For me personally, I don’t think I could handle the stress of working outside the home and homeschooling, it is hard enough for our family to homeschool three kids (two of them preschoolers), have my husband work two jobs, and I work from home.

But I do agree that every parent is different, and it is important to check with your state laws and abide by them. I also think that the age of the child and curriculum could seriously help determine whether or not you should stay home full time, or part time, or work full time.

I think for our family working outside the home is not an option, but could definitely be for someone else. I don’t know too many home-schoolers that do that, but I have heard of some and I really commend them for taking on so much responsibility and for being able to keep all their hair, lol!

I really do appreciate your comment, thanks!

I know many home schooling families in which both parents work full time. Their children still succeed and even excel while being homeschooled. It is not that hard to work and homeschool. It does require a different type of materials and structure but if it is important to you to homeschool your child you will find a way to succeed at your task irregardless of the obsticles faced.

The only instances in which it may be absolutely necessary to quit a job in order to home school are mental state of parent or child (anxious or easily stressed parents should focus entirely on homeschooling in order to avoid burn out and children with certain conditions such as learning disabilities ADHD ODD etc will benefit more from a more structured and consistent environment that a parent home provides), State law (yes some states actually require you be home during certain hours a majority of the time) and personal preference of the parents (which is only described here as a necessity as if you prefer it you will find it to be a necessity).

State standards are not necessarily th ebest standards to follow as they have been gradually eroded over the last century. Look at an 8th grade graduation exam from the late 1800′s and you will see exactly what I mean. Do you want a so-so education for your child or a stellar education. the choices are all up to you. Is it best for your child to prepare them for college or trade school. THere are so many variables to consider, and the answers will lead you to a customized education just for that child. Even the curriculum you use will differ between children.

And Lastly but certainly not least, homeschooling is an organic process. You can help one child learn to read while assisting another with their reading assignment and changing a diaper all at once. THis may sound unfathamable but thing of all the other things you are able to do at once without batting an eyelash.

Yes, it takes time to adjust to homeschooling if you’re children were in school previously but after you get the swing of things it all settles in. Start by first covering only the essentials (the three r’s) and slowly add in other subjects. Take a different approach, tie history readings and reading together with historical fiction, do your writing assignment on your science lesson. The possiblities are endless if you open your mind and set the creative juices flowing.