How can I convince my mom that homeschooling isn't working?

Question

I've been in a homeschooling program since the beginning of 7th grade and I'm at the end of my freashman year of high school. My older brother and I are trying to talk to her in what seems like every way possable to put us in public high school instead of keeping us in homeschooling. It's come down to actions over words with me, and even that's not working. My dad doesn't seem to be of much help either.

Can anyone offer some advice to help?

P.S. - Please do not put things such as "Try ignoring her" or "Really do sit down and try to talk to both parents" I've tried both and neither has worked .... Help ....

Answer 1

Write a very developed, huge long essay (at least 5 pages) on why you absolutely have to get out of home school, make it as persuasive as you possibly can, and defend your points well. That way your parents know that you're dead serious. I had a friend tried to switch schools for the longest time by begging, but she didn't get her wish until she wrote the essay.

Answer 2

While I would love to help, you have not listed an reasons that homeschooling is not working, so I don't really know what to tell you.  

Also, as unfair as this may sound, sometimes parents make decisions and do not care about their child's opinion.  It's just part of being a kid.  And one day I am sure it will happen to you and your children.  So you might have to find a way to make the best of your situation.

Answer 3

How is it not working? Have you tried asking for help on fixing the problem or have you simply tried to convince her to send you to school? Sending you to school is only ONE option. She is going to resist you as long as your focus isn't a solution to your problem, just something you want and are trying to pester her enough to get. (And in the end, if you are open to true solutions, public school may be the answer--or maybe not. But at least the actual problems will be (hopefully) taken care of.)

Sit down with your parents again--or write a letter--and just share how you are feeling, what feels like it's not working, what you think you need or are missing. Again, this has to be specific and nothing to do with public school. You can't say, "I feel like I'd be happier in public school." That's not a feeling--that's a thought. "I'm just feeling really frustrated or down about homeschooling right now. I'm sad that... and I'm worried about..." whatever your reasons are.

One little lesson for you: just because you want something doesn't mean that you can figure out a way to get it. Especially from your parents. You need to recognize that you are still the child and they are the parents and you shouldn't let yourself be some sort of conniving person who will do anything to get what she wants.

Answer 4

Well, you say homeschooling is not working, but you didn't give any details about it.

What about it is "not working"?

Are you not learning?

Are you lonely for friends?

Is it difficult for you to concentrate?

Something else?

Are you sure Public School would address these problems any better than homeschooling does?

Are there things that could make homeschooling work?

I don't ask all these questions to be rude, but to get you thinking.  You've tried to talk to your mom, but have you really explained what the EXACT problem with homeschooling is, and pointed out exactly how Public School would address that?  Are you open to her ideas of how to address the problems, even if those ideas do not include Public School?

I know if you just go to her and say, "Its not working." And you offer no support for that statement, you are not likely to get anywhere, that is not a persuasive argument, it is a whine.

Answer 5

Rather than convincing her that homeschooling is the problem, why not point out the benefits of the public high school.

It all depends on your reasons for switching, but if you think you'll get a better education in a public school, then show your mum the curriculum of your local high school. Go to her with something solid. If you want to be a doctor/nurse (for example) then go to your mum with the science curriculum and show her the benefits that homeschooling can not provide.

If it's a social thing, show your mum a list of social activities that the school can provide, which homeschooling can not.

As a soon-to-be homeschooling mum, I want what is best for my children - which I'm sure is what your mum wants for you. So if you go to her with a solid reason and some back-up, she may be more receptive to the idea.

Answer 6

tell them NAY i will not do it anymore

Answer 7

If you've talked to your parents and they won't budge, then you need to find a way to make the most of your current situation.

Think about what you don't like about homeschooling and find ways to address that.  There may be other solutions to your problems other than returning to public school.

Good luck!

Answer 8

I know this may sound stupid but When I was your age I'd annoy my mom untill she listened to what I have to say.

Answer 9

Perhaps if you explain why it's not working, we might be able to offer specific suggestions.

I can say that, in general, parents don't take well to nagging or being annoyed.  They're kind of like kids that way.