So, you’re standing at the crossroads of early childhood education, wondering whether to send your little one to preschool or to embrace the homeschooling path from the get-go. It’s a significant decision, and like any good debate, there are compelling arguments on both sides. Let’s dive into the pros and cons, backed by research and real-life experiences, to help you navigate this pivotal choice.

The Case for Preschool: Structure, Socialization, and School Readiness

Pros:

1. Structured Learning Environment: Preschools offer a structured setting where children engage in activities that promote cognitive and social development. This environment can help children adapt to routines similar to those they’ll encounter in kindergarten and beyond. (NCES)
2. Socialization Opportunities: Interacting with peers helps children develop essential social skills like sharing, cooperation, and conflict resolution. These early interactions can lay the groundwork for healthy relationships throughout life. (Harvard University)
3. Exposure to Diverse Experiences: Preschools often include activities that introduce children to various cultures, ideas, and perspectives, fostering open-mindedness. (PBS Kids)
4. Preparation for Formal Schooling: Research shows that attending preschool can lead to better academic outcomes in later years. For example, a study from MIT found that preschool attendance positively correlates with high school graduation rates and college attendance (MIT News).

Cons:

1. Cost: Quality preschool programs can be expensive. The average cost ranges from $4,000 to $13,000 per year, with specialized programs like Montessori costing up to $18,000 annually. (Care.com)
2. Less Individualized Attention: Teachers in a preschool setting must divide their attention among many students, which can make it harder to address each child’s unique learning style. (Edutopia)
3. Potential for Early Burnout: Introducing structured academics too early may reduce enthusiasm for learning in some children. (Zero to Three)

The Homeschooling Path: Flexibility, Customization, and Family Bonding

Pros:

1. Customized Learning Experience: Homeschooling allows parents to tailor the curriculum to their child’s interests and pace, fostering a love of learning. (HSLDA)
2. Flexible Schedule: Families can structure learning around their lifestyle, incorporating spontaneous learning opportunities and family time. (The Homeschool Mom)
3. Stronger Family Bonds: Spending more time together can strengthen parent-child relationships and provide a secure attachment base. (The Old Schoolhouse)
4. Safe Learning Environment: Homeschooling offers a controlled setting, reducing exposure to negative influences or bullying. (Verywell Family)

Cons:

1. Time and Energy Intensive: Homeschooling requires a significant commitment from parents, which can be challenging, especially if balancing work. (PBS)
2. Limited Social Interaction: Without proactive efforts, homeschooled children may have fewer opportunities to develop social skills. (Parents)
3. Access to Resources: Finding quality materials and activities can take time and effort. (Homeschool.com)

Combining Homeschool and Preschool Enrichment Programs

Blending homeschool with preschool enrichment can feel like a sweet spot for many families. It allows you to have the best of both worlds: the personal, hands-on nature of homeschooling and the structured, social setting of preschool. Plus, your child can build friendships, explore new ideas, and still have that one-on-one learning time with you. (This Little Home of Mine)

Tips for Making It Work:

1. Coordinate Schedules: Look for a preschool that offers part-time or flexible options. Some programs are just a few days a week, making them easier to blend with your homeschool routine. (NP Christian)
2. Integrate Learning Themes: Make learning seamless by connecting the preschool themes with your homeschool lessons. If the preschool is focusing on community helpers, you can plan a field trip to a fire station or invite a local police officer to talk to your child at home.
3. Keep a Routine: Even with the mix, having some consistent elements—like morning songs or storytime—can help your child transition between the two environments.
4. Build Social Skills: Let your child practice sharing and group activities at preschool, then reinforce those skills at home through family games or group playdates.
5. Stay Connected with the Program: Regularly check in with preschool teachers to understand what your child is learning and see how you can build on those ideas at home.

By thoughtfully combining homeschooling with a preschool enrichment program, you can create a comprehensive educational experience that supports your child’s development both academically and socially. Take the time to explore your options, consider your child’s unique needs, and create a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.

Rebuilding Community in a Post-Pandemic, Screen-Obsessed World

The Socialization Myth

You’ve probably heard it before: “What about socialization?” It’s a common worry tossed around when someone mentions homeschooling. Often, people picture homeschooled kids as isolated, missing out on friendships and playground interactions. While it’s understandable to wonder about this, research tells a different story. Studies show homeschooled children frequently thrive in social, emotional, and psychological areas, sometimes even surpassing their peers from traditional schools (NHERI Research). The real challenge isn’t if these kids can socialize—it’s making sure they have plenty of meaningful opportunities, especially after the isolation and digital overload brought on by the pandemic.

