What Kind Of Children Usually Go For Home-Schooling?

Question

I don't know much about it. I only know a couple of people in my circle who are home-schooled. One is born into a Mormon family and are very religious and the other one the poor child suffers from social anxiety disorder.

What I wanted to ask was is that is home-schooling meant for children who are not "normal" or not mainstreamed. Do they suffer from some sort of mental illness, social phobias, overly protective parents? what?

Sorry if I come across as offensive but I just want to know more about it.

Answer 1

It's not really the question of what kind of children are homeschooled. It is a decision made by the parent's of the children. Mostly done for religious reasons. It can be medical, it also can be for financial reasons. (That was what we choose) Private schools are very expensive, and well not all public schools are great. It is a great advantage to be homeschooled. It is not a punishment. It is a wonderful choice if a family can financially afford to have one parent stay home.

Answer 2

For some parents, yes, it has to do with religious beliefs or social/psychological problems, or unusual parents.  Personally, my parents started homeschooling me because I was "gifted," or at least, too advanced for my grade level.  Even though I was in a gifted program at my school, I wasn't being challenged enough, so they chose to homeschool me because it allowed me to work at my own pace.

However, I plan to homeschool my children even if they are no different than any other children because, after watching my brother go to public high school and going to public colleges myself, I'm really fed up with the public school system.  I feel like their are so many restrictions to make sure that everyone gets an "equal" education that it prevents a lot of learning from actually happening.  (For example, kids are overloaded with homework that asks trivial questions, etc.)

There are also those who homeschool because they live in dangerous areas and are worried about their children experiencing violence at school, etc.

For just about every reason you could think of that a parent might choose tho homeschool their children, there is someone doing it for exactly that reason!  Please don't think it's to "shelter" the kids -- it's just an alternative form of education that works better for some people, for whatever reasons.

Answer 3

Well... I homeschooled my daughter and it was not because she was "abnormal" but because the school system was not up to par with what I felt she should have been receiving. After 3 months of homeschooling her "Test Scores" came up 2 years and by a year into it, she was 6 years ahead of her peers. By 6th grade she was testing out ""post highschool" on all subjects.

Now here is the kicker_ I put her back in public school for Jr High and High School so that she would learn social skills- the one thing you can't learn being homeschooled.

I mean, she was in soccer, scouts,  science fairs, etc but that was with friends. I wanted her to learn how to get along with people that she found distasteful... most of the human race. LOL. Hope this answer helped.

Answer 4

Homeschooled kids are not wasted, in fact they live up to their potential more readily than many of their schooled peers.  A child who knows how to learn on his/her own and can reach their own goals will go far in life.  Kids who have to be told what to do and have their movements controlled from early childhood have a far harder time making good decisions.

Answer 5

I can see why those families chose to homeschool, but I'd say they were in the minority of homeschoolers. My child loves homeschool. I am not overly protective, or religious. My daughter is a bright, witty, well mannered, lovely girl. (What me, brag? Yes!) She, like her father and I was diagnosed with ADD. Some see that as a learning disorder, but we see it as a different way of learning that schools are simply not equipped for. When you are smart, energetic and curious, you do range from easily board, to hyper focused. This does not fit the traditional classroom setting, but it makes for a great homeschooler. The school's only solution was to insist on medication. In the kindergarten class the teacher insisted on keeping a TV on to entertain the kids who finished work sheets early. That won’t do for my daughter. I can’t focus with a TV on either. But which is easier, turning off the TV or giving the child three different prescription drugs that permanently stunt her growth? The schools found medicating easier.

