Why do you home school?

[mello]

I disagree, for the record. I don't think that a second grade kid needs the experience of a "stupid rules, incompetent colleagues, and unreasonable demands". I think that they need consistency, competent role models, and reasonable demands. Why on earth shouldn't that be the expectation or at least the goal. It is like saying that a kid needs to learn to deal with bullies at 7 so they can survive the work world.

Life has frustrations, disagreements, and unfair qualities, whether you are in a small familial group or in a large peer based group. Best friends still let you down, pets still die, siblings still get privileges one doesn't believe they should. Being in an environment where you are encouraged to grow and learn from these difficulties is a positive thing, IMO. Maturity needs to be reached to be able to handle the problems of this world. Not just practice.

I think there are different "schools" of thought on the issue of "stupid rules, incompetent colleagues and unreasonable demands". One is that we learn to deal with this kind of stuff by dealing with this kind of stuff (I believe many public school proponents would fall into this category). Another is that we deal with this kind of stuff better once we're mature and emotionally secure enough to deal effectively with it (I believe many homeschool proponents would fall into this category). The one that I don't hear mentioned often though, is that this kind of stuff is not right, and nobody, child or adult should have to deal with it. I continually wonder why people put up with/feel others should put up with stupid rules, incompetence, and bullying types of behavior in the school or the workplace? None of those things do anything at all to better our society, so why do we just accept them??? It makes no sense.

 

[bord1niowa]

The first factor that moved us to home schooling was the teacher trying to force my left-handed daughter to write with her right hand, even though she agreed her penmanship was beautiful, just not acceptable. The second and biggest thing was when the principal got up in front of a room full of parents and said they are teaching our kids to not listen to us, nor do what we say or do. I am sorry but rule number one is my children will listen, learn and respect what their elders have to say. It's called respect. When my child's school tells them not to respect me as their parent.....uggghhhhh! Now I know what's wrong in America, if this is what's being taught!

 

[mello]

I'm just wondering for those of your that are homeschooling because you don't like the sterile environment of traditional school or the idea of your child chained to a desk all day have you actually visited your local public school and seen their program ?

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Yes. I worked in our school district and my older two boys each went to school for 2 years.

 

[islandmum]

I'm fascinated by homeschoolers. The UK doesnt have anything really like that so its interesting to hear you in the US have homeschool groups and meets etcc..

we actually left the UK and emigrated because 1 of the top reasons was schooling for our boys. The schools I want them to go to in the UK are private and we couldnt afford them so going abroad dh earns alot more and the school system here is fantastic, safe and very respectful of teachers and pupils ... something the UK seems to be getting wrong more and more.

I never considered homeschooling as I would just be terrible at it and I want them to be part of the school environment and structure - as long as its good for them.

Its also good to get some independance from mum and dad for my boys!

respect to all homeschooling parents, its a tough and hugely underappreciated job!

 

[mom2rb]

There are so many reasons that I home school.

1. When I went to put the boys in kindergarten they were going to seperate them.
2. I was working from 4-8:30 every night, I had planned on quiting when the boys went to school. I was able to keep working and see my kids.
3. I hate the way everything is about the test.






As the boys have gotten older we have new reasons.

4. One son is a gymnast, he trains 12 hours a week. The other is training at Houston Ballet and is in a Black Belt training program for Kung Fu.
5. Traveling is so hard to figure out with their sports, it in nice to not have to work around school also.
6. They get time to be a kid. Very few of their public school friends can come over and play. Everyone is so busy with all of their after school activities that it leaves very little free time.
7. I love it. When I first started I thought this will just be until I figure out something better. Well we are on our fifth year and I don't know if we will ever stop.

 

[CEDmom]

I'm a product of our local public school, as is my dh. I'm quite certain the program is nowhere near an unschooling environment.

I have no idea what this even means . This is just my opinion but a lot of life is boring and mundane and the quicker kids find ways to cope and persevere the better off they'll be. Every day can't be a trip to WDW .

 

[Nikel]

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20923156&postcount=24

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20923318&postcount=26

Our life contains plenty of boring and mundane. The whole point is that they're experiencing real life, complete with all the not so fun stuff, just like I do. We're not always playing and partying and doing whatever they want to do.

 

[Princess_Michelle]

I have no idea what this even means . This is just my opinion but a lot of life is boring and mundane and the quicker kids find ways to cope and persevere the better off they'll be. Every day can't be a trip to WDW

Life doesn't have to be boring and mundane. Now, you can settle for the normal everyday life that society expects of you, and live to work, instead of working to live. Just b/c something is normal doesn't mean it's good.... I realize that there will be days when it's storming outside and mommy is busy and my kids get bored. But, hopefully, they will use that boredom to go find something constructive to do, like read a book or build something. IMHO, that is a lot different than being bored 5 days a week b/c they are sitting in a desk being spoonfed random facts for hours. Even if they do have an hour or two of "fun time" mixed in. They also don't have to grow up to have boring and mundane jobs. I'm sorry, but I don't believe that people should just put up with boring and mundane b/c "that's just the way it is." You only have one life, and it is what you make it........

 

[mickeylove2]

I don't HS, so I didn't vote, but I would like to say that I would LOVE to be able to HS my kids, so kuddos to all of you who do!!!

