15 Real Reasons Why Parents Decided to Home Educate

Home Education is a choice for everyone, but we all have our different reasons for choosing it. We wanted to share some of the real reasons why parents decided to home educate, instead of sending or keeping their child in school.

1.

We tried out a forest school before my daughter turned compulsory school age. After that I couldn’t bear the thought of her being in a classroom where she’d have all the freedom taken away from her and be forced to sit still and be told what she could do and when.

2.

I was a primary school teacher and I saw how broken the system was and the effect it was having on children. They’re put under too much pressure, and I definitely didn’t want that for my daughter.

3.

My son has a health condition which meant his attendance was bad and he was always behind. I hated seeing him go through so much stress. I’ve seen such a difference in his health and mentality since we started home educating.

4.

My child had really bad separation anxiety when they started school. I started to wonder why I was forcing them to go into an environment which obviously wasn’t right for them. My child is so much happier being home educated and our relationship is even better.

5.

Bullying and a lack of support for our SEN child was why we decided to home educate. They just weren’t receiving the attention they deserved and needed.

6.

The pressures of school and how regimented it is. They seemed to care more about enforcing silly rules than actually providing a decent education. My daughter’s mental health was really suffering, so it was a no-brainer to pull her out.

7.

I knew from the start that I’d be home educating my children. I didn’t want their creativity to be drained from them or for them to be stuck at a desk for nearly six hours a day and forced to follow a curriculum. 

8.

We wanted the freedom to travel and allow our children to experience the world. They learn so much from travelling and everything is at their own pace. 

9.

I didn’t want to miss out on so much time with my daughter. If she’d have gone to school, we would never have created the memories we have together or have such a strong bond. 

10.

My son just didn’t thrive in a structured environment. He hated following the rules and I don’t blame him. He was seen as the troublemaker and we had lots of issues with the school. All he craved was a bit of autonomy, which he now has and is much happier. 

11.

The school system in general, children not being able to have one-on-one attention, high and unrealistic expectations, children being treated all the same and individual needs not being met. 

12.

I don’t want my son to have the same negative experiences that I did at school. The system hasn’t changed at all and I don’t see it changing anytime soon.

13.

I feel that I can provide my daughter with a better education than any school ever could. We’re following her lead and devoting so much more time to her interests. 

14.

I knew my daughter wasn’t ready for school at five years old, so I never enrolled her and we’ve been home educating ever since. She loves it. I just think they force children into a stressful, formal environment way too soon. It’s not right for everyone. 

15.

There’s no value in the educational system. Children aren’t taught any valuable skills or what they need to know to manage adulthood. I wanted my children to learn life skills and follow their own interests. They have so much choice and have had opportunities that they never would have experienced at school.

If you’ve decided to home educate or are already home educating, we’d love to know what made you come to the decision!