We tried it their way. Our daughter became listless, incredibly thin and depressed. She could not eat, so she did not grow. The uppers (that is what they give kids for ADD) kept her from sleeping at night. Soon her doctor had her on downers to sleep. Uppers in the morning and downers at night: Judy Garland much? Each year found her further behind her peers. Yet, we knew she was a smart girl. She was not learning, she had no social life and we felt it was time to try our own solution. We homeschool now. We do not medicate. We see to it she is interested because her lessons are interesting. She is out in the fresh air and sunshine every chance she gets. She eats well. She learns at her own pace and in her own way. We are making progress where the schools made none. She is slowly catching back up and may soon surpass her peers. When people meet our daughter they cannot believe she has been labeled hyper or distractible. As her teacher, I know she can be. But, as her mother I also know how to use her traits to her advantage and how to play to her strengths instead of trying to force her to fit a mold. Honestly, you'd never know she was ADD. She receives compliments all the time for her excellent behavior in public. She has many friends of different ages and has little trouble making new friends or adapting to new situations. I think the schools created a large part of the behavior problem by the nature of the way they teach, their stubborn refusal to try simple behavior based modification and the large number of chattering, and ill behaved children that were in the classes. In short, yes, normal children love homeschool. In fact I think that more children who are out of step in schools would become “normal” if they were given the opportunity to homeschool.

Understand that I am not anti-school. Many of my daughter’s friends do well there. But it just is not a one size fits all world.

No offence taken. As a homeschooler, I am a supporter of self education and healthy curiosity.  Just be sure you understand that not all of the answers you get here actually come from people who know the first thing about homeschool or homeschoolers

Answer 6

I don't think you have posed your question properly. Most children are not given a choice about homeschooling since most parents make this choice when their children are very young. We decided that our kids would be homeschooled; they didn't have a say in this choice, and had they, they were too young to have made a clear decision.

Many children do have social problems. Perhaps they are very shy, very prone to anxiety, or just do not socialize well. Homeschooling can be a lifesaver for these kids. Sending children (especially very young children of five or six) into situations they cannot handle is abusive and unsafe. As you know, kids are brutal, and these poor misfits are usually the ones who get bullied, picked on, and are treated like cast offs. Why would anyone want a child to experience this?

When these kids who have social problems are able to stay in the safety of their own homes they have the opportunity to outgrow their anxieties and shyness. They also have the opportunity of not being abused by their peers. They are kept isolated for their own good, and they are happy to be able to be isolated. This does not mean they are hidden away! Many kids who are very shy are not shy around family members and others whom they know.

I have a friend who is almost 50 who has always suffered from severe shyness, attended public school but kept mainly to herself, and does not have any mental problems. She is just plain shy and rather introverted. She is also funny, fun to be with, and a kind person who has been married, raised three children, and has a granddaughter. She is normal in every way but she says she would have loved to have been homeschooled as she suffered horribly in school from her shyness.

You have the same variety of parents who homeschool as you do who have kids in public school. There are parents whose kids are in public school, but the parents are very overprotective. There are parents who have public-schooled kids who are social misfits, have mental disorders, and social phobias. Then there are those who homeschool who also have these so-called abberations.

I think the big point you miss is that homeschooling is just another educational option that parents have made the choice to use. I notice that you have not asked why parents of private schooled kids have their kids in private school. Isn't homeschooling also a private school? If those who choose to pay a large price for private school choose to do this so they can protect their kids (overprotective), or because they have social phobias (their kids have to have the "best") you do not seem to think this is wrong. So why only homeschoolers?

I know you aren't trying to be offensive, and I am not taking this as offensive, I just want you to think about why you have these misconceptions. In most states homeschooling is considered the same as a private school. Parents are solely responsible for their children's educations, they pay for all of their children's educational expenses, and they have their kids 24/7. Private schooling has always been accepted, and now homeschooling is just like private schools, except the student population is much smaller and the cost is much cheaper.

Homeschooling is something parents choose just as they choose which private school they want, what orthodontist they wish to send their child to, and what programs their kids will belong to. It all comes down to personal freedom. Our constitution gives us the right to educate our children in the best manner which we believe will be in the best interest of our children. The majority of parents who homeschool do so because they believe that they can give their children the very best education of all. Many parents do not want their children taught secular humanism (a known religion that is taught in public schools), have their values warped (through "values education") or have their kids in places where there are metal detectors and cops (sounds like prison!).