What COVID Left Behind: Isolation and Too Much Screen Time

The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just change daily routines; it altered childhood itself. Lockdowns and social distancing pushed kids away from face-to-face interactions and onto screens for education, fun, and everything in between. And it came at a cost.

Experts have found that too much screen time, especially for young kids, can cause issues with language development, attention spans, and social skills (CHOC Health). The American Academy of Pediatrics advises limiting screen time to about one hour per day for young children, highlighting the importance of interactive, offline play (AAP Guidelines).

Additionally, “technoference”—the interruption of parent-child interactions due to parents’ screen use—can negatively affect children’s cognitive and social growth (NYP Research). Screens have become a tricky balancing act: they offer a way to stay connected, but too much can undermine the skills kids need to build meaningful relationships.

Why Homeschooling Can Be Great for Socializing

Despite old-school stereotypes, homeschooling can actually offer fantastic opportunities for socializing. Without the rigid schedules of traditional schooling, homeschooling families have the flexibility to create rich, varied social experiences.

Research indicates that homeschooled kids often interact with a wider variety of people across different age groups and backgrounds, which can build empathy, adaptability, and strong communication skills (ERIC Study).

But these benefits only happen if parents intentionally provide and encourage these experiences. If parents are passive about socialization, kids can end up feeling isolated, and some families may choose to return to traditional schools as a result (Harvard Study).

Ways to Boost Socialization in Homeschooling

Here are some effective ways to make sure your homeschooled child gets plenty of social opportunities:

• Join Homeschool Groups and Co-ops These groups organize educational activities, field trips, and social events, helping kids regularly interact and make lasting friendships.
• Participate in Extracurricular Activities Sports, music lessons, art workshops, and theater clubs provide engaging ways to meet others, explore interests, and build skills together.
• Volunteer as a Family Getting involved in community projects teaches kids responsibility and connects them with a diverse range of people, creating a sense of purpose and belonging.
• Arrange Regular Playdates Meet-ups with other homeschooling families create a supportive community, beneficial for both kids and parents.
• Use Technology Smartly Although too much screen time is problematic, technology can also offer helpful ways to connect—like virtual book clubs, online classes, or supervised social platforms—especially when geography or health conditions limit in-person interactions.

Finding the Right Balance

With intentional planning, homeschooling can provide a rich, balanced social life that matches or even exceeds traditional schooling experiences. In today’s world, striking a healthy balance between digital interaction and real-life engagement is crucial. By actively pursuing diverse social opportunities and modeling good digital habits, homeschool families can help their children become socially skilled individuals, ready to handle the challenges of our increasingly complex society.

I’m not an expert. I’m just a mom, a teacher, and someone who has spent a lot of time reading about this because, frankly, I see it every day. Our kids are different than we were. They’re more anxious, more disconnected, more medicated. They struggle to focus, they don’t play like we did, and they’re not as happy. And honestly? Every study I’ve come across seems to point to the same thing—screen time is wrecking them.

Now, before anyone jumps in—yes, technology has benefits. Yes, screens can be educational. And no, I’m not saying we should throw away every tablet and phone and live off the land. But what I am saying is that we need to have a real conversation about what this much screen time is doing to our kids’ brains, their happiness, their social skills, and their ability to function in the real world.

The Depression Connection

It’s no secret that kids today are struggling with their mental health. If you look at the data, depression and anxiety in children and teens have absolutely skyrocketed over the last couple of decades. And guess what else has skyrocketed? Screen time.

One study found that teenagers who spend more than three hours a day on social media are twice as likely to develop depression (The REACH Institute). Another found that kids who spend too much time on screens have higher rates of emotional distress, lower self-esteem, and increased feelings of loneliness (PMC).

Why? Because social media and screen-based entertainment do a great job of making kids feel like they’re not enough. The filters, the curated posts, the constant comparison—it’s messing with their self-worth. They’re being raised in a world where their value is tied to likes and comments instead of real-life experiences and relationships.

They’re Losing the Ability to Socialize

When we were kids, we played. We ran around outside, we knocked on our friends’ doors, we rode bikes, built forts, and played ridiculous made-up games. Kids today? Not so much.

Instead, they’re glued to their screens. And because of that, they’re losing out on crucial social experiences that teach them how to read emotions, solve problems, and interact with other people. Kids who spend too much time on screens tend to struggle with things like eye contact, patience, and basic conversation skills (People). And it makes sense—if you don’t practice socializing, you’re going to have a hard time with it.

