Many students are mixed about the idea of homeschooling their children or using online learning. Many students have negative experiences with traditional brick and mortar schooling but are excited to transition. Some children love their school but are less hesitant to go homeschool if their parents decide it is the right time.
While parents have the final say in deciding what is best for their family, most parents want their children to feel heard and valued when they voice their concerns. These are five reasons children might be hesitant about switching to online or homeschooling. Here’s what you can do to help them feel more confident and to tell them why it is the best choice.
They will miss their friends
It is a great place for students to make new friends and build relationships. It is not difficult to see how they will feel about losing some of their friendships. There should not be any reason to stop building those relationships outside of school, even if your family moves. You will also make new friends when you meet other homeschool families and when you start the school year together with your online classmates.
Homeschooling has the advantage of giving parents more control over their children’s friends and who they interact with daily. You can bring the school into your home to help you screen for children who are bullying you or just plain bad.
They will be absent from all school activities
Special events and assemblies will be held at your child’s school during the school year. These events are a great way to bring joy to your child’s school. However, online learning and homeschooling do not exclude them from participating in similar activities. Online classrooms and homeschooling groups often include field trips, which can be fun and more frequent because of the flexible learning environment.
Parents will also enjoy greater control over the activities and what they are taught. You can customize the exercises to suit your child’s interests.
They won’t listen to you
Let’s face the facts: As kids age, they lose interest in their parents. Some children find the idea of having their parents as their teachers a negative one. Your children may look forward to their teacher’s presence. There are many great teachers out there. Many parents fear the responsibility of being their child’s sole educator. This may cause concern for you both.
Parents are not teachers, so your children don’t feel the added pressure. However, as a Learning Coach, you can still be involved with your child’s education — a primary motivator for many parents.
They will miss the social environment
Many children enjoy participating in group projects at school. Many feel that the transition to online or homeschooling will end their social life. Many stereotypes and misconceptions surround this topic, so many children have an inaccurate view of homeschoolers.
Their social life could improve, however. They will spend less time in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting and enjoy being more social. Their social circle is not limited to their school. Depending on their school district, homeschoolers may still be able to participate in many of the social activities offered at school.
They love all the cool clothes and supplies
While it can be stressful for parents, kids can still have a lot of fun shopping for school supplies and outfits. They don’t have to miss out on school fun just because they are at home. You can still get your children excited about new supplies as parents, especially when it is time to personalize and organize their learning spaces.
You can also point out the benefits of a better sleep schedule, eating at more convenient times, and having a less stressful day.