Debra Bell

About the author: Debra Bell is founder of the online Home School Resource Center and the Young Writer's Institute. She teaches English at the Creative Home Educators Support Services and is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, from which the following viewpoint was taken.

Home schooling as a way of life demands a lot of preparation and instruction time. While parents' expectations may be high, they should keep in mind that every home-school environment will have strengths and weaknesses and that home schooling will not cure family problems. Although every child benefits from one-onone instruction, a parent's educational background may be a limitation while home schooling. Also, a child may lack the motivation that is often generated by competition in a public setting. Exclusion from scholastic sports can also decrease opportunities for healthy competition...