Reasons for home schooling?

Question

I`ve heard that home schooling was good because it cuts out all art,gym and classes like that.And religious and moral reasons. But where I live it is a growing trend for a mother to pull her kid/kids out of school because their kid/kids are not behaving in school and getting punished by the school if their kid/kids are being bad and unruly on the school bus and are getting suspensions from the bus.There is parents forming together and saying aint no one gonna give my kid detention or suspentions.I hear them say well my kid cussed the teacher but still teacher had no right to raise her voice to my kid.I know this is 2006 but should parents be allowed to home school their kids because they refuse to allow their kids to respect the adult authority?My kids get punished at school then when they get home I punish them.America is only gonna get worst with disrespectful people and hateful people.I guess alot can thank their moms.

Um (The Mom) you said....But please, before you make such statements about those of us who do.........I dont recall making any statements about people who home school.I just stated the reason why people in my neighborhood are home schooling.But I will say it`s not for me.I do know 4 familys who home school.Thats 6 or 7 children.I do know they are home schooled for the wrong reason.I know a adult who was home schooled and he is a fine young smart man but he wishes he went to regular school.My neighbor was home schooled 2nd through 8th grade.Was put in public schools in 9th grade because here mom was not good in math.She dropped out of school and regrets being home school.I know some parents and kids do well with it but for every kid and parent who dont its a shame.

Answer 1

Most people homeschool their children because they want a better environment and better learning for their children. Since parents have a choice of education for their children in the US and Canada and other places--and as free countries that should be so--they do not have to have any specific reason to homeschool their children, just as they don't have to have a specific reason to send their children to public or private school. What you describe is an unfortunate trend where you live. I've been in contact with, oh my, probably at least 100, could even be 200-300 or more homeschooling families--either in person or online--and none have pulled their children from school for things like you describe. I do know one mother who pulled her child from school because the punishments were actually abusive--a claustrophic child being locked in an old broom closet for half the day--but other than that, when the kids are pulled, it's usually because of academic reasons--the kids are either struggling because they're not getting the attention they need or they're bored and not being challenged enough.

As for Mr. Z's comment:

"Home schooling parents are probably the most conceited, self-centered, parents that I have ever known, and I have taught for over 30 years in the public schools. Yet they will claim I am stupid and know nothing about teaching kids. Well, excuse me for the thousands of kids I have helped grow up and mature and also educate. "

Except for in this forum, he has never indicated actually knowing any homeschooling parents. As a regular in this forum, I have never seen a single homeschooling parent here claim that he is stupid and knows nothing about teaching kids. Our decision to homeschool is not because we don't think that public school teachers in general can't teach and nobody has said that, afaik. He is one of many who get very defensive because they think our choice to homeschool is necessarily an attack on them. It's not. The system, perhaps. Individual teachers here and there, perhaps. The social atmosphere at school, definitely. But not teachers as a whole.

Again, I invite Douglas (aka Mr. Z) to actually spend time with homeschooling groups in his area. Find out what the kids are studying, their schedules, see the things they do together and how the kids behave. Keeping in mind that there do seem to be regional differences in terms of specific homeschooling trends. Essentially, I invite him to be the scientist he taught his students to be and to observe and study the children and families in question, rather than starting with a preconceived theory and grasping at straws to prove it.

Answer 2

There are numerous reasons for homeschooling children, it is the parents perogative to do so if they wish. If the parents are removing disruptive, unruly children from school, they will be the ones who have to deal with the children. It might actually be a good thing, if you think about it. At least those rude, disrespectful children won't be disrupting class for your children.
As a matter of fact, all of the states require art, gym, music, and all the other classes be taught homeschooled children. Most homeschooled children actually recieve more instruction in those areas than public or privately schooled children. They are more closely supervised by their parents, so their behavior tends to be better as well. I daresay the largest proportion of foul language and poor manners you see displayed today come from people who are products of the public and private school sytems. The parents of those rude children you are objecting to were not likely homeschooled either.
Homeschooling is not the easy route you think. The parents pulling their children out for the reasons you describe will soon discover just how demanding it can be, and if they are not willing or able to deal with the discipline problems, you will notice they return those children to the school system very quickly. Either the children will return with a better sense of discipline, to everyone's benefit, or the parents will acquire a little more appreciation for the school rules. Either way, everyone will benefit.
If you choose not to homeschool your children, that is fine. You make the decisions based on what you feel is best for the education of your child. But please, before you make such statements about those of us who do, and our children, get to know a few homeschooling families. Get familiar with who we are and what we do. It might enlighten you and your opinions. If you happen to discover a group of polite and well mannered children, you can also thank their moms and dads.

