The branches of homeschooling cons are mostly rooted in the name "homeschooling". Let's delve deeper to analyze why, then things like not being a qualified teacher/educator, a lack of facilities, having to constantly organize schedules and plans, never getting proper rest, as well as your child having to apparently adapt to a new reality, will sort themselves out. I've already written about the fundamental homeschooling disadvantages and how they are actually just pitfalls or potential stumbling blocks that could possibly snag parents if they don't understand a few key concepts. For this post I'd like to explore the biggest problem for homeschooling. It affects every aspect of what a homeschooling family does and how they do it.

The Motherload Of Homeschooling Cons

The problem with the name "homeschooling" is that: John Holt, the father of the modern homeschooling movement, struggled to find a more suitable name. He settled on unschooling. John Holt emphasized again and again that children are not only more than capable of directing their own learning — the complete opposite of school — they thrive under such conditions. A child can thrive with self-directed learning if their parents can detach from playing the role of "teacher" for them.

Homeschooling Cons That School Teachers Avoid

The idea that your kids need your love and support, and not to be "taught lessons", is simple enough. Maybe because it is so simple, many homeschooling parents cannot accept it. But the majority of school teachers who choose to homeschool their own children often move toward a looser, more child-led approach. Both of my parents were elementary school teachers and yet they never gave my brother or me any formal lessons or instruction about anything.

But I'm Not A Qualified Teacher Or Educator

No parent needs a university degree or formal training to homeschool their children. You need to be in tune with your child's mental and emotional state and to listen to them. When children grow older and study more complex subjects — possibly ones you don't know anything about — you both seek out assistance from someone or somewhere else.

Is Lack of Facilities One Of The Homeschooling Cons?

Remember: Homeschooling doesn't just happen at home. You are free to go to a local university or a local business or factory where you can gain access to things you don't have at home, and ask them for a bit of time. For example, when I was eight years old we took a day trip to a local vineyard and winery. They were more than happy to show us around, explain things, answer our questions and even ask us questions.

The Homeschooling Cons Of Planning & Organization

A road trip or field trip does require some planning. But so does anything in life. If it's something fun that your child is genuinely interested in, resistance is essentially non-existent. If there is resistance from them, that's when you need to step back and listen.

You Don't Get Any Rests

It's true: Organizing activities and schedules for things your child has little to no interest in can be tiring and draining for you both. So don't force anything. Listen to them and work out how to enable self-directed learning. That's when intrinsic motivation can take over.

No Big Milestones Is A Homeschooling Con, Right?

A homeschooling parent can use the big wide world to create deeper, more meaningful events that happen organically.

Adapting To A Different Reality

Deschooling is sometimes necessary for children who have been attending school for months or years then suddenly find themselves spending more time at home. But for those homeschooling from kindergarten, homeschooling simply becomes an extension of the first years of life.

Conclusion

The biggest homeschooling con is the name: If you can internalize what this means, much pressure on what you are doing gets released. You can start by downloading the free guide on self-directed learning. Mick.