Help! I need to explain to my parents that this is NOT the easy way out?

Question

Okay. I'm still trying to convince my parents that homeschooling is NOT the easy way out, that it's not just for the ill or for the ones who need extra help! This is SO annoying! They automatically say no to me and it bugs me big time.

When I try to explain to them that home school is possible the best thing for me they disagree. They haven't read up on the internet about homeschooling and the pros and cons of doing it.

Please explain some main concerns here. i need someone who is experienced to explain so that I can show your answers to my parents. I need them ro realize and understand what home schooling is and that its for students of all types.

If someone could please post I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

Answer 1

I think your parents need to understand that a child, no matter how young, can make their own decisions. If a child can make a decision as crucial as such, then they are clearly mature enough to make a well informed decision.

I have many friends who have gained exceptional educational knowledge through the power that is homeschooling, moreso than would be achieved in public, or even private, schools.

Also, with regards to your parents reading up on pros and cons online, that is almost never an effective way to work out a situation. The internet is not a reliable source to cite when working out a problem, as it is all highly biased and opinionated. Who's view is it you're reading? You can never be sure.

If a child can make a crucial decision like this, they are clearly mature enough for it to be informed. After all, it's their education - why shouldn't they choose how they recieve it?

Answer 2

No matter what, you will succeed in your endeavors.  Anybody that is a motivated self starter and aware of the societal challenges and willing to apply yourself the way you are will succeed.  You can do enrichment work outside of school.

Now, they say to be careful what you wish for…  You are getting a slew of information here.  There are many benefits to home schooling.  I have put together the pros and cons, and a list of resources to get you started. You and/or your parents can contact me at any time for more information.  I have home schooled for 5 years, and helped many through as well. Here we go…

There are many types of schools - Montessori to Military, and home schools are as varied as the families and children that they cater to. Every child has different needs. Some are gifted. Some are special needs, some are twice gifted. All grow at different times in different ways - all is not uniform.

Who would not want their child to be tutored, have a learning environment tailored to their needs? To have the ability to teach to the auditory, kinesthetic, or visual learner as best they learn?

To take breaks and enjoys friendships, have a longer term recall in learning, and be able to pursue their passions and talents? And not be part of the mass "no child left behind" = (every child left behind) act.

To have the scope and sequence that fits the needs of the child, (i.e. - to learn about the civil war in a different order and mostly more detail)? To live history by walking the Freedom Trail, Learn physics by going to Fermilab, to travel through the bison at Custer Park. To have the ability to attend operas, Celtic Fests, and improvisational acting troupes? To pursue professional ice skating, horsemanship, chess, music, or dance? To volunteer and develop internships that lay the ground work for your life?

The ability to explore friendships in areas they have interests, have more free time to pursue friendships. To have mentors and mentor others, to laugh and relax when necessary, instead of living in the hamster wheel of command performance?

To have the ability to have kids grow up at the pace they are ready to instead of rushing into things they are not prepared for, not to insulate them from society, but to give them a wise sage to show them the guidance needed.

It is the ability to give a child a chance to work ahead instead of being bored. To take the time to truly grasp a process an idea, instead of glimpsing at it?  To grow up and not look back with regret and to shape their own curriculum?

Our kids are quite social creatures with active social lives. Our home is filled often with kids from home school groups, public and private schools, and neighborhood kids. We have fun together! They go to high school dances with their dates, have salsa balls, winter balls, and their own dances. They have home school conventions were they can learn about everything from chain mail to water testing to cinematography.

Socialization is not one dimensional. You mentor those younger, learn from those older, and have classes at museums, co-ops taught by different experts, and learn how to interact with adults deeply, not just kids.

Concerning the educational material, you do not have to use the same as the traditional education classrooms. You can choose what works best for your child. Every year my husband and I pour over hundreds of different curriculum to tailor them to our children and make sure that they are the best sources. For instance, a science book may be written by a literature specialist, but not someone with a strong understanding for science concepts. This is often reflected in the writing. Know your editors. Talk to the companies.

We have the world as our classroom. It is an opportunity to explore to grow, learn hands on. Do you learn better by touching and hearing from a docent the reality and contradictions, From by touching a 5,000 year old shoe and how the society functioned, or by swiftly turning a page and seeing a little snippet of a picture of it? By sitting in a Hopi Native American lodge and learning of the sociological interactions? Hands on field work paired with the best academic resources leads to a better understanding.

This year, my children are reading several books in every subject to help give them a well rounded understanding of the subjects, as well as the ability to discern the best information, instead of just needing to parrot things back from short term memory.

