Pros and Cons of homeschooling

A few years ago, a dear friend of mine wrote on her blog about the pros and cons of homeschooling for her. I've read it and thought about it, and decided to write my own list of what I think are the pros and cons of homeschooling.

Pro: The kids never have to rush out the door to catch the bus, or get to school before the bell rings.
Con: It is hard to get the kids to be dressed and ready by a certain time when you are not going anywhere except to the schoolroom or living room.

BETHANY IN KINDERGARTEN 

Pro: Being there for all of your own kids' "A-HA!" moments.
Con: Being there for all the moments of frustration, complaining, "I hate school" and other similar remarks. You try not to take it personally when something is difficult for your child.

Pro: Kids can read and study on the couch, a bed, a desk or your own kitchen table.
Con: Your kids are distracted by every little thing at home, including pictures on the tables and fridge, and their toys. It is a battle to get them to stop playing and pay attention.

Pro: Your kids are always with you. You get all of the snuggles, smiles and hugs that you want.
Con: Your kids are always with you, for when you go to the Dr. office, the grocery store, the post office, the library, the gas station. It is nice when they are old enough so that you can leave them at home.

Pro: Getting to read wonderful books with your kids, some classic novels, and historical narratives that you may never have read.
Con: Reading the same book over and over and over to different children at different ages, and not having much time to read on your own.

Pro: Getting to take a day off whenever you like.
Con: Making kids do homeschool on days when the public schools are in session, so you can take off an extra week at Christmas time, or take a vacation when public schools are attended.

SCHOOL AT A FRIENDS' CABIN!

Pro: Being home a lot, so you can be comfortable and relax in your favorite chair, under a blanket...
Con: Being home and needing to fit in chores between teaching a lesson, and your kids being distracted by the doorbell, the phone ringing, workers in the yard or street...

Pro: Reading the Bible with and to your child, any and every day.
Con: Hearing and reading the stories over and over... but that is not bad in any way.

HOMESCHOOL SKI DAY!

Pro: Learning new and old things (you may have learned in school) alongside your children.
Con: Learning and teaching things over and over, like the same how-to-read currciculum... it's like going back to school for another 13+ years (if you have more than one child)!

If you're a homeschooler, what are some things that you would add?

We chose this path of schooling our kids, and we really do enjoy it. There are definitely tough times though. But who said life with children would be easy? God is directing us, day by day...



Deuteronomy 6:7
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Isaiah 48:17
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.