by Kristi Walker

Created on: May 20, 2008   Last Updated: June 28, 2008

The increasingly popular option to homeschool has opened the door for many parents to have more than the standard public or private school decisions to make, when their child begins their formal education. However, there are many factors to consider when making the choice to homeschool or not.

For some, it's about providing their child with the ability to learn at their own pace and not one that is set by the government. For others, the decision to homeschool is laid solely at the feet of their religion. Still others want a broader and more relaxed opportunity to "unschool". While these are not the only reasons for homeschooling, they're some of the more popular ones. The biggest decision to make, is whether homeschooling is best for the child or children and the parents involved.

As a homeschooling Mom, I feel their pain beacause it is a tough decision to make. Laying your children's education in your own lap is a big step and one that I would not recommend for everyone. It takes dedication, organization, determination and self-motivation. Let's face it, that's not a good description of everyone. And that's perfectly OK. But you need to have most of those qualitites if you are going to home school your own child/children.

First, you have to look at every angle. Can you afford this financially? If you simply cannot make ends meet with only one income, then you need to plan to homeschool in the future. Even if you are better qualified than the public or private school options, without a balanced income, your homeschool experience will not be pleasant. Not to mention that homeschooling typically isn't cheap. There are no money fairies that purchase curriculum's, lab materials, microscopes, and all extra curricular activities will be paid solely out of pocket. Money is relevant.

Second, are you qualified? Being qualified to homeschool your child is something that every parent who is considering homeschooling should think out carefully. This does not reflect on the parenting skills of a parent, merely the ability to take a child's education into their own hands. That Kindergartner will one day become a teenager and need Chemistry, Physics, Geometry and Algebra. This is, of course, assuming that they want to attend any College or University. If a parent barely obtained a GED, I would question their ability to provide a solid, comprehensive educational experience for their child/children.

Next, the question of good old fashioned patience must be dealt with. Being with

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