Why Many of Us Struggle with Homeschooling

As I reflect on my childhood experiences, one particular moment stands out like a comedy of errors. My father, eager to assist me with my homework, attempted to teach me about semicolons. While English was his strong suit, I was just a second grader grappling with basic punctuation.

His method of teaching? The Socratic Method. “What do you think that is?” he would ask. “A period over a comma,” I replied hesitantly. “But what does it do?” he pressed on. “I don’t know. It goes between two words?” I pleaded. For over two hours, this back-and-forth continued, with me desperately wanting a straightforward answer. By the time my mother returned home, she was understandably frustrated. “You’re still on semicolons?” she snapped. “It separates two complete clauses—now go to bed!”

My mother explained to my father that the Socratic Method is designed for adults with existing knowledge and opinions about complex topics, not for children who lack foundational understanding. Yet, he was convinced he knew best.

Ironically, both my parents were experienced educators with advanced degrees, but their teaching at home left much to be desired. They often viewed me as their youngest child, not a student, which led to frustration and confusion. Instead of focusing solely on my education, they mixed in reminders about chores. My father’s insistence that my teacher was wrong only added to my confusion, while my mother was openly skeptical of my coursework. There were no educational standards or boundaries—just chaos.

This experience makes me think of the current trend of parents trying to homeschool during the pandemic. Despite being dedicated educators, my parents struggled to teach me effectively at home. They were burdened by the emotional weight of our familial relationship, which only complicated their teaching approach.

Teachers, like doctors or engineers, are trained professionals. They hold degrees and complete rigorous training to effectively educate students. The notion that teaching is simple overlooks the complexities involved, such as varying learning abilities, discipline, and lesson planning. While homeschooling may seem straightforward, the reality is far more challenging, especially in a pandemic.

Sure, there are exceptional homeschooling success stories—like a colleague of mine who excelled in algebra thanks to her father’s guidance. However, these cases are not the norm, especially when balancing full-time work from home and limited educational resources.

If my parents struggled to teach me within the very public school system they worked in, what hope do other parents have? For now, we must do our best until schools can reopen under the leadership of qualified professionals.

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Summary

In short, while the idea of homeschooling might seem appealing, many parents find it challenging due to emotional dynamics and the lack of structured educational approaches. The complexities of teaching, especially in a pandemic, can be overwhelming, leading to less than ideal outcomes for children.