 

[graygables]

Life doesn't have to be boring and mundane. Now, you can settle for the normal everyday life that society expects of you, and live to work, instead of working to live. Just b/c something is normal doesn't mean it's good.... I realize that there will be days when it's storming outside and mommy is busy and my kids get bored. But, hopefully, they will use that boredom to go find something constructive to do, like read a book or build something. IMHO, that is a lot different than being bored 5 days a week b/c they are sitting in a desk being spoonfed random facts for hours. Even if they do have an hour or two of "fun time" mixed in. They also don't have to grow up to have boring and mundane jobs. I'm sorry, but I don't believe that people should just put up with boring and mundane b/c "that's just the way it is." You only have one life, and it is what you make it........

 

[dimimi]

I do not home school, and I am a PS teacher in a great distict. From what I know, homeschooled kids to very well on our state testing...typically better than kids in traditional school. Our community has a lot to offer home schooled kids. I think it is a lot different than it used to be a long time ago...the kids have plenty of opportunity to be with other kids.

 

[disneynutt1225]

I'm intrigued by the idea of homeschooling (though kids are merely a twinkle in my eye at this time). My question is, for those of you who homeschool, do you work outside of the home? A 9-5 job?

I don't think my husband and I will ever be at a point where I won't have to work, so this is obviously a deciding factor for me. Is it possible to work a "normal hours" job while homeschooling? If so, where are your children during the day? I'm not trying to be ignorant, I genuinely want to know.

 

[dsanner106]

I started homeschooling my kids because I happen to live in the lowest rated county, in the lowest ranked state in the US, so basically, the worst school system in the country. My kids are bright, but the schools were dumbed down to the point they were learning practically nothing and faced violence etc in the school. A great decision, my oldest is a freshman at a major university this semester, and my other two are doing really well.

Drew

 

[SeeDisney]

disneynutt1255 --- though I only HS one child, my third, I'm a SAHM, I know and met dozens and dozens and dozens HS's families and never came across any that the mother works outside of a 9-5.

I'm very grateful that I'm a SAHM.

 

[graygables]

I'm intrigued by the idea of homeschooling (though kids are merely a twinkle in my eye at this time). My question is, for those of you who homeschool, do you work outside of the home? A 9-5 job?

I don't think my husband and I will ever be at a point where I won't have to work, so this is obviously a deciding factor for me. Is it possible to work a "normal hours" job while homeschooling? If so, where are your children during the day? I'm not trying to be ignorant, I genuinely want to know.

DH and I are both self-employed. His job is more "normal" than mine, my hours are VERY flexible with show/convention schedules being my only defining factors. I'm also fortunate to have my in-laws right next door, so they can pick up any random overlaps DH and I have.

I've known families and single moms who work/homeschool. If possible, they try to arrange shifts to cover one another, if not, they often hire a sitter or tutor or leave the kids with family/friends.

 

[cemsanchez]

We homeschool due to the fact that I just don't agree with the public school system. I feel they focus way too much on standardized testing. Private school costs way too much. We want a christian based eduacation.

I have a question...why do people always ask about socializing or socialization for homeschoolers when public schools frown upon socializing during school hours? You are not allowed to talk unless spoken to during class....and no standing around in the halls, you need to get to class.

Homeschoolers do not have to spend 6 hours doing school work in the same room day after day. They have many opportunities to venture out and experience life first hand. I was just wondering why people always assume that homeschoolers are not the norm when homeschooling has been around since the dawn of time. And you would also be surprised about how many people homeschool and you don't know it and they fit in right along with everyone else.

 

[lori1043]

I work very part time. It was NOT in our plans!! We were always going to be the 2 income , send your kids to the best private school's type couple. Life, babies, etc changed all that. We give up a lot for me to be home with the kids. I work most weekends and most Fridays, but not all-about one of each off per month. It is definitely not the life WE planned, but the life God planned-and it is much more fulfilling than I could ever imagine.
Maybe your priorities and place in life will change and you and DH will have the ability to keep you home once you have kids. i'd love to be all the way at home, but we are still paying for past challenges and mistakes and school loans and DH's salary doesn't quite cover it all-YET!!! have hope!!

Lori

 

[Planogirl]

I just want to say that I admire those of you that HS and see absolutely nothing wrong with it for most people. I would never do it and luckily everything is fine for us but to those of you who chose that route, kudos to you!

 

[lori1043]

I just want to say that I admire those of you that HS and see absolutely nothing wrong with it for most people. I would never do it and luckily everything is fine for us but to those of you who chose that route, kudos to you!

I saw your screen name and got warm fuzzies !! My dd9 was born in Plano at Medical Center of Plano(used to be a Columbia hospital). We loved living there for the short time we did(2 years), but wanted to get back home to family. We lived on Alma,(??) at the exit right north of Spring Creek. We escaped to Arlington for Katrina and went to visit our old places we used to go to. Collin creek mall, the skate rink for "Stroller Derby" by Target. And Boston Market, which is one place we really miss. Oh and Jason's Deli-the closest to us is in Baton Rouge-an hour away!! That was the first place I ate -there with my cousin , who s a Dallas P::cop. Great times, we had-the year before we had kids and the year I got out of school and started making "real" money!!!

Lori

 

[Aidensmom]

I don't homeschool, because DH and I both work outside the home, he works 40 hours a week, I work at least that much on a good week, but these are the reasons we would homeschool if we could:

1. Too much focus on teaching to the test
2. Too little focus on each child's learning style
3. The lack of time for physical education and just plain old play
4. Not enough time to socialize, get to know classmates, or even talk at lunch!
5. Bad influences from some other kids behavioralwise
6. Not sure either of us have the patience to actually homeschool.

We are seriously considering at least pulling our child from public school and placing him in private. If I could try homeschooling, I probably would, but that would mean way too many sacrifices, like having electricity , so that is out of the question right now.