NXT ERA Rant on Homeschooling vrs traditional schooling

Why Homeschooling is the Best Decision for Your Family

The moment you decide to homeschool, people will flood you with reasons why it’s a mistake. Their intentions may be good, but they’re not fully informed about what’s right for your family. In all our years meeting homeschooling families, not once have we met someone who chose homeschooling to give their kids a lesser education or a poor childhood. It’s simple: no parent homeschools to set their child up for failure.

The truth is, homeschooling is more accepted now than ever. People are starting to see the cracks in the school system—wasted time, negative peer pressure, and a failure to meet real needs. But don’t expect the naysayers to quiet down. Since they won’t stop sharing their opinions, I’m not holding back on mine.

Our Homeschool Journey

My siblings and I were homeschooled our entire lives. This was back when it wasn’t trendy or widely accepted, and we heard every criticism: “Aren’t you afraid they’ll miss out on high school?” “How will they survive in the real world?” “Will they get a proper education?” “How will they make friends?” The list was endless.

Let me break down why these concerns didn’t apply to us, and why they shouldn’t apply to you.

Did I Miss Out on High School?

Absolutely not. Looking back, I can confidently say I didn’t miss anything. My friends who attended public school hated it—the meaningless homework, the long hours trapped inside, the constant drama. While they were stuck in classrooms, I was outside chasing my passion: baseball. By the time their school day ended, I had already completed my academics, worked out, trained, and improved my skills for hours.

Because I was homeschooled, I had the freedom to focus on my health too. I could eat whenever I needed, fueling my body the right way, which only boosted my confidence and performance. In a traditional school, I would have been restricted to eating at lunch or snacking between classes—holding me back physically. Homeschooling allowed me to be in control, not only of my education but also of my health and personal growth.

Freedom to Learn and Live

Homeschooling gave me the freedom to take control of my day and focus on what truly mattered. If I could finish my work in 3-4 hours, why would I waste time waiting for a bell to tell me I could leave? Homeschooling strips away unnecessary busywork and wasted time, giving families the power to design their own lives.

Can Homeschoolers Function in Society?

The stereotype of homeschoolers being socially awkward is a complete myth. Here’s the truth: social awkwardness has nothing to do with homeschooling—it has everything to do with the environments and opportunities parents provide for their children. Kids who don’t get enough social exposure will struggle, whether they’re homeschooled or in public school.

My mom, who spent 11 years teaching high school math, saw firsthand how many kids were socially awkward long before they reached high school. These same kids often left traditional school for homeschooling, but the issue wasn’t homeschooling—it was the environment they were in for years. Homeschooling doesn’t create socially awkward kids; it gives parents the chance to help their children thrive socially, by putting them in the right environments and giving them the right opportunities.

Homeschooling and Friendships

Let’s be clear—homeschooling doesn’t prevent your child from making friends. In fact, it opens up even more possibilities. My mom made sure we had plenty of social time, whether it was at the beach, parks, or with friends at home. We spent countless days with friends, proving that homeschoolers can build strong, meaningful relationships. Homeschooling gives you the control over who your child interacts with and the environments they’re exposed to. This is one of the greatest advantages homeschooling offers.

The Parent’s Role: Leadership and Responsibility

In today’s world, society tells parents to take a backseat and let kids lead the way. But here’s the truth: kids don’t know what’s best for them. They don’t have the life experience to make sound decisions. That’s where you come in. As their parent, you are in charge. Not their friends, not the government—you.

Your child is a mirror of your ability to lead. Homeschooling puts their future squarely in your hands, and that’s a good thing.

Homeschooling Prepares You for the Real World

Homeschooling didn’t just prepare me academically—it prepared me for life. When my brother and I started a business maintaining boats and yachts, we had almost no experience. Yet, we were able to approach boat owners—some with multi-million-dollar vessels—and secure contracts. Why? Because homeschooling had given us the confidence to solve problems, find solutions, and approach life without fear.

In school, when you have a problem, you ask the teacher. In the real world, no one is holding your hand. You have to figure it out yourself. Homeschooling teaches this crucial life skill early on.

Final Thoughts

Homeschooling prepared me and my siblings to succeed because we learned how to take charge, solve problems, and face challenges without fear. The NXT ERA family believes in asking “How Can I?” instead of “Why Can’t I?”

If you’re considering homeschooling, know this: it gives your child the freedom to thrive, the space to grow, and the tools to navigate life with confidence.