Parenting in the new age is changing. It’s no longer the old school way. Years ago homeschooling was always considered a rich mans thing. Today it is an option that many families across the world opt to choose. Homeschooling in India in rural regions may be a familiar concept because many poor and underdeveloped regions do not have the money to send their kids to schools. In such cases the kids are homeschooled. Today 5 lakh to 2.7 million students are homeschooling in India. Many parents are concerns about school systems, safety in schools to focusing more on personal development of a child many parents are choosing to homeschool their kids than the traditional way. The covid-19 pandemic lead to the significant increase of homeschooling. But why is this shift taking place and how can one integrate homeschooling in their homes.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is an education pathway through which children are taught at home instead of being sent to schools. It includes learning from the internet and to schools bought materials that are easily available in the market. Children are no longer stuck amongst other 100 children but in fact they are personally taught in the comfort of their homes. Parents take the responsibility to make sure their child learns and develops new skills. They prepare engaging activities and curate a curriculum based upon what first the needs of a child.
For example: A child may be lacking the skills for art and craft, so a parent will make sure to curate some fun-and engaging way to make them learn this activity. Be it through clay painting, pottery, or even in real world example taking them to man art workshop, an art and craft gallery teaching them the skills they need to learn to make handmade craft items. Using beads or food products to create a necklace or a bracelet and more!
The Rise of Homeschooling
Homeschooling once unknown to all is now popular in many regions. In countries like the United States, UK, Canada and parts of India, the number of homeschooling has increased over time. In the year 2019 to 2022 the peak time when covid-19 accelerated and schools were shut down. Many parents started teaching their child learn and grow. They sat beside them in their online classes and got a closer look at how their child learned. They were familiarized with what homeschooling would look like and this shift isn’t just a temporary response to a global crisis. For many parents it also gives them a new perspective towards the education field.
What’s Driving the Switch?
1. Dissatisfaction with Traditional Schooling – With new changes constantly taking place in the education curriculum, it’s not only difficult for the teacher but also the child to grasp these changes. It creates a feeling of frustration amongst all. The pressure for the student to adapt to new changes can be difficult especially if the child is a slow learner. Especially in countries like India where the population is large and education institutes are less, the classrooms are overcrowded with 100 students each. This leads to not paying attention to every child’s development personally. The major reason a parent turn to homeschooling their kids is so they learn differently on a one-on-one basis which traditional schools do not offer.
2. Personalized Learning at Home– Homeschooling allows parents to tailor lessons to their child’s pace, interests, and learning style. Some kids thrive with hands-on activities, others love reading and writing, while some need more visual or interactive methods. At home, learning becomes flexible and personalized. This also means families can go deeper into subjects that fascinate their children—whether it’s robotics, art, wildlife, or ancient history.
3. Mental Health and Emotional Safety– Concerns about bullying, peer pressure, and academic stress are pushing some parents to look for alternatives. Homeschooling can create a more nurturing and emotionally safe environment for children who struggle with anxiety, attention issues, or sensory sensitivities. Without the pressure of keeping up with a classroom, many children find they’re able to relax and enjoy learning again.
4. Lifestyle and Family Values– For some families, homeschooling simply fits better with their lifestyle. Traveling frequently, moving for work, or following specific religious or cultural teachings can make traditional schooling difficult. Homeschooling offers the flexibility to maintain consistency regardless of location. It also means more family time, something that many parents value in today’s time.
Benefits and Challenges
There’s no doubt homeschooling comes with clear advantages: one-on-one attention, freedom to explore, and a curriculum that matches the child’s interests. Parents often report stronger family bonds and a more positive attitude toward learning. However, it’s not without challenges. It demands time, effort, and commitment from parents. Legal requirements vary by country or region. And not all families have the resources or support systems to make it work.
One of the main concerns is limited social interaction, as homeschooled children may have fewer chances to make friends or participate in group activities unless parents actively seek alternatives. It also demands a high level of parental commitment, requiring significant time, effort, and planning, which can become overwhelming.
There’s also a risk of curriculum gaps if subjects aren’t thoroughly planned and covered. Financially, it can be a strain, as one parent often needs to stay home and cover costs for educational materials, tutors, or field trips. In some regions, homeschooling lacks formal accreditation, potentially complicating college admissions or job applications. Additionally, the constant parent-child interaction may lead to tensions, especially when balancing the roles of parent and teacher.
Is Homeschooling Right for Everyone?
Not necessarily. While it can be a great fit for some, others may find that traditional schools provide structure, exposure to different viewpoints, and a strong sense of community. But the growing popularity of homeschooling shows one thing clearly: parents are rethinking education and looking for options that truly serve their children’s needs.
The Future of Learning?
Homeschooling may not replace schools, but it’s carving out a permanent space in the educational landscape. Hybrid models, learning pods, and online resources are giving families more choices than ever before.
In a world where customization is the norm whether in music playlists or meal deliveries why not in education too?
