Do you homeschool your children?

Question

How old are they? Do they like it? Do you like it?

Answer 1

Yes, I homeschool my kids. They are 6 and 9. We all like it. My 6yo declared the other day while watching a movie with kids in school that he didn't want to go to school. I took that to mean he's very happy being at home doing school stuff with me. I ask my dd now and then if she would prefer to go to school and she has absolutely no interest.

People who say negative things about homeschooling, like the socialization, don't know what the he** they're talking about. We get out at least once a week with other homeschoolers, in addition to our own chosen outings around the city, and are involved in various activities with homeschoolers and just the general public. Our homeschooling get togethers always show me how much better behaved most homeschooling kids are compared to most public schooled kids, here anyhow. The homeschooled kids are much more social and interested in doing things with people they've only just met. They don't care about ages or grades or anything like that.

My kids have made friends, so they obviously know how to make friends, there are problems between them or kids they're playing with, so many different social interactions, all of the supervised, which means they get the coaching they need when they need it.

Studies show that homeschooled kids are, on average, more mature than schooled kids and homeschooled adults do not suffer social problems any more than the average for public schooled kids. People should really do some research before touting around their opinion as though it were fact. Plus, face it, some parents are homeschooling their kids because they don't fit into public school and never will, so they're not 'weird' because they homeschooled, they homeschooled because they were 'weird'.

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Clarification:

My son was watching a movie with his cousins, whom he sees regularly, and the kids in school were the ones in the movie. Not sure if that was made clear. There has been a lot of talk about going back to school and one nephew starting school and my son, upon see the school scene in the movie, declared he didn't want to go to school. He is regularly around a lot of kids and has no problem being with other kids and has a couple of special friends.

I'll add to the person who wrote that homeschooled kids are more immature, studies say the exact OPPOSITE. For the most part, they are better able to deal with the crap later on, without having grown up with it being in their face every day and thinking it's normal and acceptable, than public schooled kids.

Answer 2

Yes, I homeschool 3 of my 4 children. The 4th is only a baby!! They have been exclusively homeschooled, they love it and so do I. They are a daughter 12, a son 9 and a son 8. They are doing extremely well in their home schooling. They are all at least 2 grades ahead of their public school counterparts. I have them do math for 2 hours everyday, they write for 1 hour everyday and then they read for 2 hours everyday. We have school 40 weeks out of the year, we never take off the whole summer and never away from our books for longer than 2 weeks. Homeschooling is a great way of life, you can learn at an excellerated pace or slow down whenever something gets hard. You can take a "snow day" even if there's no snow. Field Trips are awesome experiences and great family fun.

Answer 3

I am thinking of homeschooling my twin boys who are 12yrs old. My sister homeschooled her kids (one of which was ADHD) and I know several people who homeschool their kids as well. They have all done fine and enjoyed the experience (kids and parents alike). So I just want to say, don't listen to these people who say that kids who are homeschooled are immature and lacking in social skills because it isn't true. These people apparently have no real experience with homeschooling because they don't have a clue as to what they are talking about.

The only time homeschooled kids turn out that way is when the parent(s) don't really teach their kids or help them learn. Kids need to be guided to the information and taught that learning can be fun as well as educational. They also have to be taken out into social environments to learn to be social. So long as you meet the needs of what the child needs to learn and grow, then there is nothing wrong with homeschooling. Just do your research and visit with other people who homeschool. You will be amazed at how well mannered, smart, friendly, and knowledgeable these kids are. You will also see how much these kids are ready to deal with the "real world." Much more so than other kids their age. Besides, if you really look into it, public schools are actually teaching our kids less than what we learned at their age and I find that to be rather frightening.

And one more thing, there are lots of homeschooling groups out there that can help you out for info and with getting started. Some are church related and some are not, that way you can choose what works best for you and your child.

