This is a considerable concern for many parents who homeschool their children. Homeschooling provides little to no opportunities for a child to interact with children their own age in a social setting. Siblings are available for social interactions in a larger family, but an only child will have no opportunities to engage socially with their peers.
Many parents are not trained as educators as school teachers are. This can lead to inadequate education because the parents may not understand the material in the lessons or the best way to help their children understand it. Teachers are trained to help children understand and retain the material they learn in class, and are better equipped to answer questions about the lessons.
Children naturally crave more independence as they grow older, and this is difficult to achieve while being homeschooled. Being with their parents all day can foster dependence in children and interfere with their ability to make new friends. This can make leaving home very difficult when children grow older and move out of the family home.
Many parents enjoy the freedom they have each day while their children are at school. This time usually gives parents a chance to run errands, do chores, or have spare time for themselves. This is very difficult to achieve while homeschooling your children.
Graduating high school and going to college can be a very exciting time for teenagers. This transition is much more difficult for children who have never been in a classroom with other students or learned from teachers besides their own parents. Parents who homeschool their children are responsible for preparing their children for college, which can be a very challenging task.
Unfortunately, not everyone will agree with a parent's decision to homeschool their children. You must be prepared to hear negative comments from friends and family members regarding your decision to begin homeschooling. Members of your community, especially those involved with local schools, might share their concerns with you.