Want to Homeschool? It’s THE Ultimate Power Play for Your Kids’ Future
Homeschooling used to have a real public relations problem.
Too many times in the past, these close-knit families were falsely stereotyped as ill-adjusted, hyper-religious, poorly educated – and, oh, yeah, lacking in socialization.
Nonsense!
They were outlandish claims even then – and thankfully now, these absurd charges have almost entirely fallen by the wayside. Good riddance!
So, what about you? Are you already a home educator? Do you want to homeschool? We believe it’s the ultimate power play for your kid’s future. That’s why we want to share some things to consider if you’re weighing the pros and cons for your family.
Homeschooling 2024
Times have changed. After the veil was raised on what was really happening in our kids’ classrooms, thanks to the pandemic, parents have pulled kids out of public schools in record numbers. Some estimate this enrollment drop to be around 4%, with homeschooling increasing wildly nationwide.1 One significant swing happened in Virginia, which saw a 55.79% jump in homeschooling since 2020. That’s chump change, though, when you consider these states: Hawaii’s 72.06%, Maine’s 77.09%, and Utah’s stunning 313.10%. Many other states hang around 40-50% as American parents reclaim their rightful place in their children’s lives.2
Things have been messed up in America’s public educational system for a long time. Just ask our podcast guest this week, Alex Newman, who has been on the front lines of exposing the roots and results of our deeply flawed approach to education. Don’t miss this eye-opening exchange.
Who Me?
I hated math in elementary school.
I loathed math in high school.
College. Same.
Do you relate? Maybe it’s lit and grammar for you. Or perhaps science or art. How can we presume to be able to teach these tough-for-us subjects to our kids? Most of us don’t have a teaching degree.
The good news is you don’t have to know everything. And even better news – you don’t have to love everything you teach. Thankfully, there are plenty of hacks to get through the trickier subjects.
- Bone up the night before. Look into what’s in the curriculum for tomorrow and approach it as a partnership. Admit to your kiddo, “Mom hasn’t ever been great at this topic, but let’s learn it together.” Then, encourage them. Your child may very well find that topic to be inspiring.
- Engage with homeschool co-ops to find a class that tackles calculus or physics. That can be a way to get someone enthusiastic and skilled to bring a more robust presentation (and take that monkey off your back!)
- Consider a tutor. This could help you weekly or monthly to shore up what they are learning through your curriculum or personal teaching efforts.
- For the hardcore only: consider some online courses to sharpen your skills in an unloved subject.
What About the FOMO?
The “Fear Of Missing Out” is real, mamas.
Many of us fondly remember high school prom, football games, dances, and field trips. We can understand the nostalgia that draws us to the hope that our kids will have the rich experiences we enjoyed. However, is it worth depriving your children of the immense benefits of the homeschool life?
Learning at home means your kids don’t have to spend seven hours sitting at a little desk – to gain – let’s be honest – about two or three hours’ worth of actual instruction. Rather than learning science and nature through video or pictures, your kids can venture into the nearest forest with you to learn hands-on. How about a local art fair where your students can speak with artists and learn about their techniques and inspirations?
Your family can travel (ignoring any “school calendar”) to Mt. Vernon, Virginia, to learn about George Washington’s life or another historic site closer to home while completing other lessons on your own edu-venture! Check out our Liberty Trips Map to find what’s nearby.
Your industrious teen may be able to complete their entire homeschool day in three hours – and then volunteer in the community or hold down a part-time job, gaining real-life learning about finances and responsibility. The possibilities are limitless.
Back to the FOMO.
Sports are available in many communities with local and regional leagues, so your athletic daughter or son likely has options. Some public school systems allow home-educated kids to try out for their teams (though you must weigh whether you want your children in that system at all).
There are an increasing number of homeschool proms popping up around the country. Check with your local homeschool groups or co-ops to determine if your area has one. If they don’t, why not get that ball rolling for your community?
