"One of the parents must always be at home with the kid. That means income opportunities are lost. Books must be bought, classes attended, things like library times attended, you get the drift. Losing one income entirely or cutting two in half is difficult, both mentally and monetarily."
I didn't look at homeschooling from this perspective but you're right. Homeschooling is so time consuming and it takes time away from opportunities to earn money, whether through a home-based business on the internet or at a traditional 9-5 job. And there is no compensation for homeschooling, other than the satisfaction of knowing that the child is probably gaining a better shot at life and teaching the child how to think outside the box. It's definitely a sacrifice but probably well worth it.
No compensation or financial assistance at all. Same as if you get stuck taking care of your elderly parents; screwed up the creek without a paddle.