I am a certified teacher. I have a Masters degree in elementary education. In the last 14 years, I’ve worked in classrooms at every grade level from kindergarten to 8th grade. I’m a good teacher, and I love working with children.
But despite my qualifications as a teacher, I have no intention of ever homeschooling my children.
Homeschooling is a growing trend in military families as more and more spouses make the decision to educate their children at home. It offers our military brats some stability as it eliminates the stress of changing schools with each PCS. It provides an alternative to parents who are concerned about those underachieving public schools and the less than stellar DoD schools. And it allows some flexibility so on-the-go military families don’t have to work around school calendars.
I get it. I understand the advantages of homeschooling for military families. But it wouldn’t work for me or my family.
I was a stay-at-home mom for six years. I cherish the time that I spent with my children in the beginning stages of their lives, and I’m proud that I provided their earliest education that laid the foundation for their success in a formal educational setting. But now that they’re both school-aged, I cherish the time we spend apart. They’re growing into their own individuality, they’re learning how to function in society, they’re coming home and giving me extra hugs because of that time spent apart. I love my children with every fiber of my being, but I don’t want to spend every waking moment with them. Quite frankly, they don’t want to spend every waking moment with me either.
I think my role as a mother would change if I added the role as homeschool teacher. I know very well how low my tank of patience dropped after a day of teaching other people’s children and how difficult it was to use my drive home from work to fill that tank back up before putting on my mommy hat, especially during those single parenting phases when my husband was gone. How would I refill that tank if I didn’t even have a drive home in between hat changes? Is it possible to smoothly transition from teacher to mom without either role being diminished? And would my kids be able to differentiate between those roles and respect them both accordingly?
Call me selfish, but I also don’t want to quit my job. I like having a fulfilling career. I like having an identity outside of being someone’s mother or someone’s wife. I like that I’m not spread so thin that I have nothing left for myself. And I truly believe that having a mom who has found a happy life balance can do nothing but positively benefit the children.
But enough about how homeschooling would affect me. How would it affect my children? My kids are the most social kids on the planet. Despite the availability of homeschooling online communities, resources, and local co-ops, I would worry about a lack of social interaction with same-aged peers in an academic setting. I could organize all the educational field trips in the world with other homeschooling families and sign up for every extracurricular available, but the social development that results from classroom activities like participating in group projects, playing kickball in P.E., and sharing the fun of holiday parties would still be missing.
I won’t go so far as to say I would never homeschool my children. That’s obviously impossible to say given that the fact that we are a military family, and I have no idea what the school districts will be like at our next duty station. Thus far, we’ve been fortunate to live in an area with great schools, so I’ve never been forced to decide between a bad school and homeschooling. However, even if we find ourselves facing one of those underachieving schools, I’d like to think I could supplement their school education at home, rather than pulling them out altogether to homeschool full time.
I’m also not saying I’m against homeschooling in general. If you’re willing to make that commitment and you believe it’s what best for you and your children, then I say good for you. Go for it.
It’s just not for me.
Do you homeschool (or intend to homeschool) your military brats? If so, what led to that decision? If not, what are your reasons?
About Heather Sweeney
Comments
Lack of social interaction. That's hilarious! As a military wife for 21 years & homeschooling mom for 11 years…socialization is the single most over-used and utterly invalid reason for not homeschooling EVER. Homeschooling is a choice. It is simply not for everyone. I thought the article was valid until the "S" word had to be thrown in there.
By the way, many co-ops have holiday parties, sports, PE, …heck we even had PROM.
I have to disagree. I was taken out of public school in seventh grade and homeschooled until college, so I have plenty of firsthand experience in this area. I'm not a fan of homeschooling, and that's largely because of the socialization issue. For some families, it works, and that's their choice to make. But it isn't as easy as some proponents make it out to be, and yes, socialization can be a huge issue. My years as a homeschooled child were isolated and lonely. When I went to college I was utterly unable to socialize with people my own age, much less to live in a dormitory with hundreds of my peers. It was not an experience I would wish on other students in the slightest.
Like I said, for some families it works, and more power to them. But dismissing the socialization issue as though it's a completely baseless worry is just irresponsible.
June — just want to make sure you see my comment below — even though I didnt "reply" to you, it's a reply, in part, to you.
P.S. — Former Homeschooler High Five!
