Home education seems to be shrouded in myth and legend, so let's separate fact from fiction and debunk the most common ones that come up all the time.

Myth #1: Home Educated children lack socialisation.

Okay, let's set the record straight right away. One of the most common myths is that home educated children are isolated and lack social interaction. This, like so much, is an over-generalisation. Of course I cannot say that no home-schooled or home educated child is isolated or lacking socialisation but much in the same way that there are thousands of school children who feel lonely, friendless or struggle with socialising.

Home educated children socialise with their families, neighbours, friends at the park, the lady in the shop, the waitress in the restaurant, the clerk at the library - there are home education co-ops, sports teams, clubs, meet-ups, playdates and community activities. Plus, they often have a diverse range of friends from baby to adult, not just kids their own age which means their social skills become well-rounded.

Myth #2: Parents aren't qualified or capable of teaching their kids.

Some people think that only certified teachers can home educate effectively. This is a myth caused simply because of the hierarchy of authority we place in society - teachers are considered superior to the average adult, smarter - our inner child automatically looks up to them. But guess what? You don't need a teaching degree to be a great home educating parent! With the wealth of resources available, from textbooks to online courses and local support groups, you can provide a solid education for your kids - if necessary re-learning alongside them to help them meet the same curriculum you once learned - you did it once, you can do it again (and if it wasn't such a riot last time, remember this time you get to make it fun, engaging and relevant - no detention if you fidget!). Plus, you know your child better than anyone else, which is ALWAYS a huge advantage.

Myth #3: Home Educating is for religious extremists.

Sure, some families choose home-schooling for religious reasons, to offer a more cultural or spiritual upbringing. As a country built on freedom of choice, freedom of religious belief, etc, the blanket approach to religion within education is not always helpful - in some schools its over-arching and ankle deep and in some church schools they still focus heavily on Christianity which may be in direct contravention to your families beliefs.  However, it will never be the only motivation and it isn't necessarily religion that encourages people to home educate. People decide to homeschool for various reasons, such as tailoring education to a child's unique learning style, escaping bullying, or pursuing a more flexible schedule.

Home educating helps to re-cement the family unit, highlighting core values. This is a good thing, we we all need more connection in an ever isolating world.

Myth #4: Home Educators miss out on resources or activities.

This one is literal myth. Many home educated children are actively involved in extracurricular activities, just like their traditionally schooled peers. They participate in sports, arts, music, and community programs. Plus, they often have more time to pursue their passions and hobbies because they can structure their days differently. There are also a wealth of resources online, at libraries, offered by museums and charities - there are places they will get to experience any and all equipment school's provide and let's face it - most school budgets are meaning children are getting less and less access to resources these days as it is.

Myth #5: Home Educating is less rigorous.

This is an interesting one - as out of one person's mouth I was once accused of being both a 'pushy parent' (meaning I was going to make them do hours of maths a day and be at uni by age 12...) and 'failing them' meaning they wouldn't get any education at all....🤔. Home education can be as rigorous and academically challenging as your child's abilities and goals require. Being able to prioritise their interests, inspire them with topics you think they'll enjoy or follow the thread of a subject from start to finish, building relevance and interconnectedness - you get to tailor the 'curriculum' or learning to your child's abilities and goals, ensuring they get a top-notch education.

Sure, depending on your style, home education may well be less rigorous - but without academic pressures of grades, testing, comparing ones self to their peers, segregating subjects or putting deadlines on learning - you actually create more curiosity, life long learning and without a fear of failing an exam, there is no reason not to try and learn more - if it will benefit and interest you. 

If a home educated child decides they want to go to college, university or some other qualification - they can prioritise getting the exams covered that make sense to that goal with 1:1 support. 

Myth #6: Home Educated children aren't prepared for the real world.

This one is a biggie! People sometimes worry that home educated children won't be ready for the "real world" because they haven't experienced traditional school. But guess what? Home educators are raised in the 'real world'. They tend to be independent, resourceful, and excellent critical thinkers having socialised and learnt how to negotiate real world situations often. What people often mean by this is actually quite sad, in school we are taught to assimilate - to 'fit in' and look, behave, act a certain way. Spending a life-time trying to continue that 'fitting in' in the real world leads to huge amounts of confusion and unhappiness as it just doesn't work as an adult. 

These myths don't hold anything when you look at the facts! Home educating is a valid and thriving educational option that works so well for many families. If it aligns with your families goals and values then don't let these myths hold you back from giving your child the right education for them. You can prioritise overcoming whatever challenges get in your way.

If you want a more in depth look into busting the myths and misconceptions about home education, a good book to read is Jacqueline Wilson's, It's Homeschooling, Not Solitary Confinement: Busting the Myths, Misconceptions and Misinformation About Homeschooling.

Another incredible source would be Hannah's blog 'Outschool' about shutting down the myths of home education as she is a home educating mum of three girls!

If you want to learn more about me, Kelly Rigg, Home Education Mentor & Coach and how I can help you build the conviction to overcome questions like these, sign up for 'Defensive to Determined' my 5 day e-mail series designed to help you tackle these very conversations with grace!