Ways Homeschooling Prepares Kids For "The Real World"
It’s a common thought that if children are not in a traditional school setting, they won’t be prepared for the “real world”. That there is somehow a deficit by staying home and gaining an education instead of being in a classroom. I’ve always found this thought interesting, because homeschoolers are far from isolated from their communities. In fact, many homeschoolers I know have deep connections to the real world.
As a homeschool mom and former teacher, I’ve seen this play out. When someone finds out we homeschool, they’ll often ask when we’ll send our children to school so they can adjust to things before they leave home. As I reflect on this, I’m realizing all the ways my child is preparing for the real world simply by being home.
Children are able to participate in interest-based learning: As an adult, I read and learn whatever I want, whenever I want, with no regard to much else. If I want to spend a half hour on YouTube trying to figure out how to post a TikTok I can. If I want to start a blog or a small business, I’m able to. If I want to use duolingo to study a new language, it’s my time to spend. As an adult, we’re able to pursue our interests as we wish. Home educated children are given the same respect for her education as well.
Home school children are able to listen to her body. This might be ridiculous, but my child doesn’t have to ask to use the bathroom. When she’s hungry, she gets a snack. If she’s thirsty, she gets her water bottle. When she goes through a growth spurt, she’s able to get the sleep her body needs. There are days when she needs a break and she feels comfortable telling me and we are able to accommodate those needs.
Home school children interact with people of various ages and abilities. My daughter doesn’t spend most of her time with children her own age. She has friends of various ages and with various abilities that she interacts with on a daily basis. The “real world” doesn’t put adults in a room at their job with people the same age or on the same reading level. We interact with a variety of people all the time. Learning the skills to get along and work cooperatively with adults and children is only benefiting my daughter.
Homeschool children have the freedom to establish hobbies that will help as adult. I firmly believe that my daughter’s love of nature will serve her well as an adult. Being outside, mountain biking, hiking, or skiing is where she feels the happiest. When she’s in the “real world” and has a stressful day, I think she will fall back on her connection to nature to help facilitate a healthy work'/life/home balance and mental health.
When people ask how homeschool kids prepare for the real world the answer is simple, they prepare for the real world by living in it. That is probably some of the best real world training out there.
