From Columbine to Virginia Tech, from gangs to drugs to safety on the streets from pedophiles, the news coming through the television tube and radio stations are enough to make many parents wonder whether it is better to simply keep their children at home and taking on the role of becoming the teachers themselves.  The drive towards keeping their children at home is further fueled by news of homeschooled children winning spelling bees and math contests in the last year.

There are many benefits to homeschooling.  Some of them are:

No one can ever match the focus and patience a parent can give to his/her own child: You as a parent know your child more than anyone else.  You know her strengths and weaknesses.  You know her attitude and aptitude.  Most of all, you know when she is making excuses.  Given that you know your child's ability, you can better assist your child in her scholastic growth better than any teacher who has to deal with 30 or more other kids in the class.

The parent controls what is taught:  News around the US of some controversial subjects being taught in classrooms have disturbed many parents who are left wondering what else they do not know that their children have been exposed to.  To these parents, homeschooling may be the solution.  States provide the guideline relating to what a child needs to know by a certain age.  As long as those guidelines are met, the parents dictate what is taught their children and when.  The parent decides when she thinks her child is old and mature enough for certain subjects.

Scheduling:  Time is more flexible.  Again, there are certain milestones that must be met.  As long as these educational milestones are met, the parent and child has the flexibility of time to do other things including vacations, long weekends, etc.

The consequence of the child's loss or lack of interaction with children of his or her own age: Some in the psychiatric field argue that this loss or lack of interaction with a child's own peer can hinder a child's psychological growth.  Some argue that this diminished psychological growth can have a profound effect when the child becomes an adult and are forced to interact with people outside of the family. However, proponents of homeschooling would argue that it is the parents that give the child moral values that would strengthen the child as she becomes an adult and face the world.

Scheduling:  The perception of an unlimited time is a great temptation to do other things -- shopping, cleaning, laundry and so many other chores and activities.  Many parents remember procrastinating back in college.  While the flexibility can be a plus, it can also be the downfall of any well-intentioned homeschooling. As long as focus is kept, this should not be a problem... right? 

There are pros and cons to homeschooling your child.  As a parent considering homeschooling, you must gauge your ability to be patient and your willingness to spend 24 hours a day with your child. You must also consider your finances and other means to find a living.  However, many children who were homeschooled have never found homeschooling a hindrance to getting into colleges and many have gone onto some of the top universities.  The choice is yours.