The Fears We Hear The Most
If you’re worried about homeschooling, we’re here to say, “That’s a sign that you care deeply about your child’s experience – and with that going for you, homeschooling is going to be a wonderful experience for your family.” Here’s a quick list of the concerns we hear most – and the most reassuring answers we’ve got.
What if I homeschool wrong? If you’re primarily concerned with your child and their learning, you can’t homeschool wrong. Parents know their kids best; kids are natural learners; your job is just to make sure they have access, support, and opportunities to keep growing and learning. There are a lot of ways to make that happen.
What if I’m breaking DNPE laws? We get it, navigating state laws or Department of Non-Public Education (DNPE) requirements can feel overwhelming; however, in our state, the paperwork is actually very straightforward and offers homeschoolers lots of freedom to make choices and schedules that are best for their families.
How do I pick the best curriculum? With time and with your kids. There is a wide array of curricula available to us, and we agree it can feel like too much! There’s no timeline on this; in fact, many recommend taking a break and “de-schooling” before launching a rigid program or school-like schedule (and we agree). At Dandelion, we have experience with many curricula and routines and are available to make recommendations or share what we know to help you select your curriculum and pacing with your children.
What about socialization? Because it’s highly controlled by adults, we don’t really consider conventional schooling to be authentic socialization anyway. Homeschoolers often experience more meaningful interactions with others in their day-to-day routines, often with multi-age or inter-generational groups through sports, clubs, co-ops, field trips, interest groups, communities, and – of course, this counts too – their very own families.
Do we have to do this alone? No way! Homeschooling in North Carolina is no longer a niche choice; it is a growing movement. In our county, Wake, NC, something like 10% of families with school-age children, 9,700+, chose to homeschool last year. Homeschooling families have increased by 55% since 2015. We have a robust community of homeschoolers and resources right here – and a global community online. We find homeschoolers to be generous with their knowledge, experiences, and support!
How will I do this without a teaching degree? Beautifully. In North Carolina, homeschooling is available to all parents with a high school diploma – and remember, you know your child and their needs best. You just need to be available to learn alongside your child and connect them with the right tools and opportunities.
If you’re exploring homeschooling, we’re here to say, “go for it!” You can opt out of a school that was designed by someone else – for a week, for a day, for a year – do it for your kid, your family, your curiosity, your heart. You’re ready for this – and we’re ready to support you!
