Are you considering home education for your child but want an honest, unvarnished account of what it’s like day-to-day? Or perhaps you’re already in the trenches and need to hear from another parent who gets it—without the sugar coating? Here’s our personal journey through the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Our Home Education Story
Our son started school at age 4 and completed two terms before we decided to take a different path. That summer, we deregistered him, disguising our decision as a “family travel adventure” to soften the blow for family and friends. Deep down, we knew school wasn’t a good fit for our energetic, outdoorsy boy. In those two terms, we saw his confidence and happiness dwindle. Four years on, he’s flourishing as a home-educated child, embracing a world of learning opportunities and collecting countless travel adventures along the way—with no intention of returning to the classroom.
Our daughter followed suit, inspired by her brother’s lifestyle, the friends he made, and the freedom he enjoyed. When it was her turn to start school, she chose home education instead.
What We Love About Home Education
While every family’s journey is unique, here are some of the things we absolutely adore about home education:
- Freedom to Learn: The kids can learn when, where, and how they want. No rigid schedules here!
- Unlimited Holidays: Cheaper trips, quieter attractions, and no stress over term dates.
- Watching Them Thrive: Seeing their progress up close is one of the most rewarding experiences.
- Quiet Crowds: Theme parks, museums, and other attractions are blissfully crowd-free.
- Individualised Learning: We can take things at their pace, diving deep into their passions and interests.
- Real-Life Skills: From cooking and budgeting to DIY and critical thinking, the lessons go far beyond the classroom.
- Socialisation: They interact with people of all ages, building confidence and emotional intelligence.
- Endless Opportunities: Clubs, classes, and online resources make any subject or hobby accessible.
- Being Unique: Without the pressure to conform, they embrace who they truly are.
- Family Time: We get to spend so much more time together, creating memories every day.
Challenges We Face
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Here are some of the trickier parts:
- Unwanted Questions: Strangers asking, “Why aren’t they in school?” can get tiresome.
- The Mess: Projects, experiments, and crafts seem to take over every room in the house!
- No Breaks: Parents don’t get much downtime—it’s an all-in lifestyle.
- Self-Doubt: Even with all the positives, it’s natural to occasionally wonder if you’re doing the right thing.
- Costs: Clubs, resources, and materials can add up. Financial planning is key.
- Work-Life Balance: Many families find one parent working less or adjusting schedules to make it work.
The Ugly
Let’s be real—some days are downright tough:
- Judgment and Assumptions: People can be quick to criticise your choice without understanding it.
- Hard Days: When everyone’s tired or grumpy, it can feel overwhelming.
- Constant Questions About the Future: It’s exhausting fielding “What about secondary school? College? Socialisation?” when you’re just trying to focus on today.
- Lack of Support: Sometimes, loved ones are sceptical or unsupportive—though they often come around when they see the results.
Why We’d Choose Home Education Again
Despite the challenges, the positives outweigh the negatives every time. Yes, it’s messy, imperfect, and occasionally stressful, but so is life. At least with home education, we get to shape our children’s learning journey, celebrate their individuality, and create a lifestyle that works for our family.
If you’re thinking about home education, don’t let fear hold you back. It’s not always easy, but it’s a path filled with joy, growth, and opportunities to make unforgettable memories together.
