Should I home school my daughter?

Question

My 8 year old daughter is very intelligent, well-behaved, and in the top of her class. She really doesn't like school, though. I think that most kids have trouble relating with her, because she is advanced. This really troubles her. Also, she is very tender-hearted, so it hurts her feelings when she doesn't feel understood.

Should I home school, or does she need that social interaction?

Answer 1

Why don't you try both? I know parents that home school and they say their kids are well adjusted because they are in great after school activities, like gymnastics and soccer and youth symphony. They also live in a neighborhood with lots of kids that go to regular school. I'm sure if you home schooled your daughter and got her involved with "after school" and other activities she will find her own crowd to be in and not feel so left out. I like youth symphony because the kids tend to be more accepting of differences and it is based on ability and not age as most sports activities are. At least in CA, all home schooled children have the right to participate in organized sports or other intramural activities.

Answer 2

I am 13 years old and I don't think that you should home school your daughter. There are always going to be people in this world who can't relate to her of think she's too different. Home schooling her will not change this fact. When I was younger I was in all PRE-AP classes and was smarter than a lot of my friends. Right now because she is so young kids may be intimitated by her brain.......but in the end it will pay off and other kids will get used to her brilliance. But keeping her away from the other kids at her school might help her now but in the long run, when it's time for her to go to college or high school she will be way behind or her social skills and then think about how unconfortable she will be then.

Answer 3

As a teacher, I would say it sounds like she still needs to be in school. You can provide enrichment at home, but she still needs to be able to interact with children her own age. When asked what skills employers want potential employees to have, the ability to work with others and the ability to problem solve are at the top of the list. I would suggest talking with her teacher about the possibility of having some sort of interaction with older students for part of the day. Is there a particular subject that she really excels in? Perhaps she could take math with a 4th grade class. She could get some more challenging work while interacting with older more mature students. Maybe even having an upper grade reading buddy would be something to consider.

Answer 4

NO. This is a personal decision and people have different opinions but MY opinion is definately no.

I was homeschooled part of my childhood, my sister her whole childhood, and she has had a lot of trouble in social scenes even in her job because of that lack of interaction. I remember wanting to be homeschooled at first like youre daughter was (most kids probably think they would love it), actually i was a lot like her. I was VERY tender hearted and advanced. After a while I got pretty depressed. I finally got back into school after middle school and even though it was a tough adjustment at first, I NEVER would change that looking back.

Being in school can be tough for some kids, and some kids maybe do need homeschooling (ex. special needs, etc) But it teaches you essential life skills that you MUST have.

I can only imagine that you hate seeing her hurt when she doesnt fit in, and you want to protect her. But think of her future.. She needs these experiences to help her later. Being in school was tough for me (I also had pretty bad anxiety), but I learned to force myself, go through the motions. It was very hard but I have life skills now that I never would have had without being in school.

I went to counseling young, and even though I didnt feel that it helped that much, I urge you to consider this before homeschooling. Homeschooling is a huge decision, and you need to not only keep in mind her well-being now, but youre also preparing her for the rest of her life. I wish the best to you in this difficult decision!!

Answer 5

First start learn your local laws. I'm short on time so I cna't send you links but just go to Google & write - "Homeschooling laws Texas" Next do a Google search for - Homeschooling groups (your city & state) You do not need permission from the school to homeschool. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. But each state has different laws. That is why you start by learning your local laws. The best way I learned about homeschooling was from friends. So meet others in local homeschooling groups. They will give you the best advice they can. Books are a great way to learn about it too. Find books at your library about homeschooling. It can be very overwhelming the first year or so. There is just so much to learn. We have homeschooled for almost 10yrs and I'm still learning things.

Answer 6

Check into the homeschool network online. I don't homeschool because I have to work but had thought about it at one time. They have entire cirriculums already mapped out. You can also network with other homeschoolers in your area and get the kids together for field trips, etc. If it doesn't work out she can alway be re-enrolled in school. I think they have to pass the same type of standardized tests. There is a lot of information out there. Do your homework and be prepared. Just remember kids don't like school regardless. Are you in private schooling? Sometimes they are better than public as far as meeting your child's level. I changed from public to private school when my child was 8. I am not a fan of "No child left behind." My daughter is like yours, smart, got along with everyone, caught on quickly, was sensitive and well-mannered. She was the one being left behind because she was a good kid. There are very few special needs kids in private school. Don't get me wrong, special needs kids probably should be in school with the other kids, but they need special teachers that understand and can provide the type of teaching style they need. She is doing much better in private school and it is well worth the money.

Answer 7

Honestly, I don't think you should. Being that your daughter is only 8 years-old, I can understand why it seems hard for her to relate to some of the other students if she's so different, but she'll grow up and find people she can relate to. The home-school enviornment can hurt your child socially, because she's eventually going to need to learn how to work with people instead of work so independently. The social interaction is important to children, because they're going to need to develop their social skills. Homeschooling might send your child down a lonely path.

Best of luck,
Michael

Answer 8

Research shows that homeschooled children exceed public school children in all academic areas. The key to successful homeschooling is to avoid the temptation to shelter your kids from their peers. It is critical to have them involved in social activities such as organized sports and church groups. Most cities also have a homeschool association where you can join in acitivities with other homeschooling families. If your motivation is to provide your daughter with an excellent education than by all means homschool. However, if your motivation is to keep her from being hurt then you should probably leave her in public school. Homeschooling is a major comitment and ALOT of work. Best of Luck!!

Answer 9

My daughter is also very advanced for her age too, and like your daughter she is not understood either and always bored in school, I am seriously considering home schooling her too, she asks me almost everyday. Social skills are great to have,but if she has children around the neighborhood that she can be with, or relatives, you can also schedule get togethers with other home schooled children. Home schooled children are very well educated and usually do very well in life too. I am starring your question so I can see what others think, I may home school my children also. Good question!

Answer 10

You should put her in a school where kids have the same brain capacities. There are many schools where they have many intelligent children and advanced programs.