Will the Home-Schooled Life Prepare You for the Real World?

It won't take a second to answer the question, as most respondents can't look at the bigger picture. The traditional method of schooling offers a social environment, which children need to make the transition into well-adjusted adults. As a matter of fact, many kids didn't like the idea of changing addresses and schools. (Retired tennis player Ana Ivanović would describe herself as a gypsy since childhood, as the sport requires a lot of traveling. She would retire from active play last year, as she looks forward to her first child and her first permanent home in Chicago.) It doesn't mean that a home-schooled life isn't any better.

If you have been traveling around, then you would notice a young family of three (or four). There's a possibility that they've been on the road for months. Another scenario is the child (or children) of parents working in the foreign service. Imagine the number of countries that diplomats have lived for years. It's an unusual scenario, where their kids are likely to interact with other kids selling souvenir items. Some might volunteer to be a guide to a popular tourist destination. It won't be impossible to imagine that the arts would inspire them, prompting to sketch a landmark (or any place that could make an impact on a young mind). It could be a good substitute for the traditional method of schooling, as there's a high chance that these kids can turn out to be better than their fellow students in schools.

The home-schooled life can prepare you for the real world, but it won't be for everyone.

Take the Test

Are you a prodigy? If the answer is yes, then you should give home-schooling some serious thought. It's not that the school system isn't good enough for you, but there's a high chance that other students would envy you. Bullying won't be far behind. You need support, which a home can provide you. Lego blocks will keep you stimulated while you can look forward to family reunions (and interact with your cousins). Someone from the neighborhood might accept you for who you are.

Spending two hours (or more) on homework. You're struggling with the homework or you love doing your homework. It's not a good thing, even if you take studying seriously (at a young age). You're supposed to do it in a short time, as most students don't have the patience or stamina for doing this kind of thing. Tutoring is another option if you don't want to leave school.

Your love for learning is starting to wane. This is a tough call, as many students won't admit that they're really interested in their studies. You don't have to deny it, as it's seldom that younger students show a genuine enthusiasm on science and math. Going places can be a solution in this particular case. You can start with a museum. You can also plan a trip around the vicinity of your place, with your parents (or sibling). Camping is one of the options, also fishing. And spending your holiday in another country.

You're getting discouraged easily. It won't be too long before you wonder if you're dumb. You might even ask yourself how stupid you can be. It happens to all students, and many are unaware of it. It will be natural to be embarrassed about it, even defensive in the presence of adults. You're in dire need of tutoring, if not talk about home-schooling with your folks. Don't expect any overnight changes, as learning is a gradual process. Recall how you learn to ride the bicycle during your first week.

Your parent(s) don't work more than twenty hours a week. It's lots of time. In fact, your folks can finish the household chores in a few hours or more. Don't be surprised if they tend to be controlling in your studies. (Education is an investment.) If your folks are inclined towards the arts, if not they are artists themselves, then they will wish for you to develop your creative side at an early stage. And it's not a bad idea. (If you don't want to pursue a degree related to arts, then there's a possibility that you'll indulge in arts later in life.) You need guidance, as well as their presence, which will motivate you regardless of your feeling (or state of mind).

You're on the Right Path

Home-schooling has been on the rise in North America during the past decade. The number of home-schooled students will be more than two million next year if the growth continues at a steady rate.

Home-schooled students can focus on their students right away, so it's not a surprise that they get high scores on standardized tests. Some of them will go to schools at some point, where most of them end up on top of their class. It remains unchanged until graduation. It can be a life changer, a huge confidence booster. Expect some students to be at awe, even wanting to be friends with them.

If you have been thinking about it, then you're on the right path. Let your parents help you on this one (and make a decision).