Answer 3

Well, I don't know of anyone off the top of my head, but I just want to say that home schooling is wonderful. I know many homeschoolers, they are hard workers, have high self confidence levels, are very smart, friendly and all around great people. There are many benefits to homeschooling. I know from personal experience that it is much easier to concentrate and stay focused. You aren't worrying about what happened at lunch today or what those jerks said to you. It is just easier all around and it is very relaxing. "But what about a diploma? And I don't think I could deal with teaching my kid all day." (That one drives me crazy!) There are many great programs out there, I am currently using Penn Foster, it is a GREAT high school curriculum and it is also nationally and regionally accredited. It is also VERY independent, so the student will learn how to stay on track and plan there schedules on there own. Many states offer graduation ceremonies for homeschoolers so you can still walk and physically receive your diploma. "And prom?" No worries! The are also homeschool proms out there! "But how do you make any friends?" Believe me, that will be the question that everyone asks. You can make friends, but you have to try. You can't expect people to find you. There are tons of homeschooling groups out there that have field trips and fun activities. Also, just because you are homeschooled does not mean that you have to separate yourself from the outside world. Make sure you are involved in extra-ciricular activities:) Many colleges also tend to "treasure" and favor homeschoolers due to their hard working attitudes:) Employers like homeschoolers because they are often well spoken and try their hardest. They can also be more flexible when it comes to hours because you can work during the day and make up the school in the evening if needed. I truly hope that this will help you and your parents in your decision! Good luck with everything!

Answer 4

You're right about some people doing that! I don't like it either. But, still, yes, they do have the right to home-school and it will be to their children's downfall if they don't rise above the bad behavior. Children deserve to be trained right. They deserve the chance to do well. They need the opportunity to become good citizens and neighbors.

You will find hundreds and even thousands of really good homeschools for every one of the kind that you mention.

I home school my children. But not to teach them to be disrespectful. They have never been in a classroom or on a bus. And they do learn about authority and manners. They would lose many privileges if they EVER talked to any adult in the manner you describe. They have contact with many adults in life and have never given anyone any trouble.

I wonder who it is that spreads rumors about homeschoolers!
We have friends that are graduates of homeschooling that are big-time gym people. These guys are twins and they are body-builders -- very muscular and good looking. Others are into art -- they draw, paint, sculpt, etc.... most of them have learned it at home -- we don't dismiss the fun stuff! AND we have tons of music. There is a huge choir and band in our area made up of all home schoolers. They play pianos, violins, trumpets, drums, etc... every instrument you can think of is played by someone in homeschooling. My son is into woodworking -- he builds great projects -- he just made an awesome game table in only 2 days time. It is very well done. He taught himself how to make it -- he hates to use plans and patterns because he changes them anyway to make them better.

Answer 5

This entire homeschooling fad has gotten out of hand, mainly produced by mass hysteria from overprotective mothers. They go by what they read in the papers, or what their kids tell them; neither of which is a good source for info about the total school setting.
Most home schooling is done for religious reasons. It wasn't always this way at all. 15 years ago, this was totally illegal, unless the parent was a certified teacher. But the Pandora's box has opened now. Prior to about 1990, only the Amish people were legally allowed to keep their kids out of some school, private or public. But now almost everyone can.

These parents are doing a GREAT injustice to their own kids; by depriving them of a normal childhood. These kids tend to grow up over sheltered, and have no idea how to deal with negative people in their own lives when they become adults. And that's a tragedy. They also have relatively few friends, have no idea how other kids act, both good and bad, and are totally uunprepared for the "real" work world. In short, the parents are hurting their kids VERY BADLY, but you will find they will DEFEND TO THE DEATH that they are RIGHT! And this is very sad. I feel sorry for these kids. And I am angry with any parent who does this.

Home schooling parents are probably the most conceited, self-centered, parents that I have ever known, and I have taught for over 30 years in the public schools. Yet they will claim I am stupid and know nothing about teaching kids. Well, excuse me for the thousands of kids I have helped grow up and mature and also educate.

I am sick of this nonsense. Send the kids to school where they belong!!!