Imagine a childhood without school buses, lunch lines, or surprise pop quizzes. Instead, picture math lessons unfolding at the kitchen table, science experiments bubbling away in the backyard, and your teacher being someone you know best—your mom or dad. Sounds fun? For homeschooled kids, this isn’t a daydream—it’s everyday life.

While most children spend their days in school buildings, millions around the world are being educated right at home. For many families, homeschooling isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a deliberate choice based on a big question: What’s the best way for my child to grow—intellectually, emotionally, and socially? It’s a question researchers and parents alike are exploring. And the answer may surprise you.

School Without the Bell

Homeschooling, in simple terms, is when a parent or caregiver takes the lead in a child’s education, using a structured curriculum to teach reading, math, science, social studies, and more—from the comfort of home [1]. In contrast, traditional schools rely on professional teachers and standardized schedules. They often emphasize fundamental educational principles and demand academic competence. They typically adhere to this educational method [2].

However, Children of all ages experience significant growth and development throughout all four developmental domains [3]. These are physical, mental, social, emotional, and also their language and communication abilities [4] . The process by which youngsters begin to comprehend who they are, what they are feeling, and what to anticipate when interacting with others is known as social and emotional development [5].

Homeschooling allows for more flexibility and personal attention, but that’s not the only difference. Studies show that homeschooled children are often more actively engaged in learning, especially when parents tailor lessons to match their child’s interests and pace. For example, one study found that homeschooled students with learning disabilities participated in academic tasks 2.5 times more often than their peers in public schools—and they performed better in math and just as well in reading and writing [6]. Not bad for a classroom with no desks, eh?

But What About Friends?

One of the most common concerns about homeschooling is that kids might miss out on social life. After all, school isn’t just for learning facts—it’s where children make friends, resolve conflicts, and practice teamwork. That’s a valid point. Jean Piaget, a pioneer in developmental psychology, believed that kids learn a lot from interacting with others. When children play, share, and collaborate, their brains light up with new connections [7]. So, doesn’t homeschooling isolate them? Not necessarily.

Research shows that homeschooled kids can have stronger social skills if their parents make social development a priority. This means signing them up for sports teams, arranging playdates, or joining community groups. When these opportunities are present, homeschooled children often show greater self-worth, moral values, and less tendency toward aggression or bullying [8]. And yes, they make friends—just outside the classroom.

Beyond the Basics

Homeschooling doesn’t just affect how kids learn—it shapes who they become. In African American communities, for example, some parents choose homeschooling to teach children about their cultural identity and counteract narratives of European superiority. One study found that this approach nurtures children’s spiritual, creative, emotional, and intellectual growth all at once [8].

Another study even explored whether homeschooling leads to political intolerance—a fear some people have when kids aren’t exposed to a diversity of views. The results? Homeschooled students were actually more tolerant of opposing political beliefs compared to those from private schools [9]. So much for the myth of the ‘sheltered homeschooler!’

Not One-Size-Fits-All

Of course, homeschooling isn’t perfect—or easy. For one, it requires a huge commitment. Parents have to play multiple roles: teacher, motivator, curriculum planner, and sometimes even lab partner. Not every family has the time, energy, or resources to take this on.

And while online tools and co-ops help, there’s still a learning curve. Parents need to understand how kids learn, not just what they learn. That means knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to turn a math lesson into a baking session.

There’s also the risk of limited peer interaction. Not every homeschooled child will have access to diverse social circles, which could make transitioning into workplaces or universities more challenging later on. That’s why experts emphasize the importance of building real-world social experiences into a homeschooler’s week. In short: Homeschooling works best when it’s intentional, flexible, and supported.

So, Is Homeschooling Good for Kids?

Yes—when done right. Studies repeatedly show that children who are homeschooled:

• Are more engaged in learning.
• Develop strong social values.
• Perform just as well—or better—academically.
• Experience well-rounded growth, especially when parents are proactive.

But here’s the catch: homeschooling isn’t a magic bullet. It’s not about choosing home over school. It’s about choosing the right approach for your child, with all their quirks, strengths, and needs. And whether in a classroom or a living room, the goal is the same: helping children become thoughtful, kind, and capable humans.

A Final Thought

At the end of the day, homeschooling isn’t just about lessons—it’s about lifestyle. It requires a kind of learning that doesn’t end when the “school day” does. So maybe the real lesson here is this: the best education happens when learning feels like living—whether in a classroom or at home, curled up in their cozy pajamas.

Enjoyed the read? Go on and buy me a chamomile 😋

References

1. Green-Hennessy, S. (2014). Homeschooled adolescents in the United States. Journal of Adolescence, 37(4), 441–449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2014.03.007

2. Mazama, A. (2015). African American homeschooling practices: Empirical evidence. Theory and Research in Education, 14(1), 26–44. https://doi.org/10.1177/1477878515615734

3. Denham, S. A., et al. (2009). Assessing social-emotional development in children. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 63(Suppl 1), i37–i52. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2007.070797

4. Alwaely, S. A., Yousif, N. B. A., & Mikhaylov, A. (2020). Emotional development in preschoolers and socialization. Early Child Development and Care, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2020.1717480

5. Feldman, R., & Eidelman, A. I. (2009). Biological and environmental conditions shape development. Developmental Science, 12(1), 194–200. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7687.2008.00761.x

6. Duvall, S. F., et al. (1997). Home School Instructional Environments and Their Effects on Students with Learning Disabilities. Education and Treatment of Children, 20(2), 150–172. https://www.jstor.org/stable/42899486

7. Piaget, J. (1952). The Origins of Intelligence in Children. International Universities Press. https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.458564

8. Ray, B. D. (2013). Homeschooling Associated with Beneficial Learner and Societal Outcomes. Peabody Journal of Education, 88(3), 324–341. https://doi.org/10.1080/0161956X.2013.798508

9. Cheng, A. (2014). Does Homeschooling or Private Schooling Promote Political Intolerance? Journal of School Choice, 8(1), 49–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/15582159.2014.875411