Did you guys see the doctor Phil Show?

Question

On doctor phil...
they were saying how home schooling is wrong. I'm home schooled and I LOVE IT!!! I've been home schooled since I was born!!! I have a Christian curriculum that is actually a grade ahead. For example: I'm in the 6th grade and the things I'm learning are on a 7th or 8th grade level. I'm VERY WELL SOCIALIZED!!! I'm in SO many activities. In my activities, there are, homeschool, private school, and public school kids. Please tell me if you approve.

AND!!! If you watched the whole show, you would know that it was about Un-Schooling AND Homeschooling.

Answer 1

I didn't see the show, unfortunately--or maybe fortunately. ;) I've heard from other homeschoolers I know that it was frustrating to watch!

I do approve of homeschooling. I certainly don't think every parent should homeschool--far too many parents out there who are wishy washy and not committed to their kids to the level required. You can see this every summer as parents complain about the kids being home all day and looking forward to the kids going back to school.

Fortunately, not all parents are like that, despite what naysayers seem to think--I've become somewhat convinced that many naysayers are against homeschooling because their own parents would have not been good homeschooling parents and they feel that it's best for the kids to be away from their parents. Or perhaps it's just a reflection of how they see themselves as parents. Unfortunately, that means that too many are quick to judge and assume that homeschooling parents don't have what it takes.

I did see something on Dr. Phil's site about the teacher criticizing the socialization. Oh, good grief! Ignorance breeding ignorance, or perhaps prejudism breeding prejudism since she had some comment about it all being with other homeschoolers (which is just ridiculous). But that's a comment based on ignorance, so my first point still stands. :D

Answer 2

Dr. Phil isn't exactly an expert in homeschooling. So don't worry, his opinion is just his.

And another poster was right, his latest show, "The Great Debate", wasn't about homeschooling. It was an attack on radical unschooling. The part he had the most trouble with was the parenting style of radical unschooling.

So, don't let the ole Dr. get you down. If you're happy, and your family is happy, it doesn't matter one stinkin' bit what anyone else thinks, especially a talk show host. Even if every person who answers your question disapproves of your choices, - IT DOESN'T MATTER.

Sorry to yell. Just wanted to make that clear.

Putting a couple Dr. Phil "The Great Debate" links in here for ya.

Answer 3

I was home schooled through my ninth grade year. A lot of my home schooling was self-directed, and the school and even my parents wondered if I'd be able to keep up with school. I've been going to public school a year and a half now and I'm at the top of my class and I have a lot of friends. I have a 4.0 GPA and I owe it all to home schooling. I think you are doing great, and in the words of Robert Kennedy, Dr. Phil "can go suck on a big toe." Keep up the good work!

Answer 4

Actually, the show was more about home-schooling vs. not teaching your children anything and calling it an education. It's great that you're getting an education, but those kids weren't. I hope you're also getting a good science education mixed in with the bible studies - most of the homeschooled religious children I have met know next to nothing about the natural world. It makes it harder to get through science classes in college.

Answer 5

I didn't see it, I did read the transcript online. I agree that the entire episode was a subversive attempt to undermine homeschooling in general. Esp that stupid crap about "I just homeschool my girls because the real world is so dangerous"

The funny thing about socialization...every says it's so important. It's ironic because they were SOCIALIZED to think that...it's the number one thing people learn in school is to follow the status quo and that being like everyone else is the most important thing, find ANY group and do what you can to fit in. Some groups are better than others, etc etc. In addition, they must vehemenantly support the system, or else they give lie to everything they've given up their life and freedom for!

Sounds like you are doing great. I agree with whomever said that you can't listen to other people....you cannot allow yourself to run your life based on other people's view. You are to be of the next world!!! Congratulations on life!

Answer 6

Right now Dr. Phil is the pun of our Home School group :)

I do personally feel that he is more worried about the children that are in home school and not really learning anything than the ones like us that are above average on age/grade appropriate testing and so forth. Home schooling is very rewarding for our family. And my daughter is very well socialized at five years old!

Answer 7

I didn't watch the show, but I will tell you I think homeschooling is the best and most natural way for children to learn. Unfortunately, we live in a time where parents are just too selfish to take the time to teach their own kids.

Many people have been "brainwashed" into thinking public school is the only way kids can learn and fit into civilization. I've come to the conclusion that these kinds of people are just plain ignorant. They think "homeschooled" means sitting at home on the couch seven days a week with only their parents. Our society is starting to learn how great homeschooling is, but we have a long way to go.

Homeschoolers socialize in all different kinds of enviroments, with all different kinds of people, with all different kinds of ages. I know because I teach my own kids at home. I have yet to figure out why people think if kids are locked up most of the day in one room, forced to raise their hands all day if they want to speak, and need permission to relieve their bladder, that they are better socialized than homeschoolers.

Yes, there are a very small minority of homeschoolers who I'm sure aren't being guided as they should be. That's part of life because nothing is pefect. But I'm willing to bet there's a much greater ratio difference between public school kids who fail versus succeed than there is for homeschoolers who fail versus succeed. I feel very sure about that.

So just remember, everyone has his or her own opinion, what matters is what YOU think about yourself. Listen to others, but make your own educated decision. It only takes 10 minutes of being around the average public schooler to know what "trash" you're missing out on. I think you already realize what my own teens realize - you've got about as near perfect life as there can be - and it's just going to lead to an even better adulthood!!! How great is that??????

Answer 8

The episode wasn't on homeschooling, it was on "no-schooling" in which the parents feel that kids should CHOOSE whether they want to go to school at ages like 5 or 6. basically the kids just run around not learning anything of great importance.

Answer 9

I have to admit I am not a big fan of home schooling and this is why.

To home school a child the parent "teacher" has to be highly motivated. I am very happy to see this is going well for you. It also sounds like your parents work hard to find you places to integrate with other children.

You are the ideal, and if all cases were like you, I think home schooling would be fantastic. However, most parents I know, myself included, would find it difficult to provide the necessary structure. I am too laid back, and also work a full time job. I enjoy my free time too much. It is nice to see my daughter leave for school.

I commend you and your parents.

Answer 10

There is nothing wrong with homeschooling if you do it right. Dr Phil is not the bible of life. Not everything he says is right.