Online Homeschool Curriculum: Homeschooling Myths - Mountain View Christian Home School

Homeschooling Myths

Whether due to misconceptions, misunderstandings, or another reason, there are a number of myths about homeschooling that continue to be passed around. In fact, some of these myths seem to be the result of things that people say based solely on their opinions rather than on facts. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the most common homeschooling myths and facts to help you make the right decision when it comes to your child’s education.

At Mountain View Christian Home School, we know that you want to have plenty of quality homeschool resources at your disposal. Resources are what help you create engaging lessons that spark your child’s interest and engagement. Contact us today to learn more about our online homeschool program, and request a sample of our curriculum.

Myth: Homeschool Kids Are Stuck At Home All Day.

This myth may exist simply because “home” is a part of the word “homeschooling”. People think that children who are homeschooled spend their entire day at home working from educational materials, watching educational programs, or doing other things that are a part of their curriculum. The belief is that a homeschool education means that everything must be done at home.

Fact: Homeschool Kids Are Incredibly Active.

Homeschool kids spend less time sitting at home than most school kids do. The reason for this is that they are involved in a number of group activities and clubs. Homeschool kids also have the freedom to visit museums, parks, beaches, ski slopes, and other places, as their parents aren’t faced with some of the restrictions and limitations that classroom teachers are. In fact, since these children are typically able to complete their work much earlier in the day due to very few distractions, there is plenty of time for various field trips, clubs, and sports activities.

Myth: Homeschool Kids Lack Socialization.

Perhaps the most widespread myth about homeschooling is that these children will lack the socialization they would get in a traditional school environment. Many people believe that children who are educated at home won’t learn how to properly communicate and interact with their peers, make friends, and might talk only with their parents or other adults. Additionally, some of the socialization that happens in school settings tends toward the negative, including bullying and peer pressure.

Fact: Socialization Happens Everywhere They Interact With Other People.

When you consider what skills you want to help your child develop to be successful in life, positive social interactions are probably at the top. These interactions help them to experience first-hand some of the cultural expectations and manners that will serve them well. One of the great aspects of homeschooling is that lessons, field trips, and activities can take place in a variety of locations. Lessons do not have to take place solely at home, which means that your child will have the opportunity to interact with seniors, shop owners, other children and adults, based on what you plan each day. In fact, many parents who homeschool their children are much more conscious about providing a variety of socialization opportunities for their child.

Myth: Homeschool Kids Don’t Have Friends.

Perhaps this myth is tied in with the misconception that homeschooled children spend their entire day at home. People think that homeschooled kids are locked away in a protective little bubble at home without ever interacting with other children. Since many children find their closest friends at school, it’s easy to assume that they can’t make friends if they are homeschooled.

Fact: Homeschool Kids Have Just As Many Friends As Kids In School.

The fact is, homeschool kids can make as many friends as they want. When you decide to homeschool your child, you will probably look for other families in your area who also homeschool. When you do this, you can benefit from sharing your ideas for lessons, take field trips together, and even help each other out with subjects that you are better at teaching. Through these interactions, your child will begin to make friends with other homeschooled children. Additionally, your child has the opportunity to make friends in the neighborhood, on the sports teams they participate in, and in any other club or activity they are part of.

Myth: Homeschool Teens Miss Out On The High School Experience.

There are a number of things that people think of when they refer to the high school experience. From homecoming and pep rallies to class trips and prom, there are a number of unique experiences and activities associated with attending high school. The myth is that children who are homeschooled will miss out on all of these once-in-a-lifetime activities, since they do not attend a traditional high school.

Fact: Homeschool Teens Experience More Than Most Of Their Peers.

Teens who are homeschooled have all of the same opportunities to play on sports teams, attend classes with other homeschoolers, attend homeschool prom, put on plays, and complete their high school credits in much less time. The majority of a typical school day is not actually spent on education. Rather, time is spent on discipline, giving directions, cleaning up, collecting and distributing papers, making announcements, changing classes, and more. Given that your child can experience all of the fun activities of high school without all of the busywork and wasted time, you can see how they really aren’t missing out.

Myth: Homeschooling Doesn’t Prepare Kids For Life.

Many people believe that children who are homeschooled will not have the skills and knowledge they need to live an independent life. This perception probably stems from the belief that parents who homeschool keep a tight reign over everything their child does and functions like a helicopter. Since the parent takes care of everything the child needs, the child therefore lacks the experiences that will prepare them for the harsh realities of adult life.

Fact: Homeschool Kids Are Often Better Prepared For Life Than Their Peers.

Since homeschool kids are able to finish their daily lessons much more quickly, they have more time to spend with their parents and help out around the house. When it’s time to run errands such as grocery shopping, banking, or putting gas in the car, each of these tasks can be turned into valuable learning experiences for the child. Additionally, as your child grows up, you can help them find a local organization or charity where they can volunteer. Each of these experiences will teach them different skills and lessons that will help them be successful in life.

Myth: Homeschooling Makes Kids Lazy.

This myth has led people to believe that homeschooled kids don’t actually do active learning — they simply sleep, watch television, or play the day away. Many people think that since homeschool kids don’t have to get up and be at school by a certain time, that they can essentially do whatever they feel like doing. Since they’re not learning how to be disciplined, they will grow up into lazy adults who lack self-discipline and the ability to show up at work on time every day.

Fact: Homeschooling Keeps Kids Active.

Not all lessons that homeschool kids work on are done at home. In fact, some are completed through hands-on experience at local kitchens, museums, or theaters. Depending on your child’s interests, they may also have a number of other activities that fill their days, including sports, dance, art, and tech classes. Given how much they can fit into any given day, it’s easy to see that “lazy” is certainly not an accurate description for a homeschooled child.

At Mountain View Christian Home School, we provide the resources and curriculum you need to provide the best education possible for your child. Whether you are a homeschool veteran or are interested in making the change, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our homeschool resources and online curriculum.