Convince my family that I should be homeschooled?

Question

This November, I was diagnosed with depression, and ever since than, things have been really rocky for me.
One of the topics, school. I go to a small school, but my parents are worried that I might have to repeat the eighth grade because I'm constantly out of school, be it to see a doctor, or to go get a new bottle of anti-depressant pills.
I'm thinking that since I get really nerveous in crowds, homeschool might be better for me personally and academically, since my Dad is honestly quite a good teacher. But my parents are probably going to say no, because they think I'm trying to get an exscuse to get out of school, plus, to them, homeschooling probably seems like climbing mount everest right now.
How should I properly show them how homeschooling would be better for me?

Answer 1

I am homeschooled and I love it. Some times homeschool is better for kids/teens... sometimes its not. If you really want to be homeschooled, here is some advise on convincing your parents.

1. Maybe have a discussion with them. Even if you think they aren't listening, it still helps. Be open about why you want to be homeschooled. Explain how you think homeschool would benefit you. (Sometimes its better to kind of rehearse what your going to say. When I am trying to convince someone something, I always have to write down my ideas first.) It's also a lot easier to learn when you are homeschooled cause you can go at a slower pace.

2. You have to be responsible to be homeschooled so try to show your parents that you can be responsible. If you have a pet, that's a great way to show responsibility. Also, what ever you are doing to show you are responsible, keep it up.

3. A lot of people this that homeschoolers are not around other kids their age enough and become/are unsocial (my aunt and uncle also think this). But if you join a homeschool group, there are activities you can go to. (Public schools/private schools don't have rock climbing/white water rafting events like homeschool groups do!) Remember, all of the events in a homeschool group are OPTIONAL. But if your parents are worried that you are not gonna be around other kids/teens enough then compromise and promise to attend the event sometimes. You can always just join the group to receive updates about the events and just wait till you see something you want to attend.

4. Saving money is a big selling point... it is much cheaper to homeschool. Books are somewhat expensive but you are saving money being homeschooled and to join a homeschool group is cheep too.

Your parents know you better that the people on Yahoo Answers do so if they decide not to homeschool you than maybe its for the better. Feel free to contact me if you need more help.

I hope that this helps!

Answer 2

I think, if you brought it up to your parents the same way you brought it up to us here, they would probably seriously consider it. Homeschooling is definitely an option, and (besides what some people seem to believe) homeschooling is also much more effective in many cases than traditional school. Maybe talk to your psychiatrist, and get some good info. Tell them about how much less homework you'll have and how much more you can learn.

And to all of those who answered (or plan to answer) this question with the phrase "Be cool, stay in school" or some variation of it, homeschooling isn't dropping out. Homeschooling is just another way of learning. A dropout stops at whatever point he / she dropped out at. A homeschooler doesn't stop learning when they leave school, they actually may learn better.

Answer 3

Well, first of all, in some homeschooling programs, you don't have to have your parents teach you. Try:
www.pennfoster.edu
www.americanschoolofcorr.com
Also, homeschoolers do better in school because they can move at their own pace. That would help with your many doctors appointments. Tell your parents honestly why you want to be homeschooled, or show them this page. You could just give them the reasons you gave right here. And homeschoolers are not socially retarded...seriously people, if you don't know what you're talking about, don't answer! (and with most programs you don't have to buy your own books...it's included in the tuition)

Answer 4

K12 is a program that homeschools kids using a computer and textbooks. The school is free because it follows the public schooling standards. They send you a computer, supplies, textbooks, a printer, and teacher and student guides all no cost. you get to plan out your days and work whenever you can. But you must do 4 to 5 hours a day. If you have any questions....go to http://www.k12.com/...the enrollment process takes up to 2 weeks...and you can start working once you enroll....And they will send the stuff to you and you should receive it in up to 2 weeks..

thanks

I hope i helped a bit

Answer 5

I have to agree with White (previous answerer) on this one. I was pretty shy in school and I wish I had just sucked it up and come out of my shell sooner. I'm not in your situation, so I don't know exactly what I would do, but if you truly want to be homeschooled it's going to be up to your parents and the courts, I'm pretty sure. Is it worth going through all that trouble to you? And, you are going to miss out on having a social life and HAVING FUN in your youth. In order to have fun, you almost always have to be around other people your own age (besides family), that much I do know.

Also, you mentioned right off the bat that you were recently (November 2006) diagnosed with depression. I'm not a therapist, but it seems to me you probably mentioned that first because that was the most important part of your message. What does this lead me to believe? That you are using your diagnosis as an excuse to be homeschooled.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying "Quit being a baby, quit making excuses". What I mean when I say that I think you're using it as an excuse is this:

Ask yourself, honestly, if you had never gone to the doctor and been diagnosed as depressed, would you still be posting this question?

Good luck, and I wish you the best.

Answer 6

Well homeschooling does have its ups and downs, but how public school is now it doesn't matter, I suggest you talk to your parents seriously talk with them and tell them why it would benifit you and what you are willing to do. I suggest purchasing used textbooks from thrift stores and studing them, study math and science and English a lot, as soon as you complete eighth grade you can take career classes from career schools that offer you a diploma in different fields. Like Penn Foster. They even offer a high school diploma. I would find out from your local school district.

Answer 7

Stay in school. The only people that should be homeschooled are people that can't get the required education in the public school or the ones who have done it since they were about 5.

Answer 8

Well if your parents won't let you, theres also independant study programs (you just get homework and go in like once a week).
You sound like you really need to get out of public school though, it can be really stressful, especially middle school (with all the drama and what not). Just sit down with your parents and explain to them why you want to be homeschooled, if you really explain it well enough then they'll understand. Let them know that it's not just to get out of public school, it stresses you out, and that you'd get an equal education if not better, also more family time, and just more free time to be yourself and relax. I hope this helps.

Answer 9

Do the foot work. Call the county board of education and get the requirements. While you are on line do a search and find different schools that offer complete courses and the pricing. Go through and make a logical reason on which one out of several after you get the information mailed to you. Then present this to them in a good report type fashion where they can see the work you have put into this. Be able to tell them what all they have to do and what you and the place you are getting the curriculum have to do.

Answer 10

Go for it! You will probably be surprised at this, but it's true:
When I was homeschooled, my Dad provided me with all the curriculum and materials that I needed, but he almost never got up to teach something. Our materials were nearly completely self-taught. If you find the right stuff, you can pretty much teach yourself. We learned Latin and Greek, and it totally helped with our spelling and English Grammar. Most people ask me, does your dad have to learn Latin and Greek too just to teach us? No, my parents don't really know any Latin and Greek. My sister and I taught ourselves. So go for it, and don't be afraid if your parents won't teach you. Don't choose easy, cheap subjects - your parents will be more likely to let you homeschool if you can convince them that you will be using hard core material. Of course, it's not totally your responisbility as well.