The National Center For Education Statistics indicates that approximatly 1.1 million children attended homeschooling in 2005. AT one time homeschooling was considered to be a radical lifestyle statement - something like a declaration of independence for parents. Originally it was the conservative Christian element who advocated homeschooling in the 1980's and it was eventually legalized in every State due to their support. Today though the typical homeschooling scene is not religiously motivated.
Recent studies show that mordern parents are quite fed up of the current public school system citing that much of the learning is superficial and compulsory. They are also concerned about an overall negative educational environment ranging from drugs and abuse to negative peer pressure. Due to this we have a surprising large mix of people who now form the homeschooling world of today. These people cut across all religious, regional and social borders. Their main goal is providing meaningful, productive and realistic learning through a method that strengthens the bond between the various members of the family.
All of these families have one common denominator - a long and enduring commitment to the sanctity of childhood. The children in these families are accorded a primary position. Many parents believe that homeschooling allows a parent to raise their children in a more natural and nurturing environment. The public school system can make one nervous, diffident and sometimes downright mean. Children who are educated at home are protected from these damaging and negative influences.
Home schooling brings the entire family into the task of schooling. Everyone helps out. The parents form a closer bond with their children. Any educational or lifetime experience can usually be turned into an educational experience. Both of the parents know exactly what is being taught to their child. Parents also have greater control on the kind of moral values that the child is exposed to. Even the simple act of watching a movie together can become a learning experience. Trips to the libraries, museums and other external locations can become educational as well as a recreational .
Normally, a homeschooling family is dependent on the income of one earning parent. This means that spending for what might be considered luxury items has to be curtailed and proper planning for all expenditures is needed. This helps to bring the family members together and everybody becomes motivated and involved in the process of saving money.
Having a parent constantly at home to watch over, nurture and care for the children brings with it a lot of love and caring. Both parents chip in and there just is just no room left for boredom. Yes, problems do crop up, and there are a lot of worries and misgivings in your mind, but when you know that your kids can always count on you, and your kids know it too, then homeschooling becomes a richly rewarding experience for all concerned.
