Is your kid doomed if he or she’s homeschooled?

Homeschooling is more popular than ever. Researchers from Vanderbilt University say that more than 2 million kids in the U.S. are being homeschooled these days. back in the 1970s, that number was more like 15,000. So are all these kids growing up  with zero social skills? Are you a bad dad if you take over teaching your kid? Should students be out on the playground getting into scraps and playing kickball or allowed to sleep in late and play video games during "recess"?

The list of pros and cons for homeschooling is long and extremely divisive. Parents who homeschool say it's a great way to spend time as a family. It frees up schedules, and you can teach your kids exactly how – and what – you want.

On the other hand, it can isolate kids from friends. They don't get the benefit of school clubs or sports, either. And maybe worst of all, you're missing out on some free babysitting.

So when you're making the tough decisions required of all great parents, make sure you sit down and hash out your own pros and cons list. Take your family's needs and values into account. And read up on the information out there – like the Vanderbilt professor's three-year study on homeschooling in America.

Homeschooling might seem like it works in a vacuum, but it doesn't. Get the information you need to make an informed decision.