Disadvantages of Homeschooling – I Am Missing Out!
One of the big perceived disadvantages of homeschooling is that a mother has to give up too much to homeschool. At times I do have twinges when I wonder if that is true.
The other day I got a little jealous when one of my friends told me what she had been up to while her kids were at school. I felt indignant. I was missing out on doing that. It’s not the first time these feelings have surfaced. I’ve missed out on quite a few things whilst homeschooling. However when I truly examine my situation I realise I am doing what I want to be doing.
Disadvantages of Homeschooling – Giving Up My Career
About 7 years ago I returned to part time work for a short stint in order to keep my nursing registration up to date. As part of the refresher course I worked full time for a month. So I had to organise for my kids to be homeschooled by a collection of family and friends. As I walked the corridors of the hospital for my third week full time, I found myself wondering what my children were doing. I realised then and there that in pursuing a career I was missing out. As much as I enjoyed working as a registered nurse, I knew where I wanted to be most of all and that was at home with my children—learning and maturing with them. I was missing out on being with my children. Work and play was always going to be there but my time with my kids would not.
Disadvantages of Homeschooling – A Choice
These days the missing out feeling still comes, but it is only fleeting. Homeschooling has enabled me to do so many things I could never have done had I not chosen this lifestyle.
- I can give my children a private education and save on school fees.
- I can sit on the couch reading books with my kids for ages.
- I can run our homeschool schedule to suit my husband and children.
- I can pursue family interests. I can develop friendships with other homeschool mums.
- I can have my own home business.
- I can go on holidays out of school holidays.
- I can go on and on…
As I look back on twelve years of homeschooling I realise I haven’t missed much at all.
I am so blessed and privileged to be at home with my children.
I am thankful to have the time to share our family values with them.
I enjoy learning with my children. We are all growing and living together. I am hopeful for their future.
I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity.
Other Disadvantages of Homeschooling
Homeschooling is a commitment and a sacrifice and you do face many challenges that are special to homeschooling.
These include:
- Homeschool burnout,
- Lost motivation in your teenage students,
- Finding ways to homeschool when you are sick,
- Dashed expectations,
- Having to be unselfish when you really want to be selfish,
- Battling with anxiety
First Published March 2013.
Great post Michelle! I also know that this season will soon be over and so I cherish it though I do have tough days like everyone else 🙂
Btw I think I’m coming to the conference, it would be so good to meet you in person if we make it up there and so many others that I know online only that are also planning on going! 🙂
Thanks for the encouraging post. I sometimes get caught up in the ‘I’m missing out’ thinking especially when friends organise to meet at the gym, go for a walk or out for coffee while their kids are at school. But you are right, when you really stop and think about it…who is the one really missing out?
I don’t feel like I’m missing out at all but right where I want to be. I feel like it is but a fleeting part of life that will be over all too quickly, so I am determined to give it my all and enjoy it with the family. It is good to be reminded though on the days when I feel like I’ve done everything wrong. Thank you.
The Wonderland of Nature looks beautiful.
Can’t wait until the Mum Heart Conference.