Should You Homeschool Your Preschooler?

Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

It is a daunting moment for every parent and child when it comes time to start preschool. For some, the decision to send your child to school is an easy one. However, these days we have more choices than ever in how our children receive their education.

Homeschooling is one of the options for ensuring your child gets the best education. But is it the right one for your family?

No longer considered a radical alternative, homeschoolers have facilities and support provided that are more extensive than ever before. 

You can choose from a variety of formats for homeschooling. Some choices include you doing the teaching yourself, hiring tutors, or making use of electronic homeschool programs. Each choice can provide plenty of flexibility. In some cases, there is also the option to partially home school your child, allowing them to attend traditional schooling on certain days of the week. 

Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about homeschooling your preschooler:

Do you have the resources and skills you need?

While these days a computer and an internet connection get us very far, having access to the correct teaching materials and programs is essential for your preschooler’s success.

Depending on where you live, you may be required to provide proof of your own education to ensure you meet the qualifications to take on homeschooling responsibilities. Contact HSLDA for more information on each state’s laws.

Do you have the time?

This is an important consideration when it comes to schooling your child at home. If you are planning to teach the majority of the lessons yourself, you need a lot more time compared to if you are utilizing tutors or programs. Either way, you will need to be available during the the time your child is learning.

Of course, homeschooling provides enough flexibility that you don’t have to school during the traditional hours of 8AM- 3PM. Some parents teach their children after work, giving the family ultimate control over their own schedules.

How does your child learn?

Knowing the ways that your child enjoys learning and also their interests will help you to decide what format of schooling may be best suited to them. For social children, they may struggle with the isolation that may come with learning away from same-aged peers.

If you have concerns around your preschooler’s social skills, you can join co-ops and play groups to help get them around other children their age.

However, on the flip side, many children thrive in a home school situation. This may allow them to experience an education that is better tailored to their individual needs.

Can you manage the pressure?

Taking on the responsibility of teaching your child is no easy feat. While the support and resources these days are amazing, it is still a lot of heavy expectation. You want to ensure your child is getting the best possible education.

There are a lot of support groups to help you get started with homeschooling. This will help ease some of the anxiety that may come with homeschooling the first time. Talk to other homeschoolers, especially ones that have done it for several years, or who have children older than yours. Their experience will be invaluable to you.

The best thing to remember with your toddler is that learning needs to be FUN at their age. Teach them to love to learn and you have completed half of the homeschooling journey.

Also remember that each child will learn differently, and your child may not read or write at the same time as their peers. This is perfectly fine as well. They didn’t toilet train, learn to crawl, or learn to walk on a tight schedule either. You love your child, and want the best for them. That’s the BEST thing you can do as their mom.

YOU GOT THIS! Please feel free to contact us if you have questions. We are here to support you, mama!