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There are a variety of reasons people quit homeschooling – some good, some not so good. These are my top five.
- Fear – This is never a good reason to do or not do something. What fears? Fear of failure, fear that you’re not a good teacher, fear that you’re kids aren’t learning anything, etc.
- Unrealistic Expectations – Really, who doesn’t have some of these? If you think your house is going to be a peaceful, clean, loving home at all hours of every day, you’re not thinking of homeschooling, you’re thinking of a Zoloft commercial.
- Lack of Support
- Changing Circumstances
- Child’s (or Parent’s) Desire
Do you ever feel like throwing in the towel on homeschooling? Which reason hits you the hardest?
Lies Homeschoolers Believe – Todd and Debbie Wilson
Familymanweb.com
Chris says
Great podcast. Needed the encouragement. Shared it with a couple of friends who are discouraged at this point… Trying to figure out if putting one of their children in school would be better for them relationally then trying to struggle through it all at home. I wonder sometimes as well with my teenage son. Don’t want to do permanent damage to our relationship!
Scott says
Chris, That’s so hard. As I said on the podcast, I know some families where it has been the best choice to stop homeschooling for a season or altogether. I would always encourage parents to try to find a way through the hard stuff and keep homeschooling because I personally believe homeschooling is worth it, in the long run. However, the ultimate priority has to be a loving family. If the family is being torn apart, then something has to change. One of the nice things about homeschooling, is also the freedom to take a month or two or three off, if necessary, to work on the relationships or whatever. Thanks for sharing!
Natalie says
Funny, I was looking for your website because I wanted to link to your site in my most recent blog post, and I saw this post. Yesterday, I was seriously contemplating throwing in the towel. In fact, I’m wondering if we should prepare for returning to school in the upcoming year. But, thanks to running across a few of your cartoons, I realize I’m not ready to give up yet. Thank you for all the humor and support you offer homeschool families.
Scott says
That’s awesome, Natalie! Thanks for sharing. Incidentally, those cartoons are all from my friend, Todd Wilson at http://www.familymanweb.com. He allows me to use them. His stuff is so encouraging. Hang in there. Homeschooling is such a roller coaster, but I believe it’s worth it.