Many parents have advocated their rights of teaching their children at home. In the United States and other countries, home schooling has been fully legalized and it becomes one of formal ways of educating children. Originally, homeschooling was supported by conservative Christians. But today, is not longer religiously motivated. Families with homeschooling programs come from all backgrounds and walks of life. There are many different reasons why parents prefer to keep their children at home for educational purposes. They are often not convinced with the regular public school system. In this situation, the learning process can be seen as compulsory and often superficial. Parents are also quite concerned with the typical school environment. Drugs abuse, negative peer pressure and bullying are among the risk factors that can threaten children at the regular public school situations. Parents who want to provide homeschooling programs also seek to provide productive and meaningful learning system.
There are many reasons why homeschooling can be advantageous in a family system. The most immediate benefit we get is a stronger bond between family members. Parents are no longer detached with the intellectual and cognitive development of their children. They are able to keep track the educational performance of their children and understand issues that need to be addressed. Homeschooling program works effectively in a loving and natural family-based environment. Children are protected against typical risk factors and harmful influences. Many children find that public school environment is difficult and even harsh. Worse, parents often don’t prepare their children to anticipate for any possible negative influence. Homeschooling is a direct and more active ways of ensuring that children are protected from possible risk factors. The home is not only a place where children can relax and rest; it’s also an integrated educational facility. The simple act of watching a movie can become an enjoyable and educational experience for children.
However, it is important for parents to be aware of challenges associated with homeschooling program. One parent will need to spend most of her or his time in the house to provide full time education for children. It means that the family will become highly depended on a single income-earning member. This situation can be addressed if all family members are aware of the existing financial situation and get involved in saving enough money. Parents often find that through home schooling, it’s possible for them to deliver a lot more caring and love to their children. Parents can become much more involved to needs of their children and in some cases, there’s no room for boredom. Although it’s naive to think homeschooling will become an all plain sailing; the whole family could work together to identify problems and address them properly. There are sacrifices that need to made and challenges that need to be handled. Children should have the fill knowledge that they can rely on the family system all the time. Parents will always be able to offer guidance and the necessary protection.