Solidarity! It really is a heck of an experience, isn't it?
It was — but I don't regret it. Like I said, it was really good for me. Would it be good for my kids? I'm still trying to figure that out. But I hated public school — hated the bullies, hated the lack of motivation, hated how bored I was.
I think this largely depends on the first, the child and second, the parent. For example: like June I was removed from public school (in case 5th, not 7th grade) and homeschooled through high school. However, when i got to college I was fine. I was isolated and lonely as a homeschooler — very. But I also somehow escaped being fazed by it. Sure, it was a little rocky — but I wasn't unable to socialize or live happily. It was great.
But my sister is the exact opposite personality of me — and coming out of homeschooling was really hard on her, just like it sounds like it was for June.
As for the acitivities that are available — as a parent you have to choose to do them. My parents did not. I took piano lessons. Alone. I took tennis lessons. With my sister. I went to church. With a bunch of kids three or four years younger than I was so we had nothing in common. Yes, socialization can absolutely be done as a homeschooler — but doing it is a choice.
So, recap: is your kid someone who will do well in a parent-kid teaching situation with a lot of self guided study? Some kids just thrive in a classroom. And are you, as a parent, interested in going the distance to get your kid out there with other homeschooling kids?
A very personal choice with a lot of different factors.
I feel a lot like you do. I just don't think Homeschooling would be good for us. I came close to doing it with my oldest but I realized that wasn't what I wanted for my children. As far as the socialization issue goes, I know that homeschooling kids do get lots of it too but I want my kids to get socialization in and out of a school setting. So unless we end up in a duty station that really has no good school choices, I will probably never do it.
I agree with you 100%. I've been teaching SpEd for 7 years, licensed in three states, and have a Master's Degree. Homeschooling is not an option in my books. There's so many more lessons that you learn in school outside of the classroom that can't be taught at home, like learning to face/deal/communicate with people you don't like or have personality conflicts with on a daily basis. I value everything that I've worked so hard to achieve in my career and I wouldn't choose to walk away from that. I grew as the child of a teacher – I was placed in day care in a private home as well as in a school setting. I enjoyed those times, the time spent with my mom, and I also grew respectful of my mom and how much she accomplished as a working parent.
I'm a Former teacher and current homeschooling parent. My kids have always been homeschooled and will continue to be, God willing.
It's work, a lot of work. I won't lie to you about that but with 2 special needs children, it has been worth every minute. (Even our school system agreed that they would not have gotten the education that they have.)
The arguments for and against homeschooling are exactly the same. Both produce students who cannot function well in the world with others and both produce wonderfully well adjusted young adults who can work with others and excel.
Both forms of education fail and succeed. In both cases, it depends on the dedication of the teachers and parents.
For our family, home education is best. My neighbor children thrive in private school and public school. I'm glad we all have the options to chose what works best for our own families.
And FWIW, homeschooled students still have to learn how to get along with others and deal with personaility conflicts. My oldest just completed a year as Senior Patrol Leader of a large Scout troop. He went to prom, he plays competitive sports and he is VP of the hosmechool group student council. He will take the AP tests this spring for 2 subjects and he was lead male in a theatre production in a large theatre. I don't think he's missing out on anything positive by not being in a school setting. ;)
He has fiends in public and private school who are thriving also and not missing out on anything positive by not being homeschooled.
I respectfully disagree with SO much of what she says not just because I am a homeschool mom because my kids have been in school as well. I don't consider my role as a homeschooling mom and parent as two different roles, I am always mom and always a teacher as I have been from the time they were born. She states that she likes having an identity outside of being someone's mom or wife, just because someone homeschools does not mean they no longer have an identity of their own. She also says that she would worry about lack of socialization(#1 comment people bring up when they find out you homeschool) my girls are very well socialized and the benefit of homeschooling is that I can choose who I want them to socialize with especially during their formative years where character and foundation is being laid. My girls still get to do group projects and have holiday parties through the HS Coop we are involved with as well as play pretty much every sport that is offered on post. So they aren't missing out on anything in that respect. I may not have a "career" in the eyes of the world but my job of raising my daughters, teaching them not just their academics but also to love the Lord and put Him first in all things is more fulfilling then anything I could ever dream of.
