Does anybody know your child better than you? No, right? That’s what makes you uniquely qualified to teach your child!
That’s right! Parents need no additional qualifications to homeschool a child in the US. With the rare exception of parents who test their own children and require a degree or certification (not required for all tests, only some) or states where parents tutoring children must be “properly qualified”, homeschooling moms and dads do not need to be specially trained to homeschool their own children.
Qualification myths are sometimes proliferated by those who know little about homeschooling and opponents who believe that individuals with teacher credentials produce better students. Well-meaning friends and family may also wonder about a parent’s ability to teach, but usually only because the traditional classroom/teacher model is all they know.
Rest assured that the evidence is overwhelming — homeschooled kids tend to excel no matter how qualified (or not) their parents. In fact, research shows that teacher training has nothing to do with homeschool grades. Besides, the number of successful homeschoolers today are proof enough that ordinary people are well able to nurture a love for learning, allow children to develop their own unique talents and encourage youngsters to pursue their passions.
Since the only folks who have both a stake and a heart for their children are the parents, ultimately — “qualified” or not – parents make the best teachers.
i am a grandmother to a granson this would be his first year in kindergarden my doghter in law wants to home schoolhim i dontn want to becuse all of our familey have been to regular school. i wouldn like some advise .from a grand parent . he has not started school yet. but i am consernd about his education being the only child my son has. i dont know if i would be doing the right thing consernd grand parent
Cindy,
Did you know that some grandparents are now homeschooling grandchildren these days? It is a rather common trend we’re seeing. Perhaps communicating with some of these people, thru support systems and local grandparent groups (“Parenting Again” and such) may help to alleviate your concerns — from the perspective of grandparents who know about it first-hand. Also please check out the research as there are many, many statistics and success stories about homeschoolers. It is a growing trend at some 5-12% each year, with several millions doing it across the country AND homeschoolers out-score the nation’s publicly schooled children hands-down on standardized tests, etc. I have loads of info about families who choose homeschooling in my book, and links to many of these organization as well. Also read thru the SUPPORT pages on this site.
Best wishes and thanks for your comment!