Introduction
Parents are regularly faced with the decision to send their children to public, private, or homeschool. The choice of homeschool for some parents is rooted in the desire for their child to receive the best possible education, but for others, the choice of homeschool boils down to wanting to be closer to their children. Homeschool ways of life can often mean spending more quality time with parents than to students attending in-person classes, and it can also mean being more actively engaged in the development of their children.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential effect of homeschooling on the potential closer connection between parents and their children.
Benefits of Homeschooling
Homeschooling offers some potential advantages to parents who are looking to create a closer connection with their children. As a homeschool parent, you are able to control the educational environment your child is exposed to. You have the freedom to incorporate the values, beliefs, and interests you want your child to learn and be exposed to, creating a more tailored learning experience that may make your child feel more comfortable learning.
This also provides an opportunity for parents to spend more quality time with their children as they teach different subjects. Moreover, homeschooling also offers a more relaxed learning environment at home, which can help parents and children become more comfortable with each other.
There are no intimidating classrooms, no hallways filled with screaming teenagers, and no pressure to fit in. This can make it easier for both parents and children to connect on a deeper level and work on maintaining a healthy relationship.
Homeschooler’s Find Different Opportunities to Socialize
Socialization is one of the major benefits of homeschooling. While in-person classes offer opportunities for children to socialize with peers in the classroom, homeschoolers often find different ways to make friends in their communities. Homeschoolers often take classes at local recreational centers, get involved with homeschool groups, participate in online classes and discussion groups, and communicate organically through technological platforms like Skype and Zoom.
This helps to build social skills such as communication, empathy, problem solving, and team-building, while also providing interaction with people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Homeschooling also allows parents to have an active role in their children’s lives by selecting which activities their children participate in and by monitoring their socialization.
Parents are able to stay up-to-date on their children’s activities, who they are meeting, and what they are learning. This gives parents a greater sense of control and a greater opportunity to have meaningful conversations with their children. As such, parents may find that their relationship with their children is strengthened as they are able to understand their children better and provide guidance when needed.
Structured Homeschooling Routines Allow for More Parent-Child Interaction
Another advantage of homeschooling is that it allows parents to create a structured routine that includes both academics and activities that benefit the mental health of their children. By creating a schedule, parents can ensure that their children are maintaining a good balance between work and play and that there is not too much pressure on them. Since homeschooling allows for greater flexibility, children and parents can mutually decide on activities that both enjoy, allowing for more quality time spent together.
This can help foster communication between the parent and the child, which can ultimately lead to a deeper connection between them. The structured homeschooling schedule can also allow for open conversations between parents and children when they need to be had.
Parents are able to facilitate a more open dialogue with their children on matters than may not have been discussed previously due to a lack of time or a lack of understanding of the child’s feelings. This can help create an appreciation for the parent and child’s differences and open them up to new ideas and conversations.
Homeschooled Kids May Develop their Sense of Independence and Self-Reliance
One of the potentially less discussed benefits of homeschooling is that it encourages children to develop their sense of independence and self-reliance. Without the daily structure given by a teacher and the environment of a structured physical classroom, children can learn to be accountable for their actions, decisions, and success.
As such, homeschooled kids are more likely to take the initiative to seek out answers, ask questions, and participate in the world around them in bigger ways. Moreover, homeschooled kids have the freedom to pursue interests they are passionate about in an environment that is conducive to their growth and development. Since parents are able to incorporate their own individual values into their children’s education, children can discover their interests in a more meaningful way and be engaged in activities that will benefit them in the long run.
This can serve to better improve the relationship between the parent and the child as the child can feel more inspired, connected, and involved in their education.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, homeschooling can be a great way for parents to be closer to their child. Homeschool parents are able to monitor their child’s activities and progression, offer a more relaxed learning environment, and provide structured routines that allow for more meaningful conversations with their children. If utilized correctly, homeschooling can positively shape both the parent-child relationship and the child’s connection to the wider world.
Furthermore, homeschooled children have the opportunity to develop a strong sense of independence and self-reliance through the exploration of their interests and the freedom of their individualized education.