I had heard this sentiment a few times before, but it really struck me when it came up during a podcast interview with a host who identified as “liberty-minded.” The host acknowledged the growing concerns about public schools—violence, sexualization, and even contentious policies on masks and vaccinations. Homeschooling, he admitted, seemed to be a reasonable solution.
But, despite recognizing the many benefits of home education, he hesitated. His conclusion? Homeschooling wasn’t for everyone—especially not for him. Why? The risk. “You need an entrepreneurial spirit to tackle this,” he said. “It seems risky.”
I couldn’t argue. My own experience as a small business owner taught me plenty about risk. Alongside my husband, a homesteader, I had made a conscious choice to pursue a lifestyle full of uncertainties. Growing our own food, caring for an aging loved one, and managing self-employment without the security of an employer’s safety net meant navigating financial challenges. Some years, we worked hard just to make ends meet, while other years afforded us the chance to travel or upgrade our van. The unpredictability of it all was daunting, but it was also rewarding.
The rewards, however, were profound. No longer bound by the corporate grind, we had control over our own income. If we weren’t satisfied with what we were earning, we could learn new skills and work harder to earn more. The feeling of being in charge of our own fate, rather than waiting for someone else to decide if we would get a raise or even keep our job, was empowering.
So, for us, homeschooling felt like a natural extension of the risk-taking we already embraced as a family. But what about families who don’t have an entrepreneurial mindset?
This is the dilemma I often hear from parents who are considering homeschooling: “What if I do it wrong? What if I mess up my child’s education?” Ironically, these same parents are often dissatisfied with their children’s current school system. They already feel like their child’s education is “messed up,” yet the idea of taking responsibility for their child’s learning at home feels overwhelming.
What’s the disconnect? It comes down to responsibility—and the fear of failure. If the public school system fails, it’s the school’s fault. If they introduce controversial topics like Critical Race Theory or cut art and music programs, that’s on them. But if a homeschooling parent chooses the wrong curriculum or doesn’t manage behavior well, it’s on them—and that weight is too much for many to bear.
Homeschooling is often associated with conversations about privilege, childcare, and earning power, but the underlying concern for most parents who are unhappy with their schools is this: “Homeschooling is risky, and I’m unsure of the consequences.”
And they’re right—there is always a degree of risk. We can never fully predict how things will turn out. It’s possible that homeschooling could go awry or that we could make mistakes that affect our child’s education. However, with the rise of online virtual academies, co-ops, and dual-credit college opportunities, the risk has become less daunting, though still present.
Ultimately, homeschooling is a decision that requires a willingness to take responsibility and embrace uncertainty. It’s not a path for the faint-hearted, but for those who are prepared to step up and take on the risks, it offers the potential for a deeply rewarding educational journey.