Should I Homeschool My Child?: Making the Big Decision

If you’ve been wondering “Should I homeschool my child?”, you’re definitely not alone!

Recently, more and more families are choosing to make the big decision to educate their children at home. But while it’s becoming more common to talk about, it probably doesn’t make the decision any less easy.

Homeschooling is a major commitment that changes daily life and isn't just about teaching math or science at the kitchen table. It's about nurturing your child's entire education and development and creating a lifestyle that works for you and your family.

Let’s walk you through what you need to consider to make an informed decision about homeschooling in Ontario.

Should I Homeschool?

“Should I homeschool?” “When should I homeschool my child?” “How should I homeschool my child?” All of these are valid questions in understanding your underlying motivations for exploring homeschooling.

Maybe your child is not happy with the local schools.

Maybe you’re not happy with the local schools.

Some children suffer from learning disabilities and are already using other avenues like ADHD therapy to help them navigate “traditional” learning.

Or, maybe you simply value the flexibility to include more family, cultural, or religious activities as part of their child's education.

Take a moment to reflect on your reasons. The decision shouldn’t come from outside pressure from friends or family members, but something that you know will be best for your family. Only you can decide this for yourself.

Evaluating Needs and Resources

Emotional and Social Needs

Homeschooling isn't just an academic choice; it's a lifestyle change that affects your child's social and emotional development. It's crucial to consider whether your child is ready to learn in a home setting.

Think about how they handle different social situations. Are they the type who might feel lonely without their school friends around? Or do they thrive in smaller, more intimate groups?

If you do believe your child will thrive best in a homeschooling environment, you might want to explore the other after-school activities and resources in your area to help your child stay connected.

Getting involved in community sports, local homeschool groups, or clubs can keep them engaged with peers and help develop crucial social skills.

Evaluating Your Resources

If you’re asking “Should I homeschool my child?” you need to consider if you have what it takes to manage your child's education.

Homeschooling requires certain materials, from textbooks to science kits, and you'll need access to quality educational resources.

Also, think about your home environment. Is there a quiet space where learning can happen without interruptions?

Start by making a list of what you already have and what you might need to obtain. Consider online platforms that offer educational resources or virtual classrooms. These tools can be incredibly helpful in providing a well-rounded educational experience for your child.

You can learn more from homeschooling parents in the Hamilton Homeschooling Association Facebook Group.

Time and Commitment

One of the biggest things to consider when deciding to homeschool is the time it will take.

Some may think that as a parent, you’ll be your child’s primary teacher, but that isn’t always the case! Homeschooling pods and co-ops can offer the option for your child to have multiple teachers and lesson plans so they can learn from someone other than their parent.

If you will be taking on some of the education yourself, know that being a homeschooling parent also requires a lot of patience and energy. There will be days when things don't go as planned, and you'll need to stay strong and keep going.

Determine for yourself what you’re willing to teach and what you’re willing to designate to another parent in your homeschooling circle. Look into OFTP, or Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents, for more details and resources for homeschooling options.

OFTP also has a Homeschooling Support Group where you can ask questions to other parents and get help along the way.

Social Considerations

While homeschooling has many benefits, one challenge is making sure your child still gets plenty of chances to meet and play with other kids.

For many homeschooling co-op programs, there are many integrations of social-based activities and programs that already exist for your child. This helps build your child’s social skills and emotional health.

Your child can also join local sports teams, arts clubs, or other group activities that interest them outside of their homeschooling pods.

Social skills are crucial not just for personal development but also for learning how to work with others and solve problems together. These experiences are vital for a child's growth into a well-rounded adult.

Legal Requirements

Every place has its own rules about homeschooling, so you'll need to find out what they are in your area. This might include specific subjects you have to teach or how many hours of instruction your child needs each year. It's very important to follow these rules to make sure your child's education is recognized by the law.

Here are the requirements in Ontario:

According to the Education Act, every child between 6 – 18 must attend a public school. The exception is in Section 21(2), which states that “A person is excused from attendance at school if,” (a) – “the person is receiving satisfactory instruction at home or elsewhere;”

Keeping good records is also a big part of meeting these legal requirements. You'll need to track your child's progress, keep samples of their work, and sometimes even submit regular reports to local education authorities. Getting organized from the start will help you manage all of these tasks without too much stress.

Understanding these aspects of homeschooling can help you decide if it's the right path for your family.

Lifestyle Considerations For You and Your Family

Homeschooling can bring big changes to your family's daily life. It affects how your family spends time together, how you organize your day, and even your relationships. It's important to think about how these changes will impact everyone in your home.

Will you need to adjust your work hours?

How will it affect your time with your spouse?

How will it affect your time with your other children, if any?

It's also a good idea to think about how homeschooling fits with your family's current lifestyle. Maybe you travel a lot, or maybe one parent often works from home.

In some cases, homeschooling might make it easier to manage your family's schedule. However, it might require big adjustments, like finding time for social activities for your kids or rearranging work schedules.

Long-Term Planning

When you start homeschooling, it's also important to keep the future in mind. Sometimes, families choose to homeschool for a few years before switching back to traditional schools. Or, maybe you plan to homeschool all the way through high school.

Either way, you should be ready for these transitions. This means keeping up with the educational standards that might be required if your child goes back to traditional schooling or applies to college.

Keeping your options open is key. As your child grows and their interests change, their educational needs might change too. Being flexible and ready to adapt your homeschooling approach can help meet these evolving needs without disrupting their learning journey.

Future Educational Pathways

Homeschooling can also affect your child's future educational and career opportunities. It's crucial to keep detailed records of your child's academic achievements. This includes grades, samples of work, and descriptions of projects they've completed.

These records are important for college admissions and scholarship applications. They show colleges what your child has learned and what they are capable of.

Planning for the future also means thinking about the skills your child will need for their career. You can tailor your homeschooling curriculum to include these skills, whether it's coding for a tech career or advanced science courses for a future in medicine.

Should I Homeschool? We’re Here to Be Your Parenting Resource!

If you’re thinking “My child hates school should I homeschool?” It may be time to explore some other options as well.

Our Hamilton therapy office offers valuable resources for families who might find themselves dealing with anger or anxiety while going through the homeschooling journey (or even simply parenting in general!).

Homeschooling and being a parent overall comes with lots of ups and downs, and we want to help you be here for it all.

We also encourage you to connect with local community resources when starting your path to homeschooling in Ontario. Whether it's joining a local homeschooling group, participating in community sports, or attending events at local libraries, these activities can enrich your homeschooling journey and provide your child with valuable social and learning opportunities.

Book a free consultation today and let’s talk through how you can make parenting a positive and rewarding experience for your entire family!