8 Homeschool Myths That Make Me Smile

8 Homeschool Myths That Make Me Smile ~
Written by Jessica Waldock of The Waldock Way

I’m sure you’ve heard some of the popular homeschool myths. The truth is that homeschooling is never what we think it will be when we begin the journey. 

We learn together as a family about what we are passionate about, what is challenging, and how to help. We can make changes and do what works best for our own unique individual families. Everyone begins homeschooling with a picture in mind.

Homeschooling is messy, beautiful, and different from what we thought it would be when we began.

Maybe gameschooling isn’t something we ever thought we would be doing, but we love it.

Embracing these new learning methods has helped us to protect our most important goal: fostering connection.

8 Homeschool Myths That Make Me Smile

1. Homeschoolers Lack Socialization

Socialization is the biggest myth buzzword there is when it comes to homeschooling. Someone will always bring up socialization and fears about homeschooled kids lacking socialization skills and opportunities. Since we homeschool just one child, we have discovered that we do need to make some effort in the socialization department.

If you already participate in activities outside the home, there’s no need to worry about socialization at all. Some of our favorite ways to get out and socialize include participating in co-ops, library activities, online classes, homeschool days, scouts, and community sports.

2. Parents Aren’t Qualified Teachers

If you’re a homeschool parent, you’ve probably heard the myth that parents aren’t qualified to teach their kids. This myth inspires doubt and fear in parents beginning the homeschooling journey, but I just smile when I hear it now because it’s definitely been debunked. 

Parents are their children’s first teachers. We teach them from the time they are babies until they are school-age. We know them better than any other teacher ever could and we can tailor their homeschool education to align with their interests, needs, and unique learning style.  

3. Only Religious People Homeschool

Have you heard the myth that only religious people homeschool? The truth is that homeschoolers come from many different faith backgrounds. There are also many secular homeschooling families who aren’t religious at all.

4. Only Wealthy People Homeschool

Sometimes families think they can’t homeschool because it costs too much money, but that just isn’t true! Homeschooling on a budget is entirely possible.

Many homeschooling families operate on just one income and make sacrifices in order to homeschool. There are homeschooling families with two working parents and families with single parents that still homeschool. All kinds of families homeschool, not just the wealthy.

5. Large Families Homeschool

Another homeschooling myth is that all homeschool families are large families. I’m homeschooling an only child, so we definitely aren’t a large family. The truth is that homeschooling families come in all shapes and sizes. 

Some families homeschool some of their children while other children attend public or private schools. There’s no reason you can’t homeschool with just one child. If you’re new to homeschooling, get support and tips for homeschooling an only child to help you get started.

6. Homeschoolers Are Always At Home

Sometimes parents choose not to homeschool because they don’t want their kids to be stuck at home all the time.  One of our favorite things about being a homeschool family is the freedom it gives us to travel often. Field trips are the best!

We travel to state parks, museums, and all kinds of amazing places throughout the year. There’s no need to wait for a break from school to grab our suitcases and get on the road. 

7. You Can’t Homeschool High School

Many parents are concerned about creating transcripts, preparing for college, and even worried about their homeschoolers missing out on high school traditions (see the next myth). I want to encourage you because yes, you can homeschool high school.

8. Homeschoolers Miss Out

Finally, there’s a myth that homeschoolers miss out.  Homeschoolers do miss out on some things, but they usually aren’t the things we worry about. Homeschoolers don’t have to miss out on prom, field trips, book fairs, sports, arts, science fairs, or any of those traditional school experiences.

There are lots of opportunities for homeschoolers to experience these activities through local groups and online learning sites. 

Homeschooling Resources For You

I hope that debunking these myths encourage your homeschooling journey! If you’re new to homeschooling or  looking for more inspiration, check out some of my free resources for your homeschool this coming year:

• Guide to Homeschooling Without a Curriculum
• Guide to Using Unit Studies in Your Homeschool
• Guide to Using Games Your Homeschool
• Guide to Using Screens in Your Homeschool

What’s Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie’s quiz now and receive a free personality report to help you organize your homeschool based on what your type needs most!