by Mattison Brooks

Created on: August 19, 2008   Last Updated: February 17, 2012

Homeschooling has a multitude of benefits,and is, in my opinion, far more beneficial than formal education.

It is very disturbing to me to hear people say that one of the main reasons homeschooling isn't a good idea is the lack of social interaction. Often times, people voice opinions such as these due to lack of knowledge. The truth of the matter is, the majority of home educated children are just as socialized as those who attend public and private schools.

I have been homeschooling my three children for several years. During that time, they have been presented with just as many social opportunities as their peers in the public school system. Homeschooled children have the chance to attend symphonies, regularly scheduled field trips, museums, art classes, play dates, spelling bees, music lessons, and so much more.

They are denied nothing-they even have the opportunity to play every sport imaginable. It just doesn't make sense to believe that homeschooled children are isolated from the world, and will grow up to be socially retarded.

In addition to the social benefits, homeschooling is not without its educational rewards.

Children in a homeschool setting are given one-on-one attention-and time can be devoted to focusing on areas where the child needs more instruction. The child does not have to move on until he has fully grasped whatever he may be learning at the time. Could this be said of public school? I think not.

For a homeschooled child, learning has no limits. Instead of simply reading about insects in a book, he or she can step outside and actually feel the tickle of a ladybug crawling up their finger! Every lesson can become a grand adventure-and lessons such as these are not easily forgotten. Learning ceases to be something the child "has" to do-and becomes something he or she "wants" to do.

I am speaking on this issue from both sides of the fence. I have worked in public schools, and have had an inside look at how things are done. I am also currently enrolled in college to become a teacher. I speak on behalf of homeschooling not because I am against public schools or their teachers, but because I believe wholeheartedly that its benefits are greater than those of a formal education. I have a great deal of respect for teachers, and believe that for the most part, they do an outstanding job with the amount of time they have.
I have been truly blessed to be able to homeschool my children while I am in college. I believe that if a mother and father could give this gift to their children, even if only for a few years, then they certainly should do so.

An additional concern I have with public schools is the growing number of violent incidents occuring today. One can scarcely watch the news without hearing about a school shooting or bomb threat. These tragedies are, sadly, no longer limited to the high schools. More and more, we find that middle school and even elementary students are following suit.

Schools are no longer a safe haven for our youth-and it is only getting worse.
Our job, as parents, is to protect our children, and guide them. I feel that the best way to achieve this is to educate them at home. I have grown closer to my children since we've been homeschooling than I ever dreamed was possible. This has been, by far, the greatest benefit of all.

Learn more about this author, Mattison Brooks.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.