What Nigerian Parents Need To Know About Homeschooling

Homeschooling is giving your children a proper education at home without sending them off to a typical schooling institution. It allows children to learn about life, people, academics, etc, in a manner that is flexible without the societal pressure of being in a school. 

Whilst the idea of homeschooling is fast gaining popularity even in Nigeria and everyone is eager to try their hands at it, it is important to know that homeschooling isn’t for everyone. A few people might argue that homeschooling is not a big deal or that anyone can wing it and I (do not) agree but before you join that band wagon, I think you should consider these things

Balancing Parent – Teacher Roles

As a parent, you’re the first set of teachers your children get; showing them the ropes on basic things – like walking, talking, self regulation, etc. Most parents enjoy/endure this responsibility until their child comes of schooling age and then we’re more than happy to relinquish that role to their teachers in schools forgetting that it takes joint efforts to get the job done. 

Parents who opt for homeschooling may never get a chance to enjoy this luxury as they have to constantly shuffle between being parents and teachers all day long. Your children might also struggle to navigate the dynamics of both roles but you’ll be fine….eventually or not. 

Learning/Re-learning

Homeschooling places a demand on your ability to learn about things you didn’t know and relearn stuff you think you already know to better understand it and its current application, so you can teach your students (children). It literally stretches you in every capacity. 

While some parents might look forward to this experience, some parents have hung their learning boots and their schooling days are behind them, especially when it comes to academics. 

If you’re in the second category, just know that homeschooling isn’t your thing, except of course you want to outsource the teaching part and that comes at a cost. 

Increased Expenditure

One of the numerous benefits of homeschooling is that it helps you save the money you’d have spent on school fees and other “billings” that come with having your kids in a regular school. 

However, what you save from not having to pay school fees, you’ll eventually spend on other things like trying to procure educational resources/materials, services and extra refreshment, just to mention a few. 

With the soaring prices of things in the market now, it’s hard to give a rough estimate of how much it would cost to homeschool a child in Nigeria. 

Knowing the Score 

Learning the ropes when it comes to homeschooling (getting the right curriculum/resources and structuring it not to resemble a typical school’s curriculum) can be a challenge but it’s not insurmountable. 

You might see a lot of shege, especially in the first year. You might even get frustrated. It comes with the package. You’ll be fine. With time, you’ll find your rhythm.

All you need is a community that supports your homeschooling agenda and enables you to thrive. Remember, it takes a village…..it could be a relative, your partner or a group of parents who homeschool their kids as well. Thankfully, there are loads of helpful resources on the internet. Don’t do it alone.

Extra-curricular/Physical activity

It is important for kids to spend time outdoors, enjoying nature and burning off all that excess energy, especially the younger ones. If possible, it is best to schedule most of their learning activities to happen outside. 

While this is great for the kids, the possible exhaustion parents would have to face to keep up with this on a daily basis is real. Let’s not forget the fact that you still have to carry out a range of other functions/responsibilities for the day. 

In coping with this, you can incorporate other non-academic activities like music, football, swimming, basketball, etc,  in their schedule. It’s okay to outsource these activities. For example, you could get a swim instructor for them. 

You can spend that time doing other things that you need to get to or even get a much needed rest. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. 

Homeschooling is a great idea but it is demanding, It requires proper consideration, research and adequate preparation. Don’t be in a rush to experiment or execute hastily. Take your time and ensure it’s the right thing to do for your kids (each one of them) and for you.

I wish you all the best in your homeschooling endeavors.

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