percent in the state of Nebraska. It's a trend seen nationwide. And, according to an April study released by EdChoice, a national organization that advocates for state-based school choice programs, 52 percent of Americans now have a favorable view of homeschooling.

The Covid-19 virus shutting down schools last spring compelled many families to homeschool. Some hated it. But others discovered it can be rewarding, may bring families closer together and can actually be fun.

I must be forthcoming. My son and daughter were homeschooled K-12. Both are now grown and on their own. I also have friends in the public education system, people I have great respect for. Even more so after spending three months substituting as a K-8 science teacher. My advocacy for homeschooling should NOT be taken as criticism of individuals in the Sidney or Leyton schools. I AM highly critical of the national and state bureaucracies involved in public education.

Homeschooling involves sacrifice. Someone has to be home with the kids educating them.

That means making career choices. With more people having a work-from-home option now, that can help. In our case, my mother-in-law lived with us and teamed with my wife and myself to cover the classroom. I worked afternoons and evenings, so I had the mornings at home. But as parents calculate the actual costs involved in running a two-job household, many discover they negate perceived monetary gains.

Homeschooling materials can be expensive if you buy them new, which nobody does. Because homeschool families in an area often coordinate activities, there is ample opportunity to get quality used teaching materials from other families. And for older kids, the internet is a Godsend with countless classes and activities for little or no cost.

Another advantage is the ability to teach children things you can't even talk about in public schools. Mine got solid instruction on the Christian worldview pertaining to a wide range of subjects and issues. That is what opponents to homeschooling really fear most – smart, engaged Christians. But we, like so many others who homeschool, taught our kids both secular and Christian perspectives on matters such as evolution and sexuality. One must know both sides to be effective in debate.

Some decry "lack of social skills" if kids don't hang out with their peers. Hogwash! Between church activities, field trips with other homeschool kids and afternoon neighborhood play, mine got more than adequate social exposure. What's more, the one-on-one, all-day interactions with adults developed reading and speaking skills consistently years ahead of their peers in public school.

By far the biggest reward of homeschooling is getting to know your kids and watch them grow up. You don't have to drop them at daycare or school and not see them again until evening. You're engaged with them far more and can do fun stuff outside the home together more than just on weekends. And the biggest endorsement for homeschooling I can share with you is this – I have yet to meet a parent who regretted doing it.