Anyone else feel like they got screwed? What to do?

Question

I've been home schooled my whole life, and am extremely sick of it by now. I'm a senior, so I only have to finish one more year, but I feel so screwed. My parents are all against the public school system, so it was not my choice to be in here. It sucks. I have almost zero friends outside of the family, and I'm pretty much counting down the days till I can get out of here. I know I should make the best of the time, but doing what? It's hard to have any drive to do things alone. Not only that but I automatically get that snob stereotype from being homeschooled. Getting a job before I graduate is so frowned on it's insane. My parents are die-hard Christians, but they're so against going to church. So the three biggest social activities are knocked out right there: school, church, and work. Anyone have any advice on what to do? I thought about sneaking out at night, but that's way to hard/risky, and I don't even know what I'd do then anyway. This just sucks. Any ideas? Thanks

Yeah, chat rooms are outlawed, and myspace is unofficially.

drea6996 I'm not worried about being a social failure. I've got high self-esteem, and can carry a conversation decently(not to sound cocky), it's just a matter of finding someone to carry a conversation with.

Answer 1

It's good you know that your situation is being limited by choices that your parents make for you, for the next year or so.

You can see a definitite end in sight, and know when you are older, and out on your own, you'll be freer in your interactions.

But for now, the best way to get through the next year is to have a some certain goals, and try to come up with a way to present the info to your parents so it seems as though it is mainly for your moral good, or educational good (even though the main priority will be your social and emotional well-being!).

Not going to church, is, as you have mentioned, a big negative. But are there group events they would allow you to attend? Many churches here have weekly meetings for your age group, that wouldn't require you to go on the weekends. I know this one is lame, but you have to feel out any options available.

Have you considered trying for college early? there is a couple of ways to go about it:
1. you can just take a few supplemental courses for your senior year. This is where you point out to your parents that it will strengthen your transcript and make you look like a stronger student, for when you apply for your regular college. This is usually done at a local community college. you'll be out and about with folks for the classes you do take and opportunities before and after to meet and talk with folks in one of the areas on campus people hang out, (eating hall, entertainment areas, the steps in front of a bulding, library).

2.See if you can go for your GED early. try one of the study guides you can purchase at a bookstore to see if you are ready. If you feel you are strong enough to pass, then try talking to your parents about foregoing your senior year, taking the GED, and going straight to college. Even if you end up attending a college as a day student there are plenty of social opportunities between classes. (Lots more people to be around and make friends with now!)

One option is to ask if you can spend some of your time in sports activities. (Point out, this will help your transcripts look more rounded.) Rather than seasonal, such as ball or swim team, try for something that is weekly and year-round. Karate or tai kwon do perhaps. There are many different things to choose from in the private sector and there is bound to be something your parents would approve of. It would be one time a week you can be around other people of different ages and socialize without the omni-present family factor.

The other good news is that home schooling is becoming more prevalent and less people are getting all "Oh, you're homeschooled." attitude. There are also growing groups of people in all areas who are homeschooling and they are creating associations and organizations.

Perhaps you could do some research to find out what home school associations are in your area and try to get your parents to check out joining one or more of them? The groups are there for homeschoolers to be able to get around other people their age, go on cool trips together (It can be a lot more fun in a group sometime.), and even have some of the classes taught by a different parent, if it is allowed in your state.

I think the selling point to your parents might be : this is your last year and not only would they be giving you a bit of opportunity try something a little different, but THEY can SHARE their own wisdom and experience with others in the group. you would have to be careful how you phrase it, or it sounds way too contrived, but at the same time - everyone likes to be told they know something others need to know and should share it. You can feel out the best way to pitch the idea, before you just blurt it out. It might even be good to just let out a little at a time, to let them think about the different aspects of it.

I think you are probably going to turn out fine in the long run, but do have a hard year ahead, so hang in there.

