Every family researching home education has to weigh up the pros and cons but if you are planning on homeschooling an only child, you may be extra cautious about how your child will adapt. However, there are many benefits to homeschooling an only child!

Increased flexibility

You can structure your day around your child’s studies. With only one student in the house, you’re likely to find they will finish their studies quicker. This leaves more time for them to explore interests and hobbies or for the family to take educational trips.

homeschooling an only child can have many benefits

studying gcses at home helps many students

One-on-one learning

You have the added bonus of being able to focus more on your child’s needs and provide greater learning support. But try to choose a curriculum where independent study is encouraged too. This will give both the parent and child a break from each other during the day, especially important if the parent at home is also working. Cambridge courses develop students’ critical thinking and their ability to study independently. These skills will serve them well in the future.

Socialisation

Ensuring your only child isn’t lonely or bored is a very common concern for parents. Homeschooling an only child brings greater flexibility and lower costs than if you had two or more children. This is likely to mean your child has more time and opportunities to try different clubs and hobbies, mixing with children and adults of all ages.

Wolsey Hall provides an active community for students to connect with each other and join in clubs. We have many families home educating only children. Here’s what a few had to say about their experiences:

Experiences

“My daughter has become more inquisitive and more independent as a learner. She knows that nothing comes easy but also that doing research and finding out things for yourself is important. She has become expressive, more engaged with her work. Our relationship has become more open and engaged as we have to discuss so many things openly. It is exactly what I had in mind when we started homeschooling. To build an inquisitive little learner who will grow to have an holistic experience around learning and education.”

Ipeleng, mum to Tshegofatso – homeschooling in South Africa

“We’re fairly new to homeschooling but our only child has adapted to it really well. It’s really important to find opportunities for socialising with kids of his own age but our lad is an elite sportsman so he gets to do this at training. However, I think we underestimated the way children utilise technology to connect with one another, and when he does have down time I often hear him roaring with laughter online with one of his mates as if they are physically in the same room. I do get involved with the learning process, quite often we’ll sit and work through topics together if it’s something a bit tricky and that’s really important for both of us. It might not work for all single children but I wish we’d started it years ago.”

Zoe, mum to Milo – homeschooling in the UK

“For the most part I know that I am spending much quality time with my son. There are opportunities for discussion that might never occur if he was away all day at school. Homeschooling opens up new connections for the entire family. I have the chance to dive deep into everything I am teaching my son. Homeschooling one child, you may find a special intensity, but also a unique enjoyment of your days together.”

Kashifa, mum to Amaan – homeschooling in Hong Kong