Homeschooling Myth vs. Reality – 6 Common but Ludicrous Myths Debunked

Have you ever heard a ludicrous homeschooling myth and it really got under your skin? Well, I’m about to SHUT DOWN 6 of the most common myths and quiet the skeptics.

The definition of myth – A widely held but false belief or idea. So how does a homeschooling myth begin? This type of myth is born when a group of people (critics) disagree with another group of people (homeschoolers) and start listing the reasons why they (homeschoolers) shouldn’t do what they do (homeschool). Then it becomes part of their worldview passed down from generation to generation and family to family.

While homeschooling is still certainly not considered the “norm” in comparison to traditional public school, I will argue that it is on the rise. More and more parents are deciding to educate their kids themselves and for all sorts of reasons. Homeschooling may be considered odd to some and to others completely ludicrous. So when people don’t understand or agree with something (like homeschooling) they start making up ridiculous reasons why it should be banned and blah blah blah blah. And thus the birth of a homeschooling Myth.

I’m here to finally address 6 of the most common but ludicrous homeschooling myths.

Homeschooling Myths vs. Reality

Homeschooling Myth #1  – Homeschooled Children aren’t Socialized

Oy! If I hear this one again I’m going to scream. How did this even start? And when will it finally be gone? (deep breathes) Okay, I’m calmer now. So let’s debunk this homeschooling myth! Okay, just because we do school at home doesn’t mean we don’t leave the house. There are plenty of places homeschoolers socialize. Like at church, museums, the zoo, the park, the gym, the library, music lessons, sports practices, sporting events, friends houses, co-ops, and the list goes on and on.

A lot of this done while public school kids are sitting in a desk told to hush and not talk to friends. We do enjoy spending time at home in our family environment, but we don’t lock the kids up and make them wear their bubble when they go out to play (although on occasion this would be ideal 😉 JK ) <~Not Kidding

You can’t base this on that one homeschooled kid that your sister’s neighbor’s brother met that was shy. That is called having an ” introverted personality” not “unsocialized”. I love this article my friend Melissa Wrote Please Stop Blaming My Child’s Personality on Homeschooling it’s a must read.

So mama if you have heard this and it’s on your list of reasons not to homeschool then you can go ahead and scratch that one off. Just relax, don’t try to get them in 5 co-op classes, 6 play dates, 8 sports and a library study group just because you are afraid they will be socially awkward. Simply let life happen and your child will be just fine. Actually, homeschooled kids can relate to all different ages and that my dear is amazing. ✔

Homeschooling Myth #2 – You Aren’t Qualified to Teach

Okay, so yes there are a lot of super smart and talented homeschooling moms out there that have a teaching degree, but it’s not a requirement for your children. I didn’t do well in school or even finish college. I am resourceful and leaning on God. With all the thousands of homeschooling resources available, honestly, this should be no concern of yours.

I am learning right along with my kids. Probably more than I ever did when I was in public school myself. These days we have Google or Siri at our disposal. Our questions are answered with a few taps on the keyboard or a quick shout “Hey Siri”.

Our kids have a chance to have an organic education tailored to their own learning style, learn with hands-on, real life experiences or through their interests instead of the basic curriculum that is given at a traditional school. That sounds pretty darn good to me. How about you?

Homeschooling Myth #3 – You Have to Be Full of Patience to Homeschool

The first thing anyone says to me when I say I homeschool is “I don’t have the patience to homeschool so I couldn’t possibly do it”  ha ha hahaha! Sorry, I had to laugh at this one, cause boy is it a ridiculous homeschooling myth. I am not sister super patience over here. I struggle, boy, do I struggle.

I’m not perfect, but my kids and I are growing in patience together because we have to. We’ve had good days and REALLY bad days. This my dear is a myth, homeschooling moms are just moms. We get knocked down and we get up again.

Homeschooling Myth #4 – Your Kids Won’t Get Into College

Now let me start out by saying I don’t have any kids this old yet. So I am not speaking from experience. But I do know a LOT of homeschoolers that are successfully pursuing careers in college. Back in the early days of homeschooling, this may have been true, but times are changing.

Your homeschoolers can now start earning college credits in their homeschool high school years and get accepted to many of colleges. You should always have the end in mind. Know what your homeschooler wants to do beforehand and prepare. This will ease the stress of worrying about this homeschooling myth.

Homeschooling Myth #5 – It’s Only for the Religious Families

Okay, yes there are a lot of homeschoolers that choose to homeschool cause they are led to by God, I am one of them. But the homeschooling community is actually very diverse. People from all walks of life are choosing to give their children a better education without having to pay for private school. With the school systems in constant disarray and all the other drama that surrounds them more and more parents are choosing to take control and educate at home.

Homeschooling Myth #6 – You have to Teach 6-8 Hours a Day

Homeschooling is one-on-one so you do not need an hour for each subject. Our schooling routine goes a little like this, we have our morning time lessons that we do together and then my girls get their independent work done. It only takes us maybe 3-4 hours a day sometimes less. Then all the natural learning that is done, just through play and day to day activities as well. The more natural and fun it is, honestly the more effective it will be.

You can set up a schedule or routine that works for you and your family. You may be tempted at first to follow the 9-3 but fight the urge it just isn’t necessary. I’m not a planner so I struggle with this part.

Homeschool Myths Officially Shut down!

Reality 6 – Myths 0 #Homeschool4theWin

I hope I cleared up some of your worries and concerns. But mostly I hope I’ve destroyed any and all thoughts or doubts you may have had about your ability to raise, train and teach your children as a homeschooling mama. You can do it! My best advice for you is do not listen to the lies or the critics, just relax the first year, enjoy your kids, remember to breathe, make time for you and most importantly pray—like a lot. xoxoxo

Tell us a ludicrous homeschooling myth you’ve heard and we’ll tell you the reality?

This is day 1 of my Homeschooling 101 Blog Series , I’m so glad you are here!

So are you ready for a homeschool crash course? How to start homeschooling, How to balance it all, How to find joy in the day to day schooling, get organized and all those other questions you may be asking! Join me and 25 other amazing bloggers and veteran homeschoolers as we share homeschooling encouragement, tips, tricks and secrets in daily guest posts right here on my blog!

Up next Ana Willis of TheyCallMeBlessed.org will share her best tips to starting homeschooling! Oh and don’t forget to join the exclusive Facebook Group to chat it up with our bloggers, ask questions and just be a part of our amazing and growing community!

Forest Rose

Forest Rose is a God Loving, Blessed Wife, &  Mama to 3 girls. She’s passionate about lifting moms out of the trenches that are discouraged, overwhelmed, or feeling alone or isolated. Her hope is to point them to Christ and equip them to rise up with a newfound hope and joy within, that He alone can provide. Besides blogging, she also loves to create printables!