The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

Before deciding to homeschool, it is important for parents to consider the pros and the cons. I have listed a few here and this list is by no means exhaustive. If you can think of any others, please do add them on!
 
BENEFITS
1. Educational Freedom
Although a curriculum needs to be followed, parents can opt to do activities alongside this and can choose to make the experience hands on as they wish. For example, teaching younger children the names of animals could be accompanied by a trip to the zoo to make the activity much more multi-sensory and exciting!
 
2. Physical Freedom
Many parents who homeschool find that after the initial shock of no longer having to follow the 'school' routine (pick-up, drop-off, homework supervision, holidays etc) that they experience a great sense of freedom. For one, holidays can now be scheduled at their leisure and not be dependant on school calendars.
 
3. Emotional Freedom
IMHO, this would apply especially to those children who are slow learners, have learning disabilities or perhaps who are gifted. Being homeschooled means they can move at their own pace and not be bullied by teachers or riducled by other children.
 
4. Have well-rested children
Some children are not 'morning people' and having to wake up in the early hours of the morning can put a strain on them. Homeschooling takes care of this!
 
DISADVANTAGES
1. Time Restraints
Parents will be spending a LOT of time with their children which requires a great deal of patience and energy. It would also mean a great deal of organisation.
 
2. Financial Restriants
Homeshooling usually means one parent will have to either work from home or not work at all. This could create a financial strain.
 
3. Limited Group Time (sports day, shool activities).
When children are in school they spend time with their friends and have activties such as sports day, etc. The group activties will be much less frequent and this is something to be considered.
 
4. Being unusual and 'out of the box.'
Many parents who homeshool are critiised by those who prefer not to take this route. One parent says...
'My family has developed a bit of a tough exterior over the years, but negative comments and criticisms still filter in occasionally. If you are unable to live "outside of the box," then homeschooling is not for you.'
 
References:
The Benefits and Disadvantages of Homeschooling (Sonlight)
The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling (Isabel Shaw)