“Homeschooling is incredibly challenging,” “I need a drink to get through homeschooling,” and “the homeschool experience is no joke” are just a few sentiments I’ve encountered since the onset of the pandemic and the shift to remote learning. Parents who once criticized homeschooling are now gaining a deeper appreciation for the dedication and effort that homeschooling families have consistently demonstrated over the years.
For six years, I have intermittently homeschooled my children, starting with my second child, who missed the cutoff for kindergarten due to her birthday. Instead of searching for a transitional kindergarten class—which is often scarce—I chose to homeschool her, equipping her with essential kindergarten skills a year early. Following a disheartening public school experience, I also homeschooled my then third-grader for a period. Currently, I’m guiding my fourth child, who has a birthday that doesn’t quite meet the pre-kindergarten cutoff.
Each decision to homeschool has been met with a blend of skepticism and admiration. Friends would often say, “I could never do that,” revealing their own insecurities. I would humorously clarify that homeschooling didn’t mean my children would become social outcasts, nor would I be donning long skirts and churning butter—unless that was your personal style!
While homeschooling has numerous advantages, I want to acknowledge that the choice to homeschool comes with privileges. It demands significant sacrifices, including time, energy, and finances. I recognize that not everyone has the ability to homeschool, even if they wish to. Various factors influence the decision to homeschool or not.
For my family, homeschooling has proven to be incredibly fulfilling. When one child faced significant challenges in public school, homeschooling allowed us to reconnect. Her confidence transformed from nonexistent to soaring. We enjoyed enriching field trips, such as visiting a local coffee company to learn about bean shipping and roasting, which led to a research project on environmental issues and manufacturing.
Our experience went far beyond academics. My child thrived outside the chaos of an overcrowded classroom. Picture this: jazz music playing softly, sunlight streaming in at our kitchen table, and a pace tailored to our needs. My child rediscovered a love for learning, curiosity, and a sense of security.
Eventually, my children transitioned back into private or public schooling. Then, the pandemic struck, and suddenly, parents found themselves navigating remote learning, whether they were prepared for it or not. Many mistakenly labeled themselves as homeschoolers, although there are similarities between homeschooling and remote learning.
Suddenly, the criticisms of homeschooling evaporated. Those who previously deemed it “weird” were now praising homeschoolers, asking how we manage to do it well.
Being “stuck at home,” dealing with tech issues, trying to stay organized, and juggling multiple kids’ schedules is undeniably exhausting. The pandemic has illuminated the gaps and flaws in our education system—issues that are not the fault of individual teachers. Parents are now acutely aware of these discrepancies as they take on the responsibility of their children’s education.
Homeschooling has evolved from being seen as a choice for unconventional parents to a collective educational journey that many have been thrust into without warning or guidance. In many ways, homeschooling can be simpler than remote learning, as I have the flexibility to customize our learning experience without adhering to someone else’s curriculum. Remote learning involves collaboration between the teacher and the parent, which can complicate matters.
Just as public and private school teachers deserve immense recognition for their hard work during these unprecedented times, homeschooling parents—who have been navigating this path for a while—should also be celebrated. They are not the introverted individuals avoiding the “real world,” but rather a diverse group of hardworking, intuitive, and creative individuals.
Parents involved in remote learning are getting a glimpse into the homeschool lifestyle as they assist their children with education from home through technology. It’s a demanding task. Personally, I’m juggling a child I’m homeschooling, a child in remote learning, and two in-person learners. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the variety of adults striving to ensure that children continue to learn amid the ongoing pandemic.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to educating a child. Every situation is unique, with children having different needs and abilities, and not everyone has the same opportunities. We’re all doing our best, and thankfully, we’re entering a time where homeschooling parents are recognized for who they truly are, rather than through the lens of outdated stereotypes.
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In summary, we need to give homeschooling parents the recognition they deserve, especially in light of the challenges and changes brought on by the pandemic. Their hard work and dedication have always been vital, and now is the time to celebrate their commitment to education.