Homeschooling Versus
Public Schools

Homeschooling versus public schools. Once you begin pursuing a self-reliant life, you may consider homeschooling your children as well as raising your own food. And why not? After all, you want to be self-reliant in every other aspect of your life. So why hand your children over to someone else to educate?

Still, you may find the prospect daunting. After all, teachers are professional educators, and you likely aren't. How can you be sure that your children are getting the education they need? 

I faced those same questions more than twenty years ago, when I decided to home educate my three children. Apart from the whole concern about socialization, the main question family members asked me was how certain I could be that my children would be sufficiently educated. 

My answer to that is, how certain can you be that your children are sufficiently educated in the public schools? Today, it is widely recognized that in many parts of the country, public education is failing. You can always send your children to a private school if you can afford it. But if you are pursuing the simple life and/or trying to live on one income, that might not be possible. 

So, if you're in that boat, don't despair, and keep these things in mind when you are considering home educating your children.

Homeschooling versus public schools - which is better? The answer depends on what you want for you and your children.

Photo by Klimkin at Pixabay

Homeschooling Versus Public School - A Chance To Learn Subjects Together

One thing I've grown to love about homeschooling versus public schools is that public schools tend to rob the joy out of learning. Mind you, I don't consider reading public school textbooks as a way of having fun, but I haven't come across one yet that wasn't as dry as dust. 

So look at homeschooling as the chance to rediscover the joy of learning. Then share that joy with your children. Get books from your public library - there are thousands out there that cover every school subject under the sun and read them with your children. Many of those books will suggest projects you can do with your kids that will reinforce the subject matter better than any test prep could. You and your children will have a lot more fun than just sitting at a table reading a textbook.

Your Kids May Claim To Hate It

Both my oldest and my middle child were stubborn little souls who were convinced they were being short-changed by being home-educated. My oldest complained that he didn't get to ride the bus like other kids in his neighborhood. 

I was assaulted on the bus once, so I'd be happy never to ride a school bus ever again. Still, good luck trying to explain that to a stubborn ten-year-old.

My daughter saw public school as something akin to a fun day camp where she could hang out all day with her friends. She used to scowl at me during lessons. Graduation day was a happy one for us both. 

My youngest, on the other hand, was a shy homebody who loved being home educated. Each child is unique, and each will have a different reaction to being home educated. I'm fairly certain they'd feel the same way if I put them in public school.

You Don't Need To Keep Your Kids at a Desk from Nine A.M. Until Four P.M.

Homeschooling versus public schools means more free time for other valuable activities.

In fact, you shouldn't. Public schools require more time than homeschooling because there's a lot more crowd management involved. Think about how long it would take you to teach thirty kids how to divide. Or line up to go to lunch. Or do just about anything. 

Teaching one-on-one is much more efficient. I would teach my kids from nine in the morning until noon most days, and we always got the lessons done on time. It gave my kids plenty of downtime to spend outdoors or doing chores. Valuable time children need. 

Don't Go It Alone

Homeschool co-ops abound these days, providing plenty of positive socialization for both you and your children. Plus, every state has its own home education organization. They're a great resource for learning the laws in your state regarding home education, as well as where to find the right co-op for you and your family. 

Raising Up a Self Reliant Generation

By watching you pursue self reliance, your children will learn they can do many things themselves as well - one of the best lessons they can learn through homesteading and homeschooling. Imagine raising up a generation of youth who are like the men and women in Colonial days, able to do amazing things despite their lowly birth. There is no telling what that generation could do!

About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

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