This is the glimpse of why we home school. On top of that we get an added blessing. We get to enjoy these teachable moments with our children and see the magic of the learning process happening. We get a closer bond and the

ability to see the effect of the work and the sacrifice. It isn't a second hand enjoyment. It shapes us all.

There are sacrifices. There are days that are challenging, as any teacher will confide to you. It is secondary to the joy gained. The joys of seeing our children grow into the people that they were intended to be, and knowing we made a difference.

I have many friends that are teachers in private and public schools that encourage me to home school. I admire them for their energy, enthusiasm, and intelligence. They are frustrated teaching to the mandated tests, devoting 30-36% of their time to this testing, and loosing 5 minutes at the beginning of the class to get everyone settled and 10 minutes at the end to have them pack up and organize.

They also hate re-teaching material at the beginning of the year and not being able to teach deeply in a subject when the kids show an interest. Limited financial incentives hurt as well. "State Standards" are pretty standard as well. Research these for your own comprehension.

We tried traditional school first. There was good there at times, but my kids are happier here. They're challenged, allowed to sleep in to 7:30 a.m., able to slow down when needed to recharge, and able to pursue their passions and talents... and be kids. Every year we reassess, and so far everyone in is agreement. My daughter managed to accomplish two grades at once last year.

As I stated earlier, every family is different, and I believe that the patience is necessary, like any teacher or mentor will tell you. It tends to come with the job!

It also helps when you read and utilize from several different books and resources. This allows your child to be exposed to different learning approaches and develop the ability to discern which texts are most accurate. Your children can help design the curriculum, which includes them and gives them more of a feeling of involvement and personal gain.

You can make unit studies around almost every topic that there is – that ties in to topics of interest cross categorically (math, history, art, literature, etc.)

These are some books that come in handy:

"The Well Educated Mind", by Bauer

"The Well Trained Mind", by Bauer and Wise

These books deal with the classical education style which allows you often to teach different ages the same information with different depths.

"Home School Your Child for Free", by Gold

This is an excellent work with over 1,200 resources to draw upon! It has terrific websites.  It is worth it’s weight and pays for itself many times over.

The Charlotte Mason approach also is cost effective and fun! That gives you art and nature as mediums for the different subjects.

Investigate different home school approaches. In addition to classical, there is relaxed home schooling, and un-schooling.  All have advantages – and many people are eclectic and mix the various styles.

As bothersome as it may be, examine state standards and the curriculum from the schools, this is normally available at the library. This is not to fit you into the institutional mindset, but to see the tangible comparison of what the counterparts are doing, and often is quite empowering to see!!!

Explore the museums around you and Department of Conservation... They often have freebies - resources, memberships, and cost effective unit studies. See about setting up a co-op so that other's strengths and abilities can be tapped.

See if there are resources in your area similar to:

http://www.bookrescue.org/books/default....

This allows you, for a nominal fee, access to hundreds of text books (14 per student to take per visit) that schools have donated. Often, we have found brand new ones that are newer editions that what they have in the local schools!

Seaton is a challenging Catholic; Kolbe is as well, with a history focus. Both are fully accredited. Sunlight is strong and well respected, but not accredited. Most colleges seek out home schoolers for their individual traits and talents.

"Life Prep for Homeschool Teens", by Barbara Frank is excellent as a resource.

"From Homeschool to College and Work", by McKee is quite thorough and indispensable as well!  It goes into detail how to compose your portfolio.

Also, check out area conferences.  I would attend a secular and Christian one.  Gravitate toward those that involve teens and kids.  Those tend to exhilarate more.  Illinois has the “In Home Conference” in March, if you want to “Google” it.

Many colleges seek out home schoolers now.  They like our individuality, talents and that many excel so early in life.  You can go to most college websites and get information on specific requirements.  My teens have already been on college tours and are thinking on these lines.  It helps to see where your future choices can go…

To assist the task, you could put together a curriculum of your own and a progress chart of how you will address this during the year.  Also, research your state laws to make sure this is in compliance.  The more motivated my kids are, the more I am willing to work with them.  Home schooling is not a cake walk.  It is challenging, fun, and offers little escapism.  The rewards, in my opinion make up for the challenges.  I hope all this helps….

No matter what happens, know that you will succeed and don’t give up.  For one so young, you are aware of the world around you and that you will you well in life!  Your parents should be proud of helping to create such a young adult, and thankful that you are so willing to entrust your education fully to them, see them as mentors, and loving parents.

Answer 3

You can explain it to them, but that doesn't mean they'll see it from your point of view. We are NEVER guaranteed to be able to change someone's mind--they haven't changed your mind, have they?

