How to Deal with Opposition to Home Schooling
By Ina Woolcott
Home Educating may greatly appeal to you, but you may be worried that
relatives, including your partner and friends are dubious. How can you deal
with this? Unfortunately, this often is the biggest challenge those wishing
to home school face. You have to bare in mind that most misconceptions about
homeschooling are based on ignorance and information that is incorrect.
Those close to you may worry that your child is being deprived of or lacking
in social experiences with other children. There are so many groups a child
can join e.g. football, ballet, guides, music groups, children clubs, home
schooling groups etc.
Doubtful relatives and/or friends may worry that this is a dumb idea. They
don't realise what good outcomes home schooling generally has and that
hundreds of thousands of people have successfully been home schooled way
before any public school was introduced. Its not like home schooling is a
new concept. Public/private schools are. Home Schooling has been around for
centuries, as far back as biblical times. People such as Abraham Lincoln,
Whoopi Goldberg, C.S Lewis, Helen Beatrix Potter and Thomas Edison were home
schooled, so we know it works. Sceptics may be reassured when they see that
home educated children do go onto college or university, then go on to
successful careers, and do have a good social life and friends.
You may be put at ease by meeting other homeschoolers or listening to talks,
radio interviews, or even by attending workshops. You may also need time to
get comfortable with home educating.
It can be a great help to have a ready answer if questioned about the
socialisation 'issue'. try not to feel put on the spot. This is the most
asked question. I know this from personal experience when I have casually
mentioned the small fact that I have my heart set on a home education for my
daughter.the reaction generally is what about friends and socialising? Not
that there is a need to justify yourself. At the end of the day it is YOUR
decision to home school and not anyone's business. This is your child's
future, and you want what is best for your child.
For more benefits of home schooling please read
The Benefits of Home Schooling