There is no more wrong with the homeschool population than there is with those whose children attend public or private schools. You get the good, the bad, and the ugly with all three. But thank God we still have some freedoms left in this country! And I, for one, am thankful to be a homeschooler.

I have been homeschooling for the past 15 years and I love it! My kids are well-adjusted, hard working, God-fearing, patriotic, civic-minded, and happy people. They are all extroverts who have always been out and about in the community. They all have jobs. They all have friends. They all are involved in church, library programs, local theater production, and other avenues of entertainment and relaxation. They are not suffering from any kind of social phobias or maladies that make them misfits. Neither do I. We are your average American family.

Hope this has answered your question.

Answer 7

My daughter is pretty normal, probably a bit brighter than average. The reason she's not going to school is that I have a very, very low opinion of public schooling, from the basic standard of education to the negative socialization. Certainly some children are taken out of school because they have problems but many are just lucky enough to have parents who see it as a better option all round.

Answer 8

Dont worry as popular as home schooling is its still not a very mainstream idea.

I was home schooled from 3rd gread to 4th gread

I had no social phobias

I have no mental illness

I had a tough time in school because i used to get beat up as a kid so my patent decided to home school me untill they could afford to send me to a private school.  (I then went on to a Technical highschool and studied at the college level from jr to sr year and am currently in college now)

I was taught on a Christian based coriculum, (everything was some how linked to faith, God, religon etc)

It was actualy great! I Always got good greads in school and when i was home schooled i actuly was studing advanced classes. Astrononmy, modern history, Piano, etc

Being home schooled allowed me to do my school work when ever i wanted to during the day. (which for me was early so i had the hole day to play)

People say homeschooling social criples children, being homeschooled allowed me to hang out with alot more friends (didn't have homework) travle with my parents (couse i took my studies with me) and i actualy could studie with other homeschooled friends (which i had).

Being home schoold you still must take the required standardized tests and pass... wich most homeschooled children pass with flying colors.

I can tell you im  now in colloege studying for my masters (than dr) in marine biology, im vice president of biology club, PTK (natonal honor society) member active community member etc. if anything home schooling was the best thing that i could have ever done.

Answer 9

i myself am "homeschooled" and i have anxiety ...agoraphobia...my friend that i know chose it because she knew she could finish faster...and her siblings were taking it said it was a bit better since they learned more

Answer 10

haha you don't have to have a disorder to be homeschooled. i chose it because i hated waking up and going to school. i go to internet school.

Answer 11

No. It is the parents choice. Actually it is somewhat a wasteful sacrifice to those kids that deserve an open minded education. Home schooled isn't regulated and it isn't quality education at best. I think there are good intensions, but it lacks better education.

Answer 12

Homeschooling is for anybody who wants to, anybody whose parents want to.

Before governments insisted that people go to school and receive a standardized education, most people learned at home. Sure, a lot of people only knew how to make their own living on their farms or whatever, but plenty of people were highly educated without having set foot in a school nor by being taught by a certified teacher. Many were "self-taught", meaning they learned on their own with books.

So, school exists today not because it's necessary to get an education, but because the government required an education, so they had to provide a means for all to receive one. It's by no means the only way to be educated.

There are plenty of children who DO have problems who are homeschooled--some were in school and it wasn't working; for others, the parents knew ahead of time it just wouldn't work out. But there are lots and lots and lots of completely "regular" families and kids out there who homeschool for a variety of reasons: better education, more flexibility, more time together as a family, better morals, etc.

It's nice that you are asking about it. There are a lot of people out there who would see the cases you have seen and just automatically assume that it all homeschoolers have issues or overly protective parents. It's great that you are wanting to be properly informed instead of just passing on assumptions. :)

Answer 13

To answer the straight question : What kind of children usually go for home schooling ?