And here’s the worst part—when kids do finally hang out in person, they’re still on their phones. Have you seen a group of teens together lately? Half the time, they’re not even talking to each other. They’re sitting next to each other, staring at their screens.

Facebook and Social Media—The Turning Point

There’s a reason this problem didn’t exist before. Facebook launched in 2004. The iPhone came out in 2007. Instagram? 2010. TikTok? 2016.

Before that, kids weren’t glued to screens all day. They weren’t spending six, seven, even ten hours a day scrolling. They weren’t being raised in a world where everything they do is watched, judged, and compared.

Social media isn’t just a distraction—it’s an addiction. And it’s designed that way. The notifications, the infinite scrolling, the dopamine hits—it’s built to keep them hooked. And when kids spend that much time staring at screens, they’re not doing the things they actually need to be doing for their brains and bodies to develop properly.

Learning, Imagination, and the Rise of ADHD

Kids today don’t imagine like they used to. They don’t get bored anymore—because the second boredom hits, they grab a screen. And that’s a problem.

Boredom is where creativity happens. It’s where kids invent games, make up stories, and explore ideas. But when they never get the chance to be bored, they never develop those skills. Instead, their brains get used to instant gratification, flashy images, and constant stimulation.

And that might be part of why ADHD diagnoses are skyrocketing. More and more kids are being put on meds because they can’t sit still, can’t focus, and can’t handle normal classroom learning. Could it be that their brains have been rewired to expect fast, flashy, constantly-changing entertainment instead of the slower pace of real life? Studies suggest that yes, this might be happening (PMC).

What Can We Do?

So now that we’ve laid all this out—what’s the solution?

For Parents:

• Set boundaries. Make screen time limited and intentional.
• Encourage real-life play. Board games, Legos, nature walks—anything that isn’t a screen.
• Delay social media. Kids don’t need TikTok at 9 years old. Period.
• Be the example. If we’re glued to our phones, we can’t expect them to be any different.

For Schools:

• Less tech in the classroom. Not every lesson needs to be on an iPad.
• More recess, more hands-on learning. Kids learn best when they’re moving, interacting, and using all their senses.
• Phone-free policies. Schools that have banned phones see massive improvements in focus, behavior, and social skills (NY Post).

Homeschool vs. Traditional School

Homeschooling: One of the big benefits here is that screen time can be controlled much more easily. Parents can integrate technology when it’s helpful (like online lessons) but still make space for real-world learning, outdoor time, and imaginative play.

Traditional Schools: These come with more challenges, since screens are often used in the classroom. But schools CAN do more to limit non-essential screen time and encourage kids to be present and engaged.

It’s Not Too Late

The good news? We’re not powerless. We can make changes. We can create boundaries. We can encourage real play, real connection, and real experiences.

Because at the end of the day, kids don’t need more apps, more YouTube, or more virtual friends. They need us. They need childhood. And it’s our job to make sure they don’t lose it to a screen.

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Sources & Studies:

• The REACH Institute: How Screens Impact Mental Health
• PMC Study: Screen Time and Emotional Health
• ADHD & Screen Time Connection
• NY Post: Schools Banning Phones See Big Improvements
• People: Kids Losing Social Skills Due to Screens

Want to discuss this more? Let’s talk. Because this is something we all need to get serious about.

How U.S. Students Are Performing and What It Means for Your Child

Understanding Reading Scores in Traditional Schools vs. Homeschooling and Why Literacy Is Essential

Reading is one of the most critical skills a child can develop, shaping their academic success, career prospects, and overall cognitive growth. But how well are students in the U.S. actually reading? Recent national assessments show concerning trends in reading proficiency across both traditional schools and homeschooling. This article breaks down the latest reading scores, highlights how Tennessee is doing, compares homeschool vs. traditional school performance, and explains why reading education should be a top priority for every family.

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How Are Students Performing in Reading?

National Reading Scores

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often referred to as the “Nation’s Report Card,” provides a snapshot of reading performance across the country. The most recent data shows:

• Fourth Graders: Only 30% of U.S. fourth graders scored at or above proficient in reading.
• Eighth Graders: Just 29% of eighth graders reached proficiency, marking a decline from previous years.
• COVID-19 Impact: Reading scores saw a sharp drop following the pandemic, with many students struggling to regain lost ground.

Read more about the NAEP results

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Tennessee’s Reading Performance

Tennessee has seen improvements in reading scores compared to the national average:

• Fourth Grade: 32% of students in Tennessee scored proficient in reading—slightly above the national average of 30%.
• Eighth Grade: 32% of students reached proficiency, outpacing the national average of 29%.

