Although home education has become more popular in recent years, many people still hold false assumptions about homeschooling. Here are 5 of the most common homeschooling myths:

1. Homeschoolers suffer from lack of socialization.

Contrary to popular belief, homeschoolers actually leave their homes! Children who are homeschooled interact with others on trips to the grocery store, library, post office, and other outings.

In addition, they often participate in support groups where they go on field trips and take part in activities such as co-ops, science fairs, park days, debate teams and even a homeschool prom.

Because homeschoolers are not exposed to bullying and negative peer pressure, they are often more confident and better socialized than their peers. Here is some additional information on homeschooling and socialization.

2. Homeschooling is only for the religious, affluent, academically gifted, etc.

The homeschool community is made up of a diverse population of families who are large, small, religious, non religious, middle class, poor, white, minority, liberal and conservative. In addition, a growing number of minorities are choosing to educate their children at home.

Homeschooling statistics show that homeschooling reduces disparity in achievement according to race, gender, income and parents level of education. In other words, homeschooling is a valid option for any family. There is no typical homeschooler.

3. Homeschoolers need close government supervision.

Homeschooling laws very from state to state. Research shows that academic performance in states with strict homeschooling laws is no better than performance in states with little to no homeschool requirements.

Further, statistics show that parents can successfully teach their children, regardless of whether or not they have a teaching certificate or even a high school diploma. Homeschoolers are thriving both academically and socially.

Let's let the government focus its energy on improving public schools.

4. Homeschoolers sit at their desks doing schoolwork for 6-8 hours per day.

Very few homeschoolers follow a traditional classroom schedule of saluting the flag, taking attendance and sitting down to work at a desk. Instead of completing worksheets and staring at a chalkboard, students may be found curled up on the couch with a good book, or conducting science experiments outside.

Homeschool schedules provide the flexibility needed to schedule instruction at times that are most beneficial for the family. Early risers may want to complete their work by mid morning. Working parents can teach during the evenings and on weekends.

Because homeschooling is akin to one on one tutoring, lessons can often be completed in a shorter amount of time. In addition, Homeschoolers can take breaks or vacations whenever they please, and even better, their evenings are free from homework!

5. Homeschooling does not prepare children for the real world.

A close comparison of homeschooling vs public schooling reveals that home schools provide better real world preparation than public schools.

Public school is a created environment where children spend the majority of time with those of their same age, race and economic level. They are taught to rely on their teacher for information, and are motivated by artificial rewards and consequences as opposed to a desire to learn and achieve worthwhile goals.

In contrast, homeschoolers spend their time in the real world. Depending on their location, they interact with a multi-ethnic, mult-age community. Homeschool students have more time to observe adults in their day to day interactions, and pursue interests such as starting a business.

Because homeschooling provides superior preparation for college, many universities are now recruiting home school graduates.

For more information about homeschooling, visit www.successful-homeschooling.com!