How do i tell my parents i want to go back to public school?

Question

I am homeschooled, but do not enjoy it anymore. I want to go back to public school, but i am afraid that my parents might get upset. How do i tell, my brother won't tell them for me. Please answer, i need help.

Answer 1

You should tell them in an intelligent and well thought out way.  They will respect that way better than hearing it from your brother anyway.  You know your parents better than anyone, and you can anticipate their points of opposition, so you might as well start by formulating a strategy that respects their position but defends your own.  Why don't you suggest that you take a couple of classes at your local high school.  That would be a reasonable compromise for them and for you.  That way if it isn't everything you expect it to be you're not obligated, and it still gives you the chance to be with other kids. The school district is not legally allowed to forbid you admittance in any state if you live in district, so you can strong-arm them if you have to.  Your parents love you, if they didn't they couldn't home-school, so they will understand your position if you present it with intelligence.  (no fits, no tantrums, no fists-through-walls, only intelligent dialogue)  Listen to their concerns and accept the truth of them rather than trying to ignore them.  That way you can acknowledge that there will be things to overcome.  They will think you hadn't thought of that.  (because parents think we don't think sometimes)  Good Luck

p.s. as an alternative, try taking the ACT or a practice ACT.  You may be able to get into college, which will give you a lot of the same advantages, be acceptable to your parents, advance you academically instead of making you waste time in high school, and it will place you in a classroom more challenging to the intellect.

Answer 2

This will generate a  debate, so gather your thoughts, ask for a family meeting and be forthright and honest.  Anticipate and be prepared for their counter-arguments and plea your case.

If they say "no" then ask them when you can bring this up again and re-present.  Though they think they're doing the right thing for you, you really have 51% voting rights here.  After all, if they've raised you correctly, they should trust you and your judgement enough to let you decide your destiny.

Show them this question and its answers.

Answer 3

It is very difficult to begin homeschooling in highschool because the child is already peer-dependent.  If I were your parent, I wouldn't let you have a choice, I would decide how you were educated.  But that is the way my family is. Parents make decisions for children.  I would suggest your family get involved with a homeschool coop. You will find friends there.

And fighting is nothing to be proud of.  You have a whole life ahead of you. You don't want to ruin it by being labeled violent by some public school official.

Answer 4

so just tell them unless they have some problem with public schools it should be ok and if for some reason they do have a problem just give them some reasons why it is great like all the friends you make better colleges and all that

Answer 5

This is our 15th year of homeschooling (4 children in all, one now graduated to college) so I was pretty invested emotionally as a mom when it comes to homeschooling. It was almost my identity.

So, when my daughter turned in a persuassive essay last fall on going to public school for her senior year I have to admit to feeling some pretty intense feelings for many weeks. Now I can laugh, but I was quite rattled then. I felt rejected as a mom and teacher and I had questioned whether all my efforts even mattered to her. But in my daughter's case, I quickly realized that the grass is always greener on the other side. She would be going off to college soon, so just as she argued in her paper, it would give her a change to test her wings before she was more than 100 miles away to college. She is in public school this year and I am really glad I let her go. She is so much more appreciative of being homeschooled now. She said, "I am enjoying this year so far, but I am glad I was homeschooled before this year." I think if I had said no, she never would have found that appreciation and the 'green pasture' of public school would have always looked green. Now she sees things with more realism.

Your parents will likely feel some intense feelings too. They will feel rejected, especially the one that teaches. They will feel every ounce of their being saying that public school is a poor option to homeschooling - especially if you tell them a big reason for wanting to go is for a girlfriend. I was amenable to a senior year for my daughter, but I don't think I would have been so willing before the senior year since college would be the next year. Your parents may feel the same way. My daughters introduction to the idea was a very well written, if not a bit slanted persuassive essay assignment. Just remember that your points need to be positive not attacking of what you have been truly blessed to have as a homeschooler.

Answer 6

As a homeschooling mother, I would be more saddened to think that my son didn't feel comfortable sharing his feelings on so important a subject.  Open up to your parents and be honest about your feelings.  

I do want to add that if my son were interested in going to public school only to have more face time with kids, I would be concerned.  We participate in homeschooling groups and there are neighborhood kids who spend time with my children after they return from public school or on weekends.  Do you not feel that you get enough of these opportunities?

If my son came to me with your concerns, I would first try to find ways to expand his social interactions outside the home.  Could that be an option you could also discuss with them?

OR  If you still are feeling nervous about talking to them about going back to PS, perhaps you could try discussing your need for more friends & your feelings of boredom.  Perhaps you and your parents could work together to improve both areas.  

Over all, remember that your family loves you and is trying to do what is best for you.  So they want to have your input.   Just remember, try to keep it polite and focus positively on what you would like to improve.  

In the end your parents will do what they feel will be in your best interest, this may mean continuing your homeschooling.  But they will never know what you are thinking if you are to nervous to tell them.

Answer 7

You are afraid that your parents will be upset by you sharing your feelings/wants? Do you have a bad relationship with your parents or do you just feel unduly responsible for their reactions? Do you usually stop yourself from doing things you are afraid to do?

Your brother shouldn't tell them for you. That's your job. And if you are this afraid to stand up for yourself, how are you going to manage high school? You think yourself tough for having won fights (that's not good, by the way, to be the type to get into fights and be proud of having won), and say you aren't afraid of anything, but you are--you're afraid to tell your parents. If you can't rely on your parents, you will have no support system in school.

Just tell them. "Mom, I was thinking I'd like to go back to public school. Is this something we can talk about?"

Answer 8

Instead of your brother telling, you could tell your parents that you don't like home schooled. Try to persuade them. Good Luck!

Answer 9

Are you in high school? Why not try A different type of school?

My son is in IQ ACademy He loves it.

www.go2iq.com. go online and take a look. there is even a tour to go to.