Tennessee’s education programs, including targeted reading interventions and structured literacy programs, may be contributing to these gains.

Learn more about Tennessee’s reading initiatives

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Homeschooling vs. Traditional Schooling: Who Reads Better?

Parents often wonder whether homeschooling or traditional schooling offers the best outcomes for reading proficiency. Studies provide some insights:

Homeschooling Reading Scores

• Homeschooled students tend to score 15-30% higher in standardized tests compared to their public school peers.
• A study by the National Home Education Research Institute found that homeschooled students excelled in reading comprehension due to more individualized instruction and flexibility in curriculum choices.
• However, research from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicates that homeschooled students sometimes score lower in reading comprehension skills compared to traditional school students, possibly due to less exposure to structured reading programs.
  Read more about homeschool performance
  Traditional School Reading Scores
  Public and private school students receive structured literacy instruction, trained teachers, and standardized assessments that help track progress.
  However, class sizes, curriculum constraints, and varying quality of instruction can lead to gaps in reading development, particularly among students who need additional support.
  Key Takeaway:
  Neither homeschooling nor traditional schooling is inherently better for reading skills—it depends on teaching methods, parental involvement, and curriculum choices.

  Why Reading Proficiency Matters for Your Child
  1. Academic Success
  Students with strong reading skills perform better in all subjects, including math and science, because reading comprehension is essential for problem-solving and learning new concepts.
  2. Future Career Opportunities
  Adults with higher literacy rates earn 30-40% more income and have better job prospects. Reading proficiency also increases college readiness and success.
  3. Critical Thinking & Cognitive Growth
  Reading enhances vocabulary, creativity, and critical thinking skills, helping children become more confident learners.
  4. Social & Emotional Benefits
  Students who struggle with reading often experience lower self-esteem and higher levels of frustration in school. Early intervention can make a significant difference in their confidence and love for learning.
  Explore resources to help your child become a stronger reader

  What Can Parents Do to Improve Reading Skills?
  Make Reading a Daily Habit – Encourage your child to read for at least 20 minutes a day.
  Choose Books They Love – Let kids pick books that interest them to make reading enjoyable.
  Use Audiobooks & Read-Alouds – Hearing stories read aloud helps develop comprehension and fluency.
  Engage in Conversations About Reading – Ask questions about the books they read to boost critical thinking.
  Utilize Local & Online Resources – Many libraries and educational websites offer free reading programs.
  Check out Tennessee’s reading resources for parents

  Final Thoughts
  Reading proficiency is not just about school success—it’s about giving kids the tools they need to thrive in life. Whether your child is in a traditional school or homeschooled, ensuring they receive quality reading instruction should be a top priority. Tennessee’s recent improvements show that progress is possible with the right focus and strategies.
  Want to support your child’s reading journey? Start small—read together, ask questions, and make learning fun. The investment you make in their literacy today will pay off for a lifetime.
  How do you help your child develop strong reading skills? Share your tips in the comments!

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Reports – https://nces.ed.gov/
• Tennessee Reading & Education Resources
• Tennessee Department of Education Literacy Programs – https://www.tn.gov/education/early-literacy.html
• Tennessee Early Literacy Network – https://www.tnscore.org/early-literacy-network/
• Read to Be Ready (Tennessee Initiative) – https://www.tn.gov/education/early-literacy/read-to-be-ready.html
• Parent & Educator Reading Resources
• Reading Rockets (Strategies, Activities, and Book Lists) – https://www.readingrockets.org/
• Scholastic Parent Resources – https://www.scholastic.com/parents.html
• PBS Kids Reading Games & Activities – https://pbskids.org/games/reading/
• Starfall (Early Reading Support for Young Learners) – https://www.starfall.com/h/
• International Literacy Association (Research & Best Practices) – https://www.literacyworldwide.org/
• Homeschooling & Reading Studies
• National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) – https://www.nheri.org/research/
• Responsible Homeschooling Data & Reports – https://responsiblehomeschooling.org/research/the-test-score-myth/
• HSLDA Reading & Literacy Support for Homeschoolers – https://hslda.org/
• General Literacy & Educational Research
• Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Literacy Reports – https://ies.ed.gov/
• Edutopia Literacy Strategies & Best Practices – https://www.edutopia.org/literacy
• National Literacy Directory (Find Local Literacy Programs) – https://www.nationalliteracydirectory.org/