Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

Everyone who homeschools their kids knows there are ups and downs to this thing. It’s not all sunshine and roses. To have that, I would need a nanny, a chef, a housekeeper, a bookkeeper, a groundskeeper… Shall I go on? I’ve written about why we homeschool and the benefits to our family. But, I have to say, there are pros and cons of homeschooling. So, I’m here to list them out for you. All of it. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Let’s proceed, shall we-

Related: How to Homeschool: The complete Guide for the Beginner Homeschooler

Related: My Advice for New Homeschoolers

Pros and Cons to Homeschooling

Pros

• Family time
• Sibling connections
• Independence
• Extra leisure/hobby time for the family
• Customize your child’s learning
• Self-paced learning
• You get to learn right along side your kids
• Kids learn responsibility
• Kids learn how to learn
• Kids learn life skills right along with their book learning
• Your littles learn so much just by listening in
• The big kids can teach your littles
• No school bullies
• Positive socialization
• You are the primary influence in your child’s life

Related: 120+ Homeschool Curriculum Reviews

Related: What About Socialization?

Related: 10 Ways to Ditch the Homeschool Stress

Cons

• You’re together all the time
• Sibling squabbling because your together all the time
• Everyone blames you if your kid can’t spell, read, or do a difficult quadratic equation
• Do the kids really have to eat three times a day?
• Clothing is overrated right?
• The house doesn’t clean itself (but this is where the life skills part comes in handy)
• You learn how very little you learned in school and how you wasted all those years goofing off
• The littles want to do school with you and not their crummy older sister
• Ignorant people will ask you how you socialize your kids or prepare them for the real world. This is where you remind them that their siblings can be their harshest critic, biggest bully, or their worst enemy. They can also be their closest friend and confidant. What better way to prepare your kids for life in the “real world” than learning to navigate through the murky waters at home?

Related: Our Favorite Homeschool Curriculums for a Relaxed Homeschool

Related: 10 Mistakes Homeschool Moms Make

Homeschooling isn’t for everyone. I don’t suggest everyone homeschool. But, let me be the first to say, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. The bond that your family shares, because of this, is unlike anything else. Even if no one can take a decent family photo. Ha!

You’re all in it together. You’re a team and you have to work together to get it all done. I love encouraging families when they come to me with their doubts or questions. If you have any, post them in the comments. Have any pros or cons that isn’t on the list? Post them also.