Answer 2

I'm sorry that you are having such a bad experience as a homeschooler. This is NOT the way it is for most homeschoolers!!! My advice to you is to talk to your parents about it. My guess would be that they don't realize what is going on. They probably think they are doing what is best for you. Ask them if you can go to church. Just because they don't want to be in a church doesn't mean they won't let you go to one they approve of. Finding an afterschool job should not be too hard for you since you probably are finished with your school work by noon. Many employers like hiring homeschoolers because they tend to have good work ethics. Please, please be careful of the advice you "listen to" on Yahoo answers. Most people who respond have no business responding to a question about homeschooling because they are totally ignorant about it. I know this sounds harsh, but they don't know you and certainly don't care if they ruin your relationship with your parents or your life as far as that goes. Find a good yahoo group for homeschooling teens where you can meet people who can give you good advice. Blessings, P~

Answer 3

There may be homeschooling groups near where you live. Try to find one and hook up with some other homeschoolers. It sounds like your parents are over protective. Unfortunately there isn't much you can do about it until you graduate. When you go to college, choose a college that is out of commuting distance of your parents home. This will mean that you have to live on campus and out of your parents control. You will be free to socialize as you see fit.

Answer 4

It sounds like your parents have some serious problems with the world around them. You however have managed to become an educated, well spoken young man who is eager, not afraid, toe explore the world beyond your front door. Good for you. I also admire the fact that you are unwilling to take the risk of sneaking out .

Since your parents have very clear ideas of what is and isn't allowed and the control to enforce them, you may just have to stick it out best you can until you are old enough to move out or move on to college. Use the message boards here...there are lots of people here who love to ask and answer back and forth. Keep yourself busy and focused on the goal ahead and start planning for what you want to do once HS is done. Good luck

Answer 5

Will they let you volunteer somewhere? Or take some sort of lessons, like swimming or something else? If they really won't let you do things out of the house, what kinds of interests do you have?

It's a shame your parents have been so extreme with their approach to homeschooling. Most homeschooling parents aren't that restrictive. Hopefully you'll manage this last year and be able to move onto something less stifling.

Answer 6

Just grin and bear it until you graduate, then get the hell out of there. Get a job and a place of your own. Go to college and start going to church. Your parents love you very much and just seem to be over protective. Please don't hold it against them. But you can live your own life once you graduate. I home school, but my kids have access to other home schooled kids that we do group activities with. We also go to church and they have ballet and karate classes. Public schools are to dangerous. Have you heard of the recent shooting that happened just today. Not to mention teachers taking advantage of their young students. Just love your parents, respect their decision and once you graduate, they won't be making any more decisions for you. Good luck and God Bless!

Answer 7

Unfortunately he can return to courtroom and feature a few of it modified. Also he would simply transfer out of state, if he movements out of state then he does now not have got to pay baby aid for six months. After that he can simply get a coins simplest task and unluckily you and the little on would possibly not get a dime. That's how a few guys paintings, what you must do is attempt to get a courtroom order pointing out that he have to pay you instantly, if you do not and so they garnish his wages he would possibly not particularly get in predicament if he fails to pay considering the fact that he works an "below the counter task" Another factor, for those who ever wish to have a good courting together with your ex you then must transfer on, there are larger guys available in the market and your son demands a constructive position mannequin, being completely satisfied that your ex did not want so good in courtroom simply isolates your baby from his father and makes you seem kinda, good grasping. That's one other factor eighty three$ per week? you're completely satisfied approximately eighty three$ per week? I do not know your problem all that good however $eighty three are not able to even pay for my youngsters groceries. I positioned approximately $eighty per week in my fuel tank by myself. You must observe that obtaining a role maybe some thing you must do.

Answer 8

I suggest searching for colleges online and scholarships for students who were home-schooled... it will at least give you hope about your future. Plus, you can request info from lots of colleges and you will have plenty to read!! I am sorry that you are having to deal with this. I do think that you are lucky that you got homeschooled... but I guess the grass is always greener on the other side... You can also go to a penpal site and find a penpal in another country... I did that in high school... um... read... listen to music.... Just plan your escape... and message me if you get really bored :-)

Answer 9

OMG, you poor thing, it sounds like your in prison! I would fight like hell to get a job... if you get that you'll make friends and you'll have some money for when you do move out. If that doesn't go over well, try talking to some of your family members that are friends, maybe you could move in with a cousin, or aunt for now? But most of all, leave as soon as you turn 18. Senior or not, you can enroll in your high school even if it's only for the last semester, meet people, go to prom etc... and get an apt. if you have too. sorry to hear about this.

Answer 10

Your parents sound horrible. Is there a YMCA anywhere near you? That would be a good option if your parents will allow it.

Also: die-hard Christians go to church. (I'm not a die-hard Christian.)