Answer 4

Yes, sort of. My boys age 13, 14 are in University model school. The go to school Mon-Wed-Fri and homeschool on Tuesday and Thursday. We use the schools curriculum and they are responsible for there own work. They have been exclusively homeschooled and public schooled and I find this the best way. They have the oppurtunity to meet different people but they are focusing on learning and not obsessing whats IN or OUT. My 13 year old is a genius and my 14 year old tested in the top students in the country in Science and Math.

Answer 5

Yes, I homeschool our daughter. She is going to be in high school this fall and has been homeschooled pretty much since kindergarten. We have tried public schools several times but due to health issues have to take her out. She has been tested for placement on different occasions. The last was in the 6th grade and then she placed between 9th and 12th grade.

It is not always the easiest thing to do. It's a lot of work but has great rewards. I enjoy homeschooling with a group. Many school districts now have homeschooling/independent study programs.

I love the flexibility of my schedule. We can go do things when ever we want and school when the time is the best for my daughter's learning style.

Many people are concerned with socialization issues. But, consider that you take kids out to stores, libraries, volunteer programs, church. There are plenty of opportunities for socialization if you look for them. My daughter is very out going and has been able to work in a vet's office and a large zoo as well as two wildlife rehabilitation organizations.

It's a big choice and huge commitment. Good luck with your decision.

Answer 6

Yes. My children are 23, 20, 17 and 15. We have home-schooled from the beginning.

Yes, they like it. At least they say they do. My 23 yr son has 3 children and insists that they WILL be educated at home. This is the son that hated to study?????!!!!!! My 20 yr daughter is in college and recently heard a group discussing the "cons" of homeschooling. She and her friend (also homeschooled) looked at each other and laughed! They proceeded to tell the others all of the "pros" about homeschooling. It was cute --- many in the group didn't even KNOW that these girls were homeschooled -- the group included teachers, parents and older teens. I LOVE IT!!!! My 17 yr daughter works at a Christian camp all summer. She often hears things that are negative about homeschooling -- these things are not even true and she often brings up the point that she is homeschooled much to their surprise. The others are getting quite an education through her. My 15 yr son loves homeschool ---- he has more activities and friends than we can keep up with.....AND he gets all of his studies done during the day without fail.

Misconceptions abound out there in the "real world". Many homeschoolers tend to stay very quiet and keep to themselves--- this is because of the negative "press" that comes from those that are ignorant to the facts.

We have only a few short years to work with our children before they are grown and done with homeschool. We really don't have time to deal with most of the anti-homeschool sentiment that is thrown at us from the public sector. Others have been trail-blazers over many years and have worked in the front-lines of legislation to make our path of education more streamlined.

Home-schooling is a very excellent option for children. It is not a threat to their social skills. Nor is it a threat to the government institution schools. Home-schooling is good. It produces children that can think for themselves. It gives them confidence to go into the work-force and/or college with skill.

My sister raised one child -- sending her to public schools. This child is choosing to home-school her 3 children. My sis' told me a couple of days ago that she has heard negative remarks from others about home-schooling --- it was good to hear her say, "I tell them all that I have 4 of the smartest nieces and nephews in the world... and they were all home-schooled! They are well adjusted and don't have any of the problems that you seem to think they might have."

I LOVE homeschooling!!!!

I'm semi-sad that my children are growing older.... I don't want homeschooling to stop in my house. I'm considering opening up my home as a tutor and homeschool support place for parents that need a "booster shot". I'd love to tutor the parents about how to homeschool!

We use the Robinson Curriculum. It's been our base academic program for 7-8 years.

