“Homeschooling is incredibly challenging,” “I need a drink because I’m homeschooling,” and “the homeschool lifestyle is no joke” are just some of the sentiments I’ve encountered since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and the shift to remote learning. Parents who once criticized homeschooling families are now beginning to understand the remarkable dedication and resilience these families have exhibited for years.
I have been homeschooling my children intermittently for six years. My journey began when my second child was born just before the kindergarten cut-off. Rather than search for a transitional kindergarten program, which was hard to find, I chose to homeschool her and teach her kindergarten skills the year before she was eligible. Subsequently, I homeschooled my third grader for several months following a difficult experience in public school. Currently, I am homeschooling my fourth child, who also has a birthday that doesn’t quite meet the pre-kindergarten cut-off.
Every time I made the decision to homeschool, I faced a mix of skepticism and admiration. Many friends would say, “I could never do that,” reflecting their own insecurities. I often joked that homeschooling didn’t mean my kids would be social misfits, nor would I be wearing long skirts and churning butter—though if that’s your style, more power to you.
While homeschooling offers numerous advantages, I must acknowledge that choosing this path is a privilege. It requires substantial sacrifices in terms of time, energy, and finances. Not everyone can homeschool, even if they desire to do so, as various factors play a role in the decision.
For my family, homeschooling has been incredibly fulfilling. When one of my children struggled significantly in public school, homeschooling allowed us to reconnect. Their confidence blossomed from nearly non-existent to remarkably high. We enjoyed incredible field trips, such as visiting a local coffee roastery to learn about the shipping and roasting process, ultimately leading to a research project on environmental issues.
However, the benefits of homeschooling extend far beyond academics. My child was relieved from the chaos of an overcrowded classroom, and our learning environment felt almost cinematic—imagine jazz music playing softly in the background while we basked in sunlight at the kitchen table, learning at our own pace. My child rediscovered a love for learning, curiosity, and a sense of security.
Eventually, my kids transitioned back to private or public schools. Then the pandemic struck, and suddenly, parents found themselves navigating remote learning, whether they were prepared or not. Some mistakenly labeled themselves as homeschoolers, despite the differences between traditional homeschooling and remote learning.
Suddenly, the previous criticisms I had heard about homeschooling vanished. In fact, those who once deemed homeschooling “strange” began to appreciate it. How do we manage to make it work?
Being “stuck at home,” tackling tech issues, staying organized, scrambling for resources, and juggling multiple kids’ schedules is utterly exhausting. The pandemic has highlighted the discrepancies and flaws in our education system—not that this is the fault of individual teachers. The gaps and glitches are now glaringly obvious, and parents are becoming more aware of these issues as they take charge of their children’s education.
Homeschooling is no longer the exclusive domain of free-spirited parents who distrust the system; it has become a collective educational journey many have been thrust into without preparation or guidance. In many respects, homeschooling can be simpler than remote learning. Unlike traditional homeschoolers, I am not required to adhere to a specific curriculum or pace dictated by a teacher. I can tailor our learning to fit our needs. In contrast, remote learning involves two adults—the teacher and the parent—working together to facilitate a child’s education, making it more complex.
Just as public and private school teachers deserve immense recognition for their efforts during these unprecedented times, homeschooling parents who have been at this for a while deserve appreciation. Rather than being viewed as introverts unwilling to engage with the “real world,” homeschooling parents are diverse, hardworking, intuitive, and incredibly creative.
Parents involved in remote learning are getting a glimpse into the homeschooling lifestyle as they help their children learn from home. This is hard work. I am currently managing a child who is being homeschooled, another in remote learning, and two others attending in-person classes. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the variety of individuals dedicated to ensuring that children continue learning despite the ongoing pandemic.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to educating children. Each situation is unique, and children have different needs and abilities. We are all striving to do our best, and thankfully, we are witnessing a shift where homeschooling parents are finally being recognized for their true contributions rather than the stereotypes that have long been associated with them.
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Summary: This article highlights the challenges and rewards of homeschooling, particularly in light of the pandemic. It emphasizes the need for greater recognition of homeschooling parents, who have displayed resilience and creativity in providing education for their children. The narrative reveals how the pandemic has changed perceptions of homeschooling, showcasing the dedication and hard work of those who have embraced this educational path.
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– Homeschooling benefits
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– Challenges of remote learning
– Advantages of home education
– Resources for homeschooling parents
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