My kids were in public school until we moved to Alabama. My special needs child was being treated terribly by his 1st grade teacher, and the school district said we could not take him to therapy a few times a week- or he would be counted as absent, and they had their own ‘therapy’ he could get. He had been in private therapy since he was 2, and this was the first place that said he couldn’t go. So rather than forego badly needed therapy, and continue to watch his spirit being broken everyday as he cried all the way to school and back everyday, I started homeschooling him. I didn’t know how, but it was best for him. Shorty after my other kids begged to be homeschooled too- for the next 6 months. They were bored to death and could only go outside for 15 minutes a day at school. So I started homeschooling them too. It was rough the first year, got easier the 2nd year, and now we are in the 3rd and my children are THRIVING! Public schools want moms to think its too hard if they don’t have a degree- its NOT. You spend the first 5 years of their lives homeschooling them before sending them off to public school- and for what? So they can learn to feel inferior? Learn a one-size-fits-all type of learning? So they can pick up other children’s bad mannerisms? So they can’t learn history like it actually happened because someone might get offended? So they can learn to deal with bullies or learn to be the mean kid so they don’t get bullied? I have seen it all. The education my kids get is superior compared to what they were getting before- with the few exceptions of the teachers who were wonderful and actually challenged my kids. We are moving to Europe next year- where they will learn one heck of an education as we travel around and actually see the Roman colliseum, monuments of the holocaust and masterpieces in the Louvre, etc. Socialization is being used as an excuse by most to not homeschool their kids. We have 5 children, so they get a lot of interaction with each other- but they also still attend co-ops, girl scouts, boy scouts, cub scouts, church, church groups, swim lessons, dances, science fairs, robotics competitions, play dates, summer camps, etc!!! They are also learning life skills that most people do not have when they leave for college- budgeting, ironing, cooking, sewing, changing the oil on the car, doing service for others, knowing how to do their own laundry, etc! My kids are not sheltered- except from those bullies who would only hinder their development. They know how to handle conflict in a civilized manner, yet can defend themselves with martial arts. Their test scores are higher than their peers who attend public schools. My kids also get to say the Pledge of Allegiance and learn about the hand of God guiding our forefathers to create the consitution- which is now under attack. Do I have a lot of me-time? Not like I did while they were in public school- but I do make some me-time, and life is short- they will be all grown up before we know it. They will not grow up wishing they didn’t have to be subjected to being bored, like I was in public school. I can see both sides, and I can see how people are afraid they will mess up their kids education- but the support groups that are available are unbelievable. More and more kids are being homeschooled everyday. It is no longer taboo- and it takes patience and practice, but you can have fun while you teach your kids and even learn things yourself! If you are thinking about it- start with reading Cathy Duffey’s Top 100 Homeschool Curriculums and it will help you choose what is best for your child(ren). It is a great place to start- and you’ll be surprised to learn a lot of private schools are using the same curriculum. Don’t be afraid! Be empowered and go for it!
I'm glad I read this. It gives me an even bigger boost to take charge and home school my child. I was home schooled but we didn't have those group options like there are today. I'm learning some new every time I look deeper into homeschooling.
something*
My husband and all of his siblings were homeschooled. We have decided that we are most likely going to homeschool our children as well. As the HS moms above have stated, socialization is the #1 thing non-HSers complain about and know very little about. There are plenty of co-ops that children can go attend in order to be "socialized." There is Girl and Boy Scouts, dance lessons, music lessons, all kinds of things they can do! My husband and his siblings all took music lessons. He and one of his sisters were in a youth symphony in North Carolina, attended church and were members of a local co-op. All of his siblings went on to college, too. Homeschooling can be a wonderful thing and I find it very sad that so many people are quick to dismiss it.
As far as the article goes, I understand that homeschooling is NOT for everyone. I wasn't home schooled and most of the people I know aren't. Most of the people I know will send their kids to public schools as well. I don't understand the need for a career/life outside of my family and home, but that's because THIS is what God has called me to do and I know it. I just get frustrated when people get so focused on the "socialization issue" of homeschooling.
I believe your points are valid and of course home schooling is a personal choice.. The thing to take into consideration is socialization is a huge deal. Particularly if you have a more timid child. Such children need encouragement, support, and at times pushing and exposure to various social situations. Ones in which you as mom can't always be there to quickly rescue them. Child that are more outgoing don't need the same kind of encouragement and pushing.