Since they have no interest in doing it, perhaps the biggest influence would be them meeting other homeschooled kids. Is there a group nearby? You might be able to get in on some activities or just connect with some teens through the group and make some new friends. At some point, you might be able to invite one or more new friends over to your place for a pizza party or sleepover. The advantage of this, too, is even if they don't change their minds, you'll have made new friends (homeschooled kids tend to be much more accepting of others and are often the kind of kids you WANT to be friends with).

Of course, do NOT make a big fuss over this--you do not want any hint of pressuring them. Many parents will dig in their heels at any hint of their kids pressuring them to do something.

Answer 4

Try to print off as much information as you can regarding your options.  Show them virtual online schools, a variety of curriculum, co-op groups, etc... Gather as much information as you can and present it in a mature, rational way (kind of like you're proposing a business deal).  Find other groups in your area that have classes one day a week for homeschoolers (this is what my son does) or field trips and ask them to help you get the proper information for your state.  Each state has very different rules on homeschooling.  Read about your state at www.hslda.org

Bring them a chart listing everything you will accomplish as a homeschooler in the next 6 months and tell them if you don't get it done, you'll return to regular school.  I hope they see that you're serious and ready to work hard!

Good luck!

Answer 5

I am a senior in high school and was home schooled from ninth through eleventh grade. Home schooling is not the easy way out. As someone who has gone to public school and been home schooled I can say that home schooling is in no way easier than public school. If anything it is harder. You have to have a lot of determination and responsibility to make sure that you get all of your school work done since you don't have actual deadlines. Most of the time I taught myself what I needed to learn which takes concentration and patience. You can work at your own pace but you need to make sure that that pace is not super slow because if it is you may end up doing school work over the summer.

One of my favorite things about being home schooled was that I had time to do things other than go to school and come home and do homework. I was able to volunteer and help out with some organizations and spend my time doing things that I really liked to do.

Depending on where you live, there are actual home school groups with tons of families and kids that are home schooled. The one in my area meets once and week and also goes on trips to all kinds of places. I have made some great friends through my home school group and even though I go to public school now I still hang out with them all the time. If you home school just make sure that you find a good group of people that you can do things with on a regular basis.

Answer 6

If your parents don't want to homeschool you, you may not be able to convince them.  It probably would be a better choice, but homeschooling requires PARENTAL INVOLVMENT AND EFFORT and if your mom and dad are unable to commit to the amount of time and effort it takes then they will say no.  

My advice to you is to work with the situation you have now.  Try your hardest in school and if it doesn't challenge you enough then study extra on you own.  (SAT or ACT prep books would be a good place to start.)  Perhaps if your parents see that you are truly interested in learning and studying, they will be more interested in listening to your point of view.

Answer 7

It sounds like your parents are pretty well set against homeschooling and nothing you TELL them will change their minds.  However, if you could SHOW them how homeschooling works and that you are serious, they might reconsider.

Here's what I mean:  let's say you're interested in auto mechanics.  Start reading up on the subject, talk to a mechanic in a nearby shop to see what it's all about, research the history of automobiles, (with their permission) learn how to change the oil or do similar work on your parents' car(s).  When all this is done, write up a report describing what you learned and how it has changed or improved you and present it to your parents.

This will help them see that homeschooling can be beneficial and that you aren't looking for an excuse to stay home and play XBox  and watch TV all day.  It should open up a dialogue where they'll be more open to hearing the facts about homeschooling.  You might also try to find some other homeschooling parents for them to talk to, so they can get any questions answered by someone who has actually "been there, done that".  You can find them by Googling "(your city/town) homeschool".

Answer 8

My children would certainly disagree with the "easy way out" as they do three times the work at home than they did at school.  We can cover 2-3 times more material in half the time, but it takes complete dedication on both you and your parents.  I f they are not supportive, they will need to see double the dedication and self teaching from you aside from school before they may even consider it.  Homeschooling is not just for kids who need "extra help"[as if all kids couldn't use extra help], it is also for children who are not being challenged enough at school and need to move ahead more quickly than allowed by the school.  My kids are moving ahead and getting alot more hands on projects and experience.  They are already through more than half their "grade level" material in less than six weeks

As many are, your parents may be concerned with your socialization.  Contact a local homeschool group and see if there is a way to get together and meet other homeschoolers your age.  This will benefit you and your parents before you make a decision.  You need to find for sure what their concerns are so you can research them yourself.  They may be right, homeschooling may not be your answer.  And they may never agree.  It depends on your reasons for wanting the change as well.

Do your reasearch, find everything you can about homeschooling in your area including laws.  Talk to everyone you can.  If you can find a group ask mom to at least check it out with you. I wish you the best of luck!