That’s not all the FOMO to consider, though.
Here’s more that you and your children are “missing out” on by homeschooling:
- Critical Race Theory (CRT)
- Lessons on the value of socialism
- LGBTQ and gender ideology curriculum and clubs
- Politically skewed history lessons designed to turn kids against America
- Health and Sex Ed that’s opposite of your family values
- Increased bullying
- Falling test scores
Ready to “miss out” on what public school offers in 2024?
But I Work Full Time…
We get it. Whether you can sacrifice one of the paychecks in your family or have to finagle a way to make it work despite the juggling act of holding down a job. It may be messy – but it can be done. Even single parents have chosen homeschooling and proven it’s possible.
Lots of different elements can make these more unlikely scenarios work. One mom I saw online spoke about going over lessons with her older kids the evening before, and then, while she was working, they would complete the assignments during the day.
Others enlist the help of grandparents, who care for the kids as they work on assignments while mom is at the office. Then, she gives her children personal instruction in the evenings and weekends.3
Some parents benefit from the ability to work remotely, a trend that has been on the rise since 2020. A little imagination and strategy go a long way. Remember, homeschooling is a flexible option that can work in the way you decide it should. Don’t forget that it doesn’t need to be seven solid hours of “school time” to accomplish great things!
There are homeschool groups that offer classes and cooperative efforts to educate. There’s also an extensive array of online curriculum and tutoring options, which keep growing. Before you decide it’s impossible – if you want to homeschool, you owe it to yourself to look deeper into what is available and how it could work for your family.
Several organizations could point you to other resources in your area; the National Homeschool Association, Homeschool Legal Defense Association, and Homeschool Central (which lists resources and laws by state) are just a few you can find online to help get started. Of course, mentioning these doesn’t imply a full endorsement by Moms for America since we haven’t reviewed all they offer – it’s just our way of suggesting a starting place.
Socially and Statistically Sound
Two of the fears some parents have faced have been whether their kids would be socially stunted by not being in public school and what this would do to future aspirations for college and career.
This isn’t your grandmother’s homeschool. There are almost endless resources to tap into and opportunities she may have only dreamed of.
If your young scholar wants to pursue college, they can apply alongside their traditionally educated colleagues. Interestingly, some (not all) universities accept homeschoolers at an even greater rate.4 Be sure to investigate what is needed to prep for higher education, if that’s the goal, so you can put the logistical pieces in place. The studious, steady, and industrious nature of many who were educated at home can bring a big payoff for their future endeavors.
Regarding socialization, in our view, a social life is what you make it. Being surrounded by hundreds of teens crammed into a smelly gym isn’t the only way to “socialize.” Being bullied on a school bus isn’t the only way to learn resilience. Get involved in sports, art clubs, church groups, and with families walking this journey, and you’ll find plenty. It requires a bit more intentionality – but mama, as a home educator, “intentional” is your middle name.
Learn from the Best
Another widely available and priceless resource I discovered while researching this post is the vast number of homeschool moms who have generously posted videos, tips, and encouragement online. Enter a search of whatever you need to know, like “Homeschooling and working full time” or “What’s the best way to homeschool math?” then watch the videos pop up. Make sure you have a pad of paper on hand to take down the resources they mention, like “Night Zookeeper, Numberrock, or Scribblenauts,” grab your coffee and settle in to hear fantastic advice from some of the everyday heroes of the homeschool movement.
If you’re thinking of beginning your homeschool journey, approach it with optimism, strategy, and, most importantly, prayer. If you ask, God promises to give you the wisdom you need to accomplish His will for your family.
Check out our Homeschool Mom2Mom page that has a wealth of ideas. If you’re unsure how well you homeschool kids will turn out – be sure to watch the episode, Homeschool Graduates: SUCCESS! Also, check out our Empower Moms area of the website for help and tools to get started. Join us and other moms taking back the culture and saving the next generation together. We are with you – and cheering you on, mamas!
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