You won't change your child's timid personality by forcing them into difficult social situations. I have an introverted child and to send him to school would be traumatizing. What I can do for him is gradually teach him how to handle the stress that large social gatherings place on him and to teach him that it is ok, that he is not extroverted. There are timid homeschoolers and there are timid public schoolers.
Sigh. I am a homeschool mom of 10 years and a military spouse of nearly 20. These type of blog posts really bother me. I am not really sure if the blogger is really trying to get an understanding of homeschooling or making sure that we really understand her position on it.
These type of posts always end up with homeschoolers coming by and telling all the things our kids do to prove how social we are. To tell you the truth, I am tired of defending my decision to homeschool. I refer to myself as the crazy homeschool mom at functions because that seems to curb the conversation. Somehow in polite conversation it always becomes about how I homeschool, and people want me to prove to them that I am capable of homeschooling. It is funny that in social situations somehow it is assumed that homeschooling defines who I am. Homeschooling does not define me, but it is a part of me. The same way being home room mom or PTA president can be a part of a mom. Am I spread thin? Perhaps. Some days. But it isn't because I homeschool. It is because I am a mom.
This post reminds me of the mother that needs to defend her decision to put her kids in public school. I would never question your love for your children. I would never call you selfish. In fact, if I meet a woman and it comes up that her kids go to military post public school, I say, "Great!" I don't say that I could never do that. I don't ask if she is worried about peer pressure. I don't ask if she is worried about socialization because her kids are locked in school all day with adults telling them when they can use the bathroom. I don't do that because that would be rude. Yet, somehow I do not get the same consideration.
Yes, I suppose this post is harsh, but the discussion is tiresome. I am not a super hero mom. I get tired. My teens have the same issues that all teens do. Public school is not an antidote for lonliness just as homeschooling doesn't always produce National Merit Scholars. College can be difficult for the public schooled and homeschooled alike. Neither is a sure bet.
I could give you all the reasons why we chose to homeschool, but the truth is that people don't really want to know. What they really want me to do is validate their own choice.
Again, I know this is harsh, and I would feel the same if this was a post about how great homeschooling is for the military child. And perhaps I am a bit sensitive lately because we recently moved, and I am once again having to explain myself to my neighbors and the people I meet.
Absolutely correct! I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks for saying it.
I Love your post!! I couldn't have said it better!!
Exactly! The socialization thing gets to me too…I was homeschooled up till college, and I’m thankful for the experience. I was crazy busy with extra curriculars over the years: music lessons, ballet, gymnastics, German folk dancing, homeschool group activities, homeschool co-op classes, Sunday School, etc. My DF and his twin were homeschooled for the majority of their school years, and in 10th grade when they started in public school/military academy, kids made make fun of them for being the “stupid, sheltered” homeschool boys. But guess what? They were spectacular….they excelled in academics, sports, leadership, and JROTC…and they were even valedictorian and salutatorian and got full ROTC scholarships to Marquette. Now they are excelling in their Army careers and will be promoted to Captain soon. DF and I plan on homeschooling our future kids for academic, spiritual, and family-life reasons. I do understand that not everyone is called to homeschool and that’s TOTALLY fine! But I am confident that our kids also will have no problems with the socializing aspect (they will get to meet so many different people in the military life!). I believe that homeschooling actually gives children a wider range of socialization options, and the parents can have more say/guidance in the how and who of it (which is how it should be).
I don't think Heather is trying to "get an understanding" of home schooling. She probably isn't trying to make people understand her position either. It doesn't even sound like she's saying anything bad about anyones choice to home school or not. This sounds like an opinion piece. She is only telling her story about her personal choice. Maybe there are other people out there reading it that feel the same way and find comfort in knowing they are not alone. I'm sure you find comfort in the company of like minded home school families. You may be looking for a personal attack where there was none.
Bravo! Well articulated. Enough said. Congrats on your decision and your (families) success and continued successes.
I completely 100% agree with Heather. I currently homeschool one of my children and the other attends public school. I myself was homeschooled off and on growing up and I completely agree with the person who said the experience relies heavily on the dedication of the parent. My mom did not ensure I was well educated. My mom did not make sure I got time with other children. My mom did not ensure that I was able to participate in sports or music lessons. When I went back to public school in 9th grade, I was two full grade levels behind in Math. In public school I thrived! I could have thrived in homeschool as well if my mom had done things differently. There are pros and cons to both. Both produce children who function well in society and both produce children who do not. One is not better than the other. It is a personal choice. Heather, the writer of this article made the choice that works best for her family and her children. Just as those who do homeschool make the choice best for them and their children. Let's not make the mistake of thinking we understand each other's motives and heart. What works for some does not work for everyone.
