Debunking home ed myths: Aren't you stuck at home all day?

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, as a parent who had already chosen home education, I encountered some puzzling assumptions from parents whose children attended traditional schools. The common misconception? That as a home-educating family, we must be used to spending all day, every day cooped up - sounds like a classroom! 😜

The audacity of this presumption was frustrating. I often found myself wanting to correct it with a wry smile. The truth is, our pre-lockdown days were anything but confined. Far from resembling the 'homeschooling' experience of lockdown, our home ed life is usually brimming with activity and exploration.

Home education isn’t about shutting ourselves away; it’s about opening the door to the world. Our days are alive with nature walks, museum trips, forest school sessions, social meet-ups, and group activities. Our calendar overflows with enriching experiences, offering a level of flexibility and variety that the traditional classroom often can’t match.

The idea that home educators keep their children isolated within four walls couldn’t be further from reality. Home education is about embracing the freedom to learn in diverse and dynamic ways. Ironically, lockdown restrictions forced us into the very scenario we usually avoid—being ‘holed up’ at home. All our usual pursuits were cancelled, and like everyone else, we struggled with the monotony.

In fact, our home ed life is usually so active and vibrant that I often wish we were home more. (The housework would certainly benefit!) Lockdown showed just how misunderstood home education can be, but it also reinforced how much we value the dynamic, hands-on learning lifestyle we’ve chosen.

Also read: Debunking home ed myths: How do your children socialise?