Beyond the Books: Why Bad Homeschooling Can Cage Curiosity, Creativity and How to Fix It, My Personal Take
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I’m a medical doctor, and a developer, also with some activities in horse riding, training, and treatment. Yeah, I know—it sounds like the start of a fight: “A doctor, an engineer, and a horse walk into a bar…” But it’s not. It’s just me—someone who loves learning, teaching, and helping people find their own path in life.
Over the years, I’ve tutored kids in biology, math, and even game development (currently running two groups).
Each student is unique, but one thing remains constant: education isn’t about cramming facts or passing exams; it’s about shaping minds, building skills, and preparing them for the real world.
When a friend asked me to evaluate his three home-schooled kids, I agreed because I believe every child deserves quality education. However, I’m picky about who I take on as a student.
Why? Because tutoring isn’t just about academics—it’s about discipline, curiosity, and creativity.
And when it comes to home schooling, I think it needs extra care. Homeschooling has the potential to be liberating, but if done wrong, it can leave scars that last a lifetime. Here’s what I found during my evaluation—and why bad homeschooling might do more harm than good.
The Danger of Bad Home Schooling
Narrow Worldview
Kids stuck in poorly planned homeschooling often grow up with tunnel vision. Without exposure to diverse perspectives, history, literature, or critical thinking exercises, they end up misunderstanding the world around them.
For example, these kids dismissed game development outright (addictive and not healthy at all, as he said) without understanding its applications in physics, mathematics, or storytelling. This kind of rigid mindset closes doors before they’re even opened.
Lack of Social Skills
Schools aren’t perfect, but they teach kids how to interact with peers, resolve conflicts, and work collaboratively. Homeschooled kids miss out on this unless parents actively create opportunities for social interaction.
During our session that took about two hours, the kids struggled to engage in discussions without letting their egos get in the way—a sign of limited peer-to-peer engagement.
Weak Foundation in Core Subjects
These kids had basic knowledge of math and language, but no structured reading schedule, no concept of history, and shaky fundamentals in science. They didn’t understand why studying history matters or how games could simulate physics concepts. A weak foundation makes it harder for them to adapt later in life when faced with complex problems.
Misinformation Sticking Like Glue
The kids were fed outdated ideas (“gaming is bad”) without context or nuance. When misinformation sticks early, it warps judgment and creates resistance to new ideas.
Instead of questioning and exploring, they shut down conversations prematurely. That’s dangerous in today’s fast-changing world where adaptability is key.
Bad Home Schooling is a Zombie State of Education
Poorly executed homeschooling turns kids into passive learners. They read books only to pass tests, not to explore ideas. They don’t learn how to search for answers independently or set up self-study programs.
Worst of all, they lose the joy of discovery—the thrill of finishing a book simply because it fascinates them. This zombie-like approach leaves mental and psychological marks, making them disengaged from the world.
Final Thought
Homeschooling should be a launchpad, not a cage. Done right, it empowers kids to think critically, explore passionately, and adapt confidently. Done wrong, it traps them in a bubble of misinformation, narrow thinking, and missed opportunities.
As someone who rides horses, heals through hippotherapy, codes games, and teaches biology, I see parallels everywhere. Whether you’re training a horse, debugging code, or nurturing a young mind, the principles are the same: patience, structure, freedom within boundaries, and a focus on growth.
If you’re considering homeschooling—or already doing it—ask yourself: Are you giving your kids tools to thrive in the real world? Or are you unintentionally boxing them in? If you’re unsure, maybe traditional school isn’t such a bad backup plan after all. At least there, they’ll have a chance to develop social skills and broaden their horizons.
Education is too important to leave to chance. Let’s give kids roots to grow deep and wings to fly high.
FAQs
Q: What subjects do you tutor?
A: I currently tutor biology, math, and game development. I also incorporate elements of history, physics, and language into lessons whenever possible. For instance, we use game development to apply math and physics concepts.
Q: How do you decide which students to accept?
A: I look for curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to learn. If a kid shows interest in exploring beyond textbooks, I’m sold. Discipline matters too—I assign creative homework that requires focus and commitment.
Q: Can homeschooling ever replace traditional schooling?
A: Absolutely—if done well. Homeschooling offers flexibility and personalized learning, but it demands careful planning. Parents need to ensure their kids get a strong academic foundation, social interactions, and exposure to diverse ideas.
Q: Why do you emphasize reading so much?
A: Reading opens worlds. It builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and fosters empathy by exposing readers to different perspectives. Plus, finishing a book gives a sense of accomplishment that boosts confidence.
Q: How can parents improve their homeschooling strategy?
A: Start by setting clear goals. Incorporate regular reading schedules, hands-on projects, and discussions. Encourage kids to ask questions and seek answers independently. Most importantly, expose them to real-world applications of what they’re learning—like using game development to teach math and physics.
Q: Do you think gaming is educational?
A: Absolutely! Gaming teaches problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Game development takes it further by applying math, physics, storytelling, and coding. It’s a powerful tool if used wisely.