I agree with this blog on so many levels. I also agree that this is a topic that has been around for a very long time, with much debate on both sides of the issue. My children thrive at school, their teachers always say how hard they work and how much fun they have. At home, we do homework, and I can tell that, as a parent, I don't always get the same results as the teachers. My children seem to do much better learning from someone who is not their mom when it comes to their education. That is not to say that we do not have fun the rest of the time, but like the blogger mentioned, it is because I have had those hours in between, while they are away (and yes, I love my children as well…with every fiber of my being), to re-charge. It is nice, especially as a military spouse, who typically has to make all of the rules and decisions, to have someone else(the teachers) set the rules for a while during the day. As far as the socialization issue…well…I have to agree, again, with the blogger. When children graduate, whether from a home school environment or a public school environment, they will have to go to college. Parents will no longer have control over who they meet, where they socialize, and the decisions they make. Yes, in public school, my children have to deal with making decisions about drugs, smoking, dealing with bullies and more. I hate that they have to face these things, however, I know that these are the same people and situations that they will have to contend with when they go to college and when they begin working. I will have no control over who they will be working with or going to school with in the future. I want them to learn how to deal with these situations now when I still have the opportunity to guide them through this maze we call life. This is a terrific topic, no matter what side you fall on, and I appreciate the bloggers candor with regard to her own personal experiences. It certainly gives both sides of the issue items to ponder.
Much as HS moms are tired of defending their decision, I am at times tired to defend my decision to NOT homeschool my kid. Could I do it? Probably, but much like OP, I just don't want to. I don't think it would benefit my daughter, and I KNOW I would struggle with it. Does that make me anti-HS? Nope, if it works for your children and yourself, all the power to you!
So, in the end, it really depends on the child first and foremost, and the parents second. I don't think this is as much a post to divide the community, but more a personal glimpse into one mom's decision and her reasoning behind it.
So PLEASE don't take all of this personal and as an attack on your choices, whichever side of the issue you stand on…
I don't think this has to be an issue of whether one decision is better than the other, and the blogger is certainly, IMO, not attacking anyone's decision to homeschool. She's simply giving her reasons for not homeschooling herself. As a mother of 2 special needs kids who are now in their teens and thriving, I know that they are thriving because of the exceptional teachers we have in our district. My kids are flourishing and doing things we didn't know were possible early on BECAUSE of this incredible village- that said, I know that I am also not a teacher for my kids in the homeschool sense, and I agree with the blogger in that I need time away from my kids, who can be exhausting. In addition, both are slower to learn the social world, and won't attend things like prom, games, etc, so having them in the daily school setting is critical to their learning to function in the social world. In addition, my oldest has seizures so we miss out on class and he cannot do sports that would cause blows to the head and he's not allowed to swim… that limits his social opportunities.
I don't think this is a matter of one choice being better than the other in general, and certainly no mom should be judging another for making a different choice-we make the choices we feel are best for our kids at the point in time. That's what moms who are advocating for their kids do-day in and day out. The rest of society may never understand, but as moms we do understand what is best for our kids at any given point. As I said, the blogger isn't judging anyone for homeschooling-she's just voicing why she doesn't and, for some of us, giving us something to think about. This is not a competition-it's about what is best for our kids at a given time.
This just came a t the right time I am struggling with homeschooling my children. My younger three especially mine on the autism spectrum he is not getting the services he deserves. Also in his resource class their are 35 kids and two teachers. I am looking into different options. I have a degree in education and working on my masters. But as a parent I am somewhat leery of doing this. As a military parents I can see both sides but it is a hard decision to make.
great website to get more information about teaching your child with autism @ home: http://www.headsupnow.com/products-page/curriculu…
You can also check out Timberdoodle – great for younger kids wit ASD
you can also look on HSLDA website for information – more and more families are pulling their special needs kids out of PS as IEPs may sound great and have wonderful intentions but nothing beats one on one tutoring – how do I know? My oldest is on the Autism spectrum PDD/NOS – she is now in college.
