Source: pixabay.com
School can be nerve-wracking for teens. Getting good grades, meeting deadlines for homework and school projects, and social interaction with other students would all add up to increase a student’s anxiety level. Homeschooling is a good alternative that can avoid these sources of stress. But there are points to consider in determining whether homeschooling is the right fit for your child. Let us cover the various forms of anxiety and how to decide whether homeschooling is an excellent choice for teens with anxiety.
When School Is the Source Of Anxiety
Some parents might not realize why school is causing so much anxiety to teens. Unfortunately, teachers, these days are themselves under stress because they are pushed by school administrators and the government to ensure that their students do well in exams. Teachers tend to pass on this stress and urgency to their students. And this can lead to anxiety in some teens.
Advantages Of Homeschooling Teens With Anxiety Because Of Previous School Experience
In homeschooling, the speed and coverage of each class can be set by the teens and their parents. The student may get approximately the same credits as students enrolled in regular schools, but the homeschooled student usually finishes each class in less time since each course is adapted to the child’s specific needs and personality.
When Anxiety Harms School Performance
Some teens suffer from an anxiety disorder, and this may affect their performance in school. Poor performance in school can cause additional anxiety, and this could result in a vicious cycle.
Advantages Of Homeschooling For Teens With An Anxiety Disorder
For teens suffering from an anxiety disorder, homeschooling allows them to concentrate on dealing with their anxiety and to learn in a stress-free environment.
When Social Anxiety Is The Problem
Some teens are naturally shy. They seldom talk to their peers and tend to avoid strangers. But some teens suffer from social anxiety. This can have a significant adverse effect on the teen. They are unable to socialize regularly and may have extreme difficulty in forming friendships. Such individuals need to undergo counseling, and sometimes they may be prescribed with medication.
Source: pixabay.com
Advantages Of Homeschooling Teens With Social Anxiety
Homeschooling can provide the teen with a safe space to deal with their condition. But with homeschooling, there is the danger of the teen becoming completely isolated. You should consult the counselor or therapist to determine ways of safely socializing the teen.
How To Homeschool Teens with Anxiety
It is crucial to consult your child when forming a homeschooling plan. This will allow the teen to deal with their anxiety while keeping up with their schoolwork. And the homeschooling plan will serve as a useful guide, especially for those who haven’t had any prior experience in homeschooling.
You should also check with the school or your local school district office. They often have a liaison officer who can help you by explaining the laws, rules, and regulations concerning homeschooling and help you deal with any forms that might need to be filed. And give your child time to adjust from regular schooling to homeschooling. There are also various methods of homeschooling that you should survey. You can experiment with different techniques and select the one that best fits your family.
When Homeschooling Is Not the Best Option
Source: pixabay.com
Homeschooling is not always the best choice for teens with anxiety. And it is not a replacement for therapy. While homeschooling might lower a teen’s anxiety, the child would still have to learn how to socialize and how to cope with anxiety.
Choosing to homeschool for your child requires careful thought and planning. And remember that homeschooling need not be a permanent decision. Your child can go back to regular schooling if necessary. It is highly recommended that you consult a guidance counselor and your teen’s therapist in deciding what the ideal option for your family is.