Children who are loved and have parents that dedicate their time, love, resources and energy to them.  One thing homeschooling parents have in common, we want the best educational outcomes for our children that are custom made for them. We do not want our children having to learn stuff that will dull their active little brains and confuse their minds.

Answer 14

I don't find your question offensive, it reflects the stereotype image of home schoolers portrayed by multiple media outlets (all owned by a handful of people!).  Thankfully, your question shows you do not easily accept that media portrayal and find creative ways to seek clarification.  

Thanks for the opportunity to show that home schoolers do not fit that 1980s *religious* stereotype any more than they don't fit the 1960s & 70s stereotype of home schoolers as hippies.  We're a mixed bag of types.  

My husband and I are, generally, liberal, feminist, eco-driven humanists.  My kid has an easy-going personality, is sharp, and takes direction well, kids love her, and would do VERY WELL in school.  She’d do well in a day-prison, too, but I don’t want her there.  ;)

Here's an article from one of many *experts* (an award-winning public school teacher) who advocates home schooling and provides interesting reasons to consider it:  

http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/hp/frames...

His book is also there at that website, so you can read it online.

There is no particular personality that is suited for home schooling any more than there is a personality suited for public schooling.  The reasons people opt out of school differ, hugely, from family to family.  

I had written much more, which took much more time, and I have since noticed wonderful answers from veterans, here, so I’ll end this with what I’ve written.  I hope it contributes to your positive notions and possibilities about the world of education, families and children!

Answer 15

There are certainly families that choose homeschooling because a child has an issue that they feel they can better handle at home.  It isn't representative of the entire homeschooling community.

I don't think homeschooling is against the mainstream per se.  Mostly we are parents taking the responsiblity of raising our own children.  And there are 1.5 to 2 million of us in the US, we're not a small group.

The main reason I have for unschooling is that we simply have better things to do with our time than spent so much of it in public school.  There are too many places to go and things to do outside of a classroom.  

We would give up too many opportunities for exploring the world if our kids went to public school.  We enjoy the flexiblity and the freedom of learning our own way.

:D

Answer 16

We started homeschooling because the schools I had been attending were not doing a good job of challenging me. The work was all too easy, and very pointless, and I'd even get in trouble for asking "too many questions" that were "off topic"...just because I wanted to know more details about a given topic we were discussing (for example, knowing already how and why the planets orbit the sun and smaller objects orbit the planets, but wanting to know what theories or facts exist to explain what set the planets in our solar system in motion... Wanting to kkknow WHY a certain formula works, and not satisfied knowing simply that this is the formula I must use for this sort of problem, wanting to go beyond the standard 5-paragraph essay in English, etc) The public schools were holding me back, and stifling my creativity and desire to learn. I am also blind, so even though the assignments were easy, they took me longer to complete and it was frustrating to be wasting my time on "busy work" when I could be learning. In my first year of homeschooling, I shot ahead two grade levels and een took on more subjects per year than I'd even be allowed to (English became a half-year course as I was usually ready to move on ot the next grade level in that subject by mid year or a little later) I've also been able to study certain subjects that aren't even offered in most public schools such as Programming and Robotics, 3D Animation, Sign Language, Sociology, etc, and I've been able to go in deapth in subjects okf interest instead of just glancing over the material that will be on the test and calling it a day. I have the freedom to explore and deviate a bit while working on labs, or even choose and conduct my own experiments that aren't in the books. I can travel frequently and learn though real life experiences, and because I finish a full day of school in a short ammount of time, I have much more time for socializing and extracurricular activities (Guitar, Fencing, Soccer, Horseback riding, Poetry and Chess club, Library Advisory Comitty, going out to see plays or visit museums or wildlife preserves, hanging out with my homeschooled and public schooled friends, going to parties when they come up, spending time with my boyfriend, and just experiencing life. I've even been able to travel to four different countries with People to People International Student Ambassador Program).I've been able to build on my creