There are so many more, but here are the main ones:
Flexibility – You can do school when it suits you. Work around extra murals or days when you feel a little under the weather. No lagging behind or having to catch up from a friend. No putting your hand up when you need the loo (please may I insert an LOL here, but don't tell my teenager!)
Social Skills – Your children now get to comfortable socialize in the real world with people of all ages.
You know your children better than anyone else – Their strengths and weaknesses. You see what comes easily and are able to encourage what career paths are available. At the same time you see them struggle in other areas and know what needs a little more work and practice.
4. Positive Heartfelt Encouragement – When a project or task is well done, it means the world of good to get a positive reaction. When receiving genuine praise, a child even an adult thrives. In a world of indifference, they would not receive this in a class of 30-50 kids.
Freedom to teach beliefs – This to our family has been incredibly valuable and beneficial. Many a day has presented nuggets of gold, information passed on, starting with a question "Mom? I've always wanted to know ..." I feel I can burst with joy have such an incredible privilege teaching my children about our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Home environment presents every day lessons – The dishwasher broke down, the technician is called, comparing costs. This is just a few things that school could never teach, everyday problems and solutions. This brings confidence in life, how to deal with everyday situations. As I have mentioned before, my husband started his business from home, the girls learnt valuable lessons about customer relations and growing a business. I too run a small business from home, my girls see the process of wholesale and have become so accustomed to it that they know which client I am talking to just by the way I speak.
Learning Side by Side – I have said on many occasions that I am filling in the gaps of my own school career by homeschooling. Every now and then I catch myself having "light bulb moments". "Ah, I finally get it!" and this sometimes happens the third time round! Let me use this to encourage you when you teach your children, especially on the days that you feel that you are the only one that has actually learnt anything. Every person has their moment of "snapping" it, it just takes some longer than others. How wonderful to have this great opportunity, even some days to have your children teach you, by humble and enjoy witnessing their growth.
Homeschooling is Healthy – We eat all three meals of the day together. Healthy meals, no tuck shop bought meals and no temptation to buy chips, chocolates and sweets. Everyday my daughters used to come home from school with bags full of rubbish snacks as it was someone else's birthday that day.
Sibling Rivalry – My girls would fight the second they got into the car after school, getting out all the morning's bottled up frustrations. I would have to act as referee all the way home. What a great way to start the afternoon! NO MORE! I can't remember when last this has happened, they are now inseparable. In fact, if my oldest daughter feels ill, her sister, because she is artistic, makes her a card that she knows will make her smile. Tables turned, my oldest daughter has made her sister breakfast and picked a little flower from the garden to go with it. What a huge difference! There is a genuine love and care that is now evident.
Sports – Yes, you can do sport when homeschooling. There are many sports clubs that offer lessons. This will provide an even higher quality of coaching for your child. Some schools are also opening their grounds and teams for homeschoolers to join in the afternoons. Ask around there are opportunities waiting. We are privileged to be in an area where there are opportunities for homeschoolers to join activities like choir, drama, softball, science class, art and mechanical workshops, just to name a few.
Learning becomes real – Learning becomes so much more than just book knowledge. When learning about a topic, questions are asked and learning takes on a different form. As mothers, we are great for passing on information and do it naturally, okay, I must admit sometimes I can get a little carried away at times and need to pull the reigns in! The point I am trying to make is that we can take the time for more research, discussions naturally come about and videos watched. The world becomes your classroom and is a wondrous exciting place to be. Don't just stick to words on a page.
Relationships Change – As a person, but also as a mother to my children, I have changed. I have learnt to be more patient and this has brought a tremendous amount of peace and calm in our household. I have learnt the gift of humility and have had to admit that I don't know everything. Being able to say sorry when I was wrong and being genuine about it. Pride does not hold you more important in you children's eyes, it only shows weakness and lack of character. Don't hold them to behavior that you yourself don't uphold. Be human, love each other, forgive easily and see the change in yourself and your children's behavior.
I hope this has been somewhat of an encouragement to you and helped shed light in some way, whether it be for yourself or for someone you know.
Our homeschool network in South African is growing rapidly in South Africa, get out there, find us, we are all there ready to support in any way!
