"Homeschooled" or "Homeschooler?"

Homeschooling has gotten a bad rap in the past, but a lot has been changing in recent years. The number of homeschooled children from K to 12 has risen nearly 75% since 1999.  Research estimates that over 2 million children in the United States are now being educated at home.

I have several friends who are quick to clarify, “I was homeschooled. I am not a homeschooler!” What’s the difference, you ask? Well I would say “homeschooled” simply means the parents chose to educate their children at home, but still made sure their children received all the proper socialization. Probably the worst stigma about homeschooling is social ineptitude which often describes a “homeschooler.”

This homeschooled girl explains the difference pretty well. (The first 3 or 4 minutes are the best part.) And if you want further description of a “homeschooler”—or just a good laugh—watch Tim Hawkins.

That pretty much sums up all the stigmas people have about “homeschoolers.” I’m sure there are still a number of “homeschoolers,” but I’m going to focus on “homeschooling” and some of its benefits (in no particular order.)

      

1. Peace of Mind—Especially after the recent school shootings (like Sandy Hook Elementary), parents want to know that their children are safe. Having control over their child’s environment helps to give parents peace of mind. 
2. Freedom of Religion—One of the top reasons parents choose to educate their children at home is because they want to be able either to reinforce matter of faith or shield their children from influences contrary to their set of beliefs.  Teaching at home gives parents more opportunities to instill their own beliefs in their children.
3. Financial—The financial benefit is easy to see when one compares homeschooling to private schooling. You don’t have to pay tuition! But there are a few more ways to save money that perhaps would make homeschooling even cheaper than public school education. For example, you wouldn't have to pay for all the little school fundraisers, school lunches, or projects. Gas expenses would lower because you don’t have to drive to school each day, and you could purchase school supplies on the “off-seasons.” Also on top of all that, a few states offer tax benefits.            
4. Flexibility of Schedules—Children who are educated at home are able to study and work at their own pace, and parents can work the schooling around their own work schedules as well. Families that choose to homeschool can also go on spontaneous outings or vacation during the off seasons—(also another way to save money.) 
5.  Can bring or keep the family closer together—Obviously, a family that chooses to homeschool will be spending a lot of time together. That can be difficult, but many families make it work. In his blog, one father gives some ways that educating at home can bring the family closer together: doing activities or going to events, overcoming challenges and problems, sharing, and depending on each other.