Homeschooling vs. Boarding Schools for Traveling Families with Young Children

Traveling for work with young children can be a challenging situation, especially when you are not sure what educational path to take for your kids. Should they be homeschooled or consider attending a boarding school? Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Context of Traveling

Your family travels a lot for work, with four children ranging from 2 to 8 years old. You mentioned travelling across State lines in the USA or possibly even across the world. It's important to consider the logistics of such a lifestyle during which you and your spouse are often separated.

Impact of Close Birth Sequences

Bringing four children into the world, with such a close sequence and at young ages, presents unique challenges. Young children, especially those as young as 2 and 4, can find long periods away from home stressful. The jump in learning skills at these ages is significant, and their ability to adjust and thrive in such an environment is uncertain.

Home Schooling as an Option

For a family on the go, home schooling could be a viable option. However, there are several considerations to keep in mind. If you are moving halfway around the world, homeschooling might be the best way to maintain consistency in their education. However, you need to consider who will be responsible for the curriculum and teaching the children at different stages.

Consistency and Developmental Stages

The youngest two children, at 2 and 4, face the greatest challenges. Boarding schools often have a younger age limit, typically 4 years old, and usually require children to come back home for at least weekend visits. Considering the age difference, the option of boarding school becomes less feasible. Additionally, the idea of boarding school often involves children returning home for at least part of the week, which could be disruptive in your case.

The Role of Training and Curriculum

Another factor to consider is your ability and training to teach the older children. You mentioned that you might be capable of teaching the younger children to read and write, but as the children grow older, the complexity of the curriculum increases. Are you adequately trained to teach them subjects beyond their early years? It's important to approach this with both realism and flexibility.

The Cost and Practicality

Despite potential challenges, homeschooling could be a cost-effective and practical solution. However, the age gaps between your children can make it an expensive endeavor. This is not a criticism but a reality of managing a family in your unique circumstances. The diversity in developmental stages can make it challenging to tailor the educational experience to each child's needs.

Conclusion

The choice between homeschooling and boarding schools is not an easy one. It requires careful consideration of your circumstances, the children's needs, and your ability to provide a consistent educational environment. Homeschooling might be the best fit, especially if you are moving frequently and separated from your spouse. However, who will take on the responsibility of teaching the older children and ensuring that their educational needs are met is a critical factor to address.