ADDITIONAL-

You may also consider online homeschooling schools.  With this option, you actually have online teachers, curriculum, assignments, etc. everything you need.  Maybe part of your parents drawback is that they do not feel they have the time or the knowledge to teach you.  This way would require less on their part and still enable you to homeschool.  You are in a difficult postion.  Just stay calm and do your best to convince them you are serious about this.  They may come around, but if they never do,  try your best to make school work.  I know how frustrating it can be when you feel out of place and wanting to learn and no one seems to want to help.  Again, best of luck to you.  Don't give up, but don't waist your time concetrating on something your parents may never agree to.  Concentrate on what you can do to make school as beneficial as it can be for you.  Maybe someday you'll become a homeschool mom!

Answer 9

All right first of all, WHY do you want to homeschool so badly? Add it to your sources and I will change ym answer.

Answer 10

I started doing homeschool this year. It is definitely not any easier than regular school. You have to push yourself to do your work, to get it done on time, and to learn the subject well. It prepares you for how college will be like. Just make sure that you are still social. I know some homeschoolers who turned into hermit crabs after a few years. Join a sports team, youth group, ect to make new friends.

Good luck!

Answer 11

I agree with home schooling 100%.

Not all parents feel they have what it takes to home school their children. Modern society in my opinion has brain washed parents into thinking they don't have the knowledge to home school. Though parents have done it longer than we have had public schools.

I think you really need to sit down and discuss your reasons to be home schooled with your parents, You should conduct your self in the utmost respectful way, you need to show them that you are willing to do what ever it takes to accomplish finishing your education in this manner. You must also remember that honoring your parents regardless of their decision is the most important thing you can do.

My wife and I home school our children and find it very rewarding. We wouldn't have it any other way, but you must also remember, it takes dedication on both your part and theirs and if they are very busy with working a job it may be very difficult for them to accomplish this.

Have them visit. http://www.hslda.org/docs/study/rudner19...

They have much good information.

Best of luck to you

Answer 12

It certainly isn't the easy way out. Homeschoolers need twice the motivation and independence of a public schooler. We aren't being herded like sheep. We need to be able to direct ourselves and find ways to learn that suits our own unique learning style (everyone has one) as well as make mature, educated decisions on what neds to be learned, what is required for college, how much needs to get done in what ammount of time, etc. There is a ton of self direction involved and frankly public schoolers aren't taught to work in this way. They're conditioned to behave like lemmings, pretty much.

And in the real world, that isn't going to cut it. (this coming from someone who gets out into the real world on a daily basis as a part of schooling, and isn't sheltered in a government institution for seven hours a day.) As a homeschooler (or perhaps unschooler would be more appropriate? We've got kind of a mixed method working for us.) I usually work four hours a day tops. Don't get me wrong. I am ALWAYS learning and drawing knowledge from everything I do whether it's reading, working in the community, mentoring, participating in clubs or working on hobbies, everything is a learning experience! But I usually only spend about four hours working out of textbooks, and in that time I manage to at least dubble the ammount of material covered in a 6 to 7 hour day of school.  It's not that surprising when you consider the fact that I don't have some pavlovian bell ringing every 45 minutes, I don't have to wait for everyone to show up and get in their seats to start working on something, I don't have to wait for the teacher to get her computer running, get the overhead working, get her papers together, get the materials handed out, get the class settled down, etc, etc, etc. And best of all, I don't have to slow down to the speed of the slowest learner. When I'm ready to move on, I move on. There's no waiting for everyone to finish and understand the concepts being taught before teaching the next concept. No waiting for thirty students to turn in their papers before moving on to the next lesson. And feedback in instant! No waiting for grading periods to end to find out if you're doing well or not. I'm in 11th grade and graduating early. I started homeschooling in 9th grade and by the end of that year i was already into 11th grade work. The only thing i have trouble in is math, but because I'm not in a class with 20-something other kids I'm free to adapt my lessons to fit my learning style. Tactile manipulatives did wonders in Geometry, and integrating Algebra 2 with my computer programming class has made both classes a lot more interesting and a lot easier to focus in.

Homeschooling is definitely the way to go. If your parents can't see this, get them some books about it from the library, or print some materials off of the internet. Show them you've done your homework so to speak, and that you are serious about this and perfectly able to make a mature, informed decision.

Answer 13

can't add anything to previous answers in regards to benefits or problems with homeschooling - but it might not be the best answer for you - from what you have typed, you're needing to be in an educational environment that is supportive and takes your needs into account - have you looked at other educational environments - its not just private schooling and main state schooling - there are other types as well (steiner for one)

TALK to your parents about your concerns not just the need to be away from school but your educational needs - about HOW you learn (do you learn better with music or without? outside or indoors? early in day or later after food? etc.) then you can (hopefully) discuss WHY you learn as well and then the HOW you can learn in the future might be best -