As technology advances and new education options develop, homeschooling is becoming more popular in today’s society. However, many parents have concerns about homeschooling and how it can affect their child’s educational development. While homeschooling can be a great alternative to traditional school settings for some children, it can also have negative effects on others. Here, parents can learn about the negatives of homeschooling.
The Negatives of Homeschooling
Parents choose to homeschool their children for many different reasons. Some students may be active in extracurricular activities that require a flexible education schedule. Others may be facing problems like bullying, learning disorders, or other issues that prevent them from learning in traditional classroom settings. However, homeschooling may have negative effects on your child, as well. Here are the most common issues parents face when homeschooling their children.
Social Interaction
While some homeschooling programs offer social interaction in virtual settings, children benefit more from in-person social interactions overall. In traditional classroom settings, children are able to:
- Work in groups or with partners on class assignments or projects
- Receive social breaks like lunch and recess
- Participate in classroom discussions during lecture periods
- Receive immediate feedback from their teachers and other school staff
Physical Activity
According to the CDC, school-age children need about an hour of vigorous physical activity per day. As virtual homeschooling programs require children to complete their educational obligations online, it is common for children to be lacking in their physical activity needs. In a traditional school setting, children are generally involved in a physical education class and have opportunities to involve themselves in school sports.
Financial Obligations
While there are some public homeschooling options that are tuition-free, some homeschooling programs can be costly. Typically, you will be responsible for proving the supplies your child needs. Depending on the program you choose, you will potentially be responsible for proving your child with the necessary technology, internet access, books, and other educational resources. Public schools are tuition-free and also provide assistance to low-income families in need.
Homeschooling requires a significant amount of time from parents, and a high degree of self-motivation from students. Depending on your child’s learning styles, homeschooling may be an excellent alternative to public schools. However if your child has learning disabilities or other educational difficulties, working with education professionals may be better for your child.
How to Avoid the Negatives of Homeschooling
If you decide homeschooling is the best decision for your child’s education, you may be able to find a program that works around your child’s educational and developmental needs. First, make a list of your child’s needs in these areas. Then, research the available homeschooling programs in your area that will meet those needs.
To ensure your child receives an adequate amount of physical activity, involve your child in sports or other physical activities. Social interaction can be achievable through extracurricular activities such as clubs, volunteering opportunities, sports teams, and hobbies.
There are many excellent qualities in homeschooling programs, however parents need to educate themselves on how this alternative may affect their child. While there are negatives of homeschooling, it is possible there is a perfect alternative educational program that will fit your family’s needs.