Barb

Answer 7

My son was homeschooled throughout his middle school years - a choice that was right for him. He thrived academically, was able to arrange his schedule to participate in many activities (including several that he would not have had the opportunity to enjoy had he followed a traditional school schedule), and kept a very busy social calendar. He also was extremely healthy - no colds!!! He LOVED being a homeschooled student!!!
Before setting out on this path, we did a lot of research and soul-searching. Our whole family was involved, since the entire family is affected. We actually made a pro/con chart. For my son, he loved the freedom to tailor his schedule, participate in many sports and activities, and to eliminate the "busywork" of traditional schools. He did not like (and still does not like) to write papers and essays, although he is very capable of this. We required that he create a portfolio to document his learning - and this meant he had to write!!! Before we began homeschooling, my son was well aware that this would be a requirement, and he was willing to put up with it to be homeschooled - his choice!
For me, the primary educator, homeschooling meant some adjustments. The first few weeks, I thought I had to be in attendance at all times - impacting my daily chores. This was not necessary, and not even beneficial. A middle school student both wants and needs to have some ownership here. We would discuss what topics needed to be covered weekly, how they would be specifically addressed and then my son decided the schedule of when each item would be accomplished in that week. I was able to run errands when he was working on certain tasks - although I was always present for the science experiments! :)
We wanted my son to have the high school experiences such as prom, varsity sports, etc. and since at the high school level, our public school system is academically sound, when 9th grade rolled around, we enrolled him in high school - a choice that he was also involved in making. There was absolutely no adjustment problem to the social or academic life of high school - the only adjustment issue was the fact that my son missed his freedom to tailor his schedule to his needs! He also comments that he was able to learn more in less time homeschooling.
In summary, we experienced only great benefits - my son learned to research independently, budget his time effectively, write well, and study. Our family enjoys each others' company, and this remained the case during our homeschooling years.
I would comment that if the middle or high school student is not motivated to be homeschooled, this choice would probably not be a pleasant or a successful one. It would be wise to remember that obtaining a quality education is not an option - but the route to that end is, and the best route will vary for each child.

Answer 8

No I do not. I have three kids one who has ADD. He would have been better off homeschooled because he would not have been drawn to the "kids with problems" or "left out" kids so much. He is a good kid, but I also think teachers should be taught about learning behaviors hello school is for learning! My other two kids are normal learners and I think they thrive in public school. My youngest goes to a "five star" (exceptional) grade school and she is more articulate than other kids in other schools. My other daughter will join junior high and if we homeschooled her she would not have been able to thrive in soccer, Volleyball, etc. on a real school team. Team is the chosen word.

I think homeschools are good when needed, but the kids are more imature and not ready for crap in the real world because we all learned who to trust and not to while in public schools. You're whole life is about street smarts.

Answer 9

No. I'm not stupid enough to think my child can turn out well rounded by only being around me, or other people who think like me once a week. The reason people home school there kids is because they feel other parents don't do a good job and want to limit the time their kids are exposed to the real world.
One woman says here kids made a comment when he was around some kids that he did not want to go to regular school. Wow what a shock, a child that has never been around a lot of kids is affraid of being around kids. That's what people mean by saying home-school kids are anti-social. Think of how weird a kid must be to want to be round their parents all the time and don't want to be around normal children. I used normal on purpose.
Home-school parents think they can shield their children from the outside world. What they should be doing is showing their child the world and explaining to them what is and is not acceptable. Instead they keep them ignorant. But at least they have high test scores. A.K.A serial killers.

Answer 10

Our sons have homeschooled since birth - 13.5 years now. We use an unschooling method, which means our children are responsible for developing and pursuing their own interests, and we parents are responsible for having created a home environment that makes them feel secure, confident, and very curious about the world. This method works extremely well and makes for children who can think for themselves and direct themselves. It helps avoid crushing creativity and love of learning.

My kids really pity kids who have to go to school. Our schedule is completely our own. When it's beautiful outside, we're there. When we want to visit family, we're there. Thank goodness, as my precious father died unexpectedly and suddenly in March, while we were visiting him (and everyone else was in school.) My kids had spent many "school" weeks with him in the previous years, and homeschooling made that possibe.

I absolutely love the freedom it gives us, the responsiblity it gives us, the way it allowed our kids, who are 5 years apart in age, to nonetheless really know each other and remain great friends. I love how much time I get to spend with our kids and how bright, creative, enthusiastic, down to earth, non-conforming, non-clique-ish, non-materialistic homeschooling has helped make our kids.

I enthusiatically recommend it.