by Matthew Lister

Created on: February 05, 2007   Last Updated: May 02, 2007

If you've started reading this article, then you're already curious about home schooling. It is likely you're familiar with its benefits. Yet parents who consider home schooling must consider three critical issues.

First, they must consider the value of social skills a child develops while interacting with peers. These are vital for children to develop fully socialized characters and effective communications skills. Communication from parent to child differs substantially from communication amongst children. Parents-interestingly enough-are not necessarily more effective communicators than children. Children tend to be blunt, while adults use rhetoric or hyperbole. Children tend to pose questions for clarification, while adults tend to draw parallels.

Second, parents must evaluate-with candor-their own ability to teach subjects effectively. For the sake of a child's development, it is worth inviting friends over to evaluate one's ability to convey critical subject material using different teaching techniques. People differ substantially in how they learn, conceive, and communicate ideas. And children, despite malleable minds, may learn differently from their parents.

Third-this is the most important of the three-parents must consider which courses they can teach, and which they can't. Research, whether scientific or anecdotal, suggests that we teach what we think we know. A parent who has a strong understanding of mathematics may-whether or not he or she is aware of it-show less interest in literature, grammar, physical education, or a second language. Children are highly sensitized to a parent's influence, and may pick up on this.

Education reformists, public figures, business leaders, and other education specialists have suggested drastic changes to course content. Their voices are increasingly heard in senate and congressional forums; among other things, some have called for increased education in personal finances, world history, physical education and health, and specialized communications (such as Internet, video, and multi-media design). As a parent, do you have the means to teach all of these to your child?

If not, here are some things you can consider.

There are home-schooling associations throughout the United States and Canada that support parents seeking alternative education models.

Ask for support in areas where you feel you can't provide your child with a complete and thorough subject understanding. Offer your expertise to others.

Seek the services

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