How can I convince my parents to home-school me?

Question

I've never had a lot of freinds in school and My parents are super smart! How do I convince them to home school me this year?

Answer 1

Don't do it.  Instead, tackle the problem...make new friends at school.  Get involved in activities (at school or after) that really interest you.  Get to know a few people who like the same things.  Friendships will grow from there, and it is a very important skill to develop for the adult world.

It's wonderful that your parents are super-smart.  Ask them to help you investigate and learn more about things.  Spend plenty of time with them.  But, just because they are smart, that doesn't mean they can give you the people skills you will learn while spending time with other students your own age.

Answer 2

well, i am home schooled and i think it is the coolest thing and dont get home schooled unless u got friends who wont stab you in the back cause if u get home schooled and they leave you and dont even talk to you you will fill really lonely at all times my mom home schools me and i think its cool cause i live around most of my friends i think it is cool but when i got home schooled i started making good grades and stuff and plus i got to spend more time with my mom i think its pretty cool but have your mom...

Answer 3

I wouldn't recommend it.  I had cousins who were Orthodox (Jewish, that is) and they homeschooled because there was not a yeshiva convenient in their area.  They were absolutely miserable because they had no real opportunities to get to know other teenagers, and they had to miss out on many school experiences like sports and dances.

I wouldn't recommend homeschooling much for the same reasons the other posters have stated; you won't interact with other people your own age.  i know how difficult it is to be bullied and/or isolated in school, I really do.  But in a few years you might go to uni or to work somewhere and this will pass.  I know it sounds a bit harsh, but you can't run and hide from your issues (isolation, lack friends).  If you work at overcoming them, you really will be a better person in the end.

Answer 4

One person suggested asking for a year to test the waters. That is good advice but many parents are a bit nervous about home schooling - it can be a daunting task and some parents (no matter how smart they are and/or seem) don't feel up to the challenge or perhaps they feel like you might not be ready for the discipline needed to do your work at home.

I would suggest (yes) asking for a test year but before going to them, do a little research. Show them that you're willing to do some leg work on your own before just weighing them down with "something else" to fit into the schedule. Parents do want what is best for their children (by and large.) Do you know your learning style? That can help in choosing a curriculum.

If you family doesn't have a lot of expendable money to use to purchase a full curriculum (they're not inexpensive), what other resources are out there that would work to give you the full and well-rounded education you need?

Also, ask them if you can set up a time to sit and talk to them about something that has been on your mind - take it from a somewhat business-like perspective and be serious about it so that they know that you realize it's not all fun and games and getting to play video games. Look too for local resources - co-ops, classes, etc. and understand the laws for your state.

Are you in a state that is easy to report to or more difficult? For instance, Texas does not have very strict rules - you don't even have to register as home schooling, much less have a review of your work done. Maryland's rules are middle-of-the-road - we have to have a portfolio review twice a year but are not required to have our children tested if we don't want to.

Speaking of testing, consider agreeing to take the Iowa (or similar) comprehensive test at the year's end so they can assess whether or not it is working for you. That will provide a sort of checks and balances element.

Good luck. Home schooling is not all bad (ignore the first post given to you) - our boys see friends frequently, the teens in our group have dances they go to, there is even a local home schoolers prom! It all depends on where you're located and how much your parents allow you to get involved in things like that.

Answer 5

dont do it ..i was homeschooled and let me tell u its not as easy as it seems at all

u will feel alone!

no one will be there at all!

no fun no prom no dances nothing!!!

ur school years will go to waste and when u look back you will regret it forever

Answer 6

This blog has a great article about talking with your parents about homeschooling http://canihomeschool.blogspot.com/

Above all be respectful and realize that your parents are on your team. They are trying to do what they think is best for you.

There's also a book you might want to read called Genius Denied. It's all about being gifted. If your parents are smart, I bet you are too!

Best of Luck!

Jana

http://www.purehomeschooling.com/

Answer 7

You won't make friends being homeschooled, unless your parents allow for social events. You didn't mention your age, grade level, or if you're facing trouble in school. Do you get good grades? Are you facing problems in school?

Not every parent is cut out for teaching their kid at home, either. It takes patience and a lot of time.

If you're suffering in the public school, talk to your parents about taking a year to homeschool to 'test the waters'. You can always return to school the next year if the situation doens't work out.

If they do agree, make sure to work hard to show them you're serious about learning. Whether public school or homeschool, you need an education; the real question here is where is the best place for you to learn.