Do you explain the reason why you homeschool to your kiddos?

Question

I am just wondering how other families are.

My boys had the WORST year in Kindergarten last year, their were so many reasons that made us decide to homeschool. Husband and I came to the realization that they should be with me.

Anyway, my boys were talking about school and how this one hit him and this child called him a swear, also a teacher called a child "stupid" in front of my children and myself.

They were asking about homeschool and why we do it and how happy they are.. they also told me that they never want to go back to that "mean" school...

I agreed with them and told them my reasons for homeschooling them. I was honest about it all..

Just wondering if you all tell your children about bad public school experience or just tell them a part of it.....

Since I have taken my children out of that particular school 3 other families that I know of have done the same thing. Also, the school has been so bad that parents are being given the choice to transfer kiddos out...

Answer 1

My kids know why we homeschool.  They were old enough when we started to be part of the decision.

Answer 2

my son loved public school never a problem unfortunately he has crohns and had a from a pneumonia that only immune suppressed people get  he almost died he is fourteen now home schooled for two years it has saved his life  I never imagined it would be so great thanks k12

Answer 3

not all public schools are bad. Great you are homeschooling them, middle school was h**l. My best friend and all of her siblings were home schooled from first until ninth grade. It worked out REALLY well for them. When I asked why she was home schooled she simply said " its just something we can do together as a family with my mom." she has a GREAT relationship with both her parents. I'm pretty sure her older sister  had a negative experience in public school but her parents turned it into something POSITIVE, instead of dwelling on the past.

Answer 4

I've never had to explain it to my kids any more than the average parent would have to explain to their kids why the kids are in public shcool instead of homeschooling. It's all they've known, though.

Answer 5

I talk to my children honestly about our reasons for homeschooling, but I keep it on their level.  I do tell them some of the negative things they may experience if they went to public school, such as excessive homework, etc.  THey know they wouldnot have time to do many of the fun things we do as a family.  However, I try not to make them afraid of public school in case they ever have to go.

I also try to make sure they aren't judgmental of those who choose to send their kids to public school.  Just today, my son asked if our neighbor was a bad mom because she doesn't homeschool her kids.  I told him that she was making the choice she felt was best for her family, and his dad and I made the choice we felt was best for ours.

Answer 6

I tell my kids that the public schools are not effective places to learn.  That they expect every child to be the same as every other child that age.  I also explain that it is not because the teachers don't care, its just the only way you possibly approach the job of teaching 30 kids at a time.

I also have just told them that we feel this is the best choice for our family.  

They get a kick out of being able to go outside when they are done, and I point out that in school if they finished early they would either be given busy work or would just sit and wait.

Answer 7

Before making the decision we all talked about it as a family.

Many, many discussions. Purchased books.

Talked about how much commitment it would take and how we could rearrange our lives to accommodate.

My ds was part of all the discussions and part of making the decision.

So... no we did not explain the reason because he played a part in making the decision (14yo).

Answer 8

Homeschooling is an entire lifestyle, not just a means of education, so it's important that all the family should be involved.  Even children of six or seven can take part in family discussions, and it's important to take their feelings and wishes into consideration, even if you and your husband make the final decision.

When you discuss things as a family, you can simply be honest.  You don't need to exaggerate the awfulness of some schools - after all, some are much better than others - or suggest that everything is wonderful about homeschooling.  There are good days and bad days, no matter what you do.  Your sons need to know that you take their opinions seirously, and that if they ever do want to go to public school, you will consider it, and perhaps visit a local school and find out more.

Answer 9

I get aggravated with my unmotivated son.  I threaten to send him to public school and he explains to me why we homeschool.  

He has to remind me from time to time.

Answer 10

the school is bad, not public schools. some are bad, and some are really good. the teachers actually make a school so if you feel that your kiddos are better off at home, then thats your perogative. you can explain but be honest without hurting feelings or pointing fingers.

Answer 11

Our children know why we do not attend traditional schools, and why this is our way of life.

The academic portion of growing up is but one component of the whole picture.

They know that an education is important, and that there are many ways to obtain one.

They know that we do not want to be tied to a school schedule that would run our life; when we can take vacation, how our evenings should be spend (home work), what activities to attend, or take part in, and so on.

They know we decide as a family how to spend our time, resources, and what we consider to be important.

That is why home schooling is more then mere academics, it's a way of life; our life.

Children who have had a bad experience in a school setting often need to know that that is not limited to schools; they will encounter such situations in many places at different times in their lives, however I agree with  you that it is the parents responsibility not to place their children in situations that are not positive, or healthy for them.

The age old argument of "they will have to learn to deal with it" just does not hold water.

They will learn how to deal with it, at a later age, with the proper guidance of their parents.

Answer 12

My kids lived it. They know why they homeschool because they were there. They were also part of our choice to homeschool, it wasn't something that dh and I decided alone.