by Michele Connell

Created on: March 01, 2009

Homeschooling. It is a term frowned upon by many, and given great accolades by others. The differences of opinions on this one subject alone can cause great discussions ranging from the benefits, as well as the harm, associated with homeschooling. Many believe that children who are homeschooled won't develop proper social skills, will be under equipped to deal with the "real" world, and will be lacking in areas that public school children thrive in.

I completely disagree with this theory. My oldest child is in third grade. I have been homeschooling since she was in pre-K. This year I began teaching my five year old as well. Both of my children have excellent social skills. The truth is, not all skills are developed through public school attendance. Life isn't all about school environment.

I grew up in a rural community and graduated from public school. I enjoyed the years I spent there, but it wasn't where I thrived; where I grew. Most everything that I acquired to help me grow into the adult I am today was from time away from school and after graduation. The world puts such great importance on the art of schooling, and yet year after year we turn out students that are no more equipped to handle daily life than when they first entered the system. So, with this in mind, one must wonder why there is so much angst against homeschooling. Why has this become such a hot debate between Christians and even the secular world?

Children are being placed in large schools with overcrowded classrooms and overworked teachers. These are the students who are looked over, passed by, an invisible entity at the back of the room. Do teachers care if these students are slacking? Not giving a hundred percent? Some may care, but chances are they know very little about your child's true potential, or are too swamped to do anything about it. Many will say, "This is the parents job when the child comes home." I totally agree, but at the same time it is beneficial for our educators to prompt and encourage, and much of this has fallen by the way side. This is where homeschooling has one of the greatest benefits. It allows for complete one-on-one time with the student.

I still praise my children for their excellent grades in after-school hours. They've worked hard for those achievements and need to feel appreciated by mom and dad. This is part of the growing and thriving process. However, I spend a great deal of time working, encouraging, prompting, and digging for greater potential as their

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