The Homeschooling Debate Continues: Advantages & Disadvantages

By: Ben Campbell | Last updated: Mar 21, 2024

For years, parents and educators have debated whether or not homeschooling children has more positives or negatives. And because recently, more families have chosen to homeschool than ever before, the conversation is once again being discussed around the country and the world.

While there are certainly advantages to homeschooling, below are just a few of the arguments from the other side that show the possible downsides to keeping kids out of classrooms.

Socializing With Peers Is Vital to Early Development

Some say that children who are homeschooled miss out on early socialization with other kids their age, which is essential to their emotional development.

Advertisement
Children holding hands and playing outside in a park

Source: Freepik

And without socializing, children might not learn the communication skills they need to succeed later in life.

Advertisement

Homes Don’t Have the Resources Schools Do

From science labs to art rooms and extensive libraries, schools have far more hands-on resources for children to use than a standard home has.

Advertisement
Children using science equipment in a school laboratory

Source: Freepik

And many attest that children who don’t have access to these supplies receive a limited educational experience.

Teaching Kids at Home Is a Big Undertaking

Being a parent is hard on a good day, but trying to ensure children get the best possible education at home can be extremely challenging for many parents.

Advertisement
Little girl covering her ears while her parents fight behind her

Source: Freepik

Some say the added pressure can cause more fighting between parents who homeschool, which experts know absolutely negatively affects children immediately and in the long run.

Children Don’t Have Anyone to Tell About Issues at Home

Often educators are the first ones to hear about it if there is abuse happening in a child’s home.

Advertisement
Young girl with her head resting on the table holding a handwritten sign that reads, “HELP!”

Source: Freepik

Sadly, kids who don’t attend a traditional school simply don’t have anyone to tell or even anyone to notice if things are not okay at home.

Homeschooled Children Can Miss Out on Important Milestones

Some say that a person’s life is marked by important milestones such as prom, graduation, and eventually events like marriage or anniversaries.

Graduates smiling and throwing their caps into the air in celebration

Source: Freepik

But kids who are schooled at home don’t usually have the opportunity to participate in these big and memorable events, and later in life, they may feel as though they missed out.

Advertisement

It’s Extremely Hard to Prepare a Child for College at Home

Although many homeschooled children go on to attend a standard university, the truth is that without going to school beforehand, they will struggle in that environment, even if they know all the information.

Advertisement

Source: Shutterstock

Even many traditionally schooled kids have a hard time adjusting when they get to college, but without previous socialization or class structure, some say homeschooled children will have the most trouble with the transition.

Advertisement

Missing Out on Team Activities

Studies have shown that team activities such as sports teach children how to work together, communicate, follow instructions, and win and lose gracefully.

Kids hugging in a gymnasium holding a variety of sports equipment

Source: Freepik

And while some parents who homeschool their kids still ensure they play team sports on local teams, many of these children completely miss out on the opportunity to play on a team.

Advertisement

Schools Provide Professional Counselors

Another huge advantage of traditional schools is that they offer professional counselors or even psychologists to all their students.

Advertisement
School counselor sitting with a child who seems upset

Source: Freepik

Children at home don’t receive this service, and while a listening ear is always helpful, for some children, this resource could be absolutely life-changing.

Advertisement

Lack of Structure Could Have Long Term Consequences

When young adults enter the “real world,” they are often overwhelmed by the sheer amount of self-motivation and time management required to work, stay healthy, and keep their home functioning.

Open laptop on a table with a busy schedule on the screen

Source: Freepik

Many argue that because of the lack of structure in a typical homeschooling setup, those kids are even more likely to struggle to stay organized as an adult.

Advertisement

Classrooms Also Have Their Faults

It’s important to note that while there are several arguments against homeschooling, there are also many downsides to a typical classroom.

Advertisement
Kids raising their hands in a classroom while the teacher points to one to answer

Source: Freepik

Children don’t receive as much one-on-one attention, learning is not often personalized to their needs, and many kids fall through the cracks of the system and don’t receive the many benefits of a well-rounded education.

Advertisement

Every Child Is Different

The truth is that every child and family is different, and there is no one right answer for how to best educate the next generation.

Kids holding hands in the air outside in front of a blue sky

Source: Freepik

But it’s important to understand that there are downsides and upsides to both options; only parents who fully grasp both aspects of homeschooling and traditional schooling can choose what’s right for their kids.

Advertisement