Any parent who turns their children over to thegovernment p olitically correct places of fascist indoctrination ought to investigate what they are actually teaching.
Although many of the comments have critizied Heather for her views, remember this is why "she won't" home school her children. She never said it was a bad thing The children who I know that are homeschooled are not socially awkward, but when they have had to work in a group or team they are a bit overwhelmed. I do not home school, not because I have anything against it, but I am fortunate to live in a school district with a nationally ranked HS and Elementary school. I also know that I have absolutely no paitience to teach my kids. My son, in 9th grade, already wants his space and mom invading it is not acceptable to him. He likes going to school with his friends. He likes having discussions with teachers and friends about school and other things.He likes getting different perspectives on things and choosing what he believes is better, if this was just my opinions and perspectives then how does he decide. If homeschooling is for you great! If your kid is socially fullfilled either by homeschooling or not, that is what is most important.
Wow, I can tell you don’t know anything about homeschooling. Each family should be able to make their own decisions about what’s right for their family. Assuming that there are bad parts to homeschooling is judgemental. If you don’t want to do it, that’s fine.
My children are the most outgoing, socialized and friendly children. I am a happy well rounded woman. I don’t need a job outside of the home to be more than a wife or mom. I am very fulfilled with my life and with who I am.
I hope you can stop judging others. I don’t judge families that attend public or private schools. Next time find out more about a subject before writing about it.
Hopefully your children have better reading comprehension than you do. The article did not attack homeschooling. Read more carefully next time before spewing your own judgemental arrogance.
Nikki's and Tressays' responses resonated with me. The socialization issue is always thrown on the table, but there is a general misunderstanding of what "socialization" means. The dictionary definition is "to make fit for life in companionship with others." I'd rather be the one who trains my children in their younger years to learn to be in companionship with others rather than a classroom of 25 peers. Do my kids get to "socialize" (notice the different word!)? Of course. They have plenty of friends and extra-curricular activities. Before I started homeschooling, I had a lot of preconceived notions, stereotypes, and misunderstandings about homeschooling families, so I understand how it can seem like an odd choice to some. But it's important that both sides respect the rights of parents to decided how to educate their children. It seems to me that Heather Sweeney has a set of assumptions about homeschooled kids, which she implies in her article, like they're not growing into their individuality or learning how to function in society. She clarifies that she's "not against homeschooling in general" but what does that mean? Is she against specific types of homeschooling? There is definitely a slight anti-homeschooling vibe to the article, and I hope to see a post in the future that sheds a more positive light on home education.
I’ve given much consideration over the years as to the right decision concerning my daughter and whether to HS or not. My child is highly intelligent and like her mother gets bored very easily when she isn’t challenged. I have gone head to head with the teachers who couldn’t be bothered with challenging her, and I’ve gone head to head with my daughter while attempting to teach her subjects that weren’t my strong suit. She has interests in many things, but most of these interests aren’t covered in her public school curriculum, but are definitely shared with her friends. It is my opinion that success in either setting depends largely on the personality of the child. Public schools offer my child many educational opportunities that I cannot begin to give her at home such as learning Japanese as a THIRD language (she has already learned French in public schools). Also, she has decided that she is going to go to an Art school for her college education. The public school she currently attends offers a wide variety of art classes that cover everything from drawing to working with clay and tactile mediums to glass work. This is something I cannot give her if she were HS. I know there are programs out there for such things if she were HS, but again, I cannot give them to her. We are fortunate that her high school will tailor her curriculum towards art for her. This state also offers on line programs for a high school diploma, but knowing she (very much like her mother) thrives in a classroom setting, I don’t believe it would be a viable option for her. U applaud the parents that are able to give their children a well rounded life experience and education through HS, but as I said, the child’s personality should be the biggest factor in deciding to undertake such a huge task. I love that she is able to get a good education while in a PS setting. Because of this, I am able to put a bigger focus on teaching her what PS does not AND expand on what they do at the same time. As parents, we will always be not only our children’s very first teacher, but their only consistent teacher throughout their lives! GOOD parents NEVER stop teaching their children, no matter the setting.
I’ve given much consideration over the years as to the right decision concerning my daughter and whether to HS or not. My child is highly intelligent and like her mother gets bored very easily when she isn’t challenged. She has interests in many things, but most of these interests aren’t covered in her PS curriculum, but are definitely shared with her friends. It is my opinion that success in either setting depends largely on the personality of the child. PS’s offer my child many educational opportunities that I cannot begin to give her at home such as learning Japanese as a THIRD language (she has already learned French in public schools). Also, she has decided that she is going to go to an Art school for her college education. The PS she currently attends offers a wide variety of art classes that cover everything from drawing to working with clay and tactile mediums to glass work. This is something I cannot give her if she were HS. I know there are programs out there for such things if she were HS, but again, I cannot give them to her. We are fortunate that her high school will tailor her curriculum towards art for her. I applaud the parents that are able to give their children a well rounded life experience and education through HS, but as I said, the child’s personality should be the biggest factor in deciding to undertake such a huge task. I love that she is able to get a good education while in a PS setting. Because of this, I am able to put a bigger focus on teaching her what PS does not AND expand on what they do at the same time. As parents, we will always be not only our children’s very first teacher, but their only consistent teacher throughout their lives! GOOD parents NEVER stop teaching their children, no matter the setting.
What a great discussion this is!
I truly hope that everyone understands that I was in no way trying to attack or pass judgement on anyone for their decision to homeschool, and as I wrote in the post, I have absolutely nothing against homeschooling. I agree with some of the commenters that homeschooling is a very personal decision that is based on the children (their needs, their personalities, their motivation) and the parents (their needs, their personalites, and most definitely, their motivation and willingness to devote themselves to homeschooling). And after weighing these factors as they relate to my own family, I have come to the conclusion that homeschooling isn't a good fit for us. That's not to say it's not a good fit for others because I know how well it does work for others. In the end, it's really all about our kids and the best education for them.
I am with you all the way! At this time with two in High School and one in 1st grade I am just getting back into the work force after having been home for 15 years as a SAHM. We have talked about what we might do when our little one is in his last couple of years of high school and we want to really travel the world (after dh's second retirement) and this may be an option, but for now there is now way I would do it.
I don't understand these type of blog post as well. Why x person doesn't home school. Are you going to make a post as to why you don't do private school? Why is home schooling such a big deal. Yes, it is a personal decision, Yes, it is taking on a big responsibility. But so is having a baby to begin with or buy a home or licking your cat (I heard there is a show called Extreme Addictions or something like that). We don't have post lurking around the why I won't buy a house. Why I won't lick my cat. Why do you feel it is even necessary to state the reasons why you will not home school your children. They are not many post of us home schoolers stating the reasons why we home school. Those types of post are mostly meant to help those who do find out about the process in how to get started. The laws are different for every state. Just like if you packed up and went to another state to teach, you have to get a new teacher license for many places don't you?
I not saying you don't have the right to this article you do. But I think it would be a better one if you didn't feel the need to defend yourself. Make it more informative, we all have the right to feel the way we do.
Also you almost sound like you a working parent is better than a stay at home one. That isn't fair.
FYI…
I do home school. We were in a horrible school district but now in a ok one. One child chose to go back to public and the other chose to stay home school.
I do not gloat about my home school child. I do not run to my other child's school and say na na I can do your job to. I know you spent a long time and money to get your degree. It isn't a slap in your face for me or anyone else to home school. FYI, I spend a lot of time and money on education as well.
I also don't brag about my public school child or use your mistakes as subtle arguments for bad public good home school.
Just because I have a much smaller class roll doesn't make me better nor worse for it. I do my part in keeping the moral up for teachers, sales clerk, soldiers, GS employees, wives whose husband is deployed. I don't isolate myself the same way you don't, none of us do.
Socialization, please, I am usually in a very populated place with children all around when I get that question.
sorry I meant …her mistakes as subtle arguments…
I love the fact that my identity is being a wife and a mother!!! I have a degree as well but all it means is that I am educated, it doesn't say anything about how much I treasure the gifts of children that God gave me. This is a perfect example of women not respecting other women's choice to be a SAHM. They act like I need some other "identity" to be fulfilled or to be qualified at something. My older children were in public schools and I regret it immensely. Our youngest will never see a public classroom! She will be HS all the way. Socialization argument….it's a joke. My daughter is exposed to all kinds of people and social situations because we make sure she is active and involved in social opportunities. Socialization only becomes an issue when parents are lazy and isolate their children. Your post said "Call me selfish" so I will, you sound very selfish and frankly, you sound insecure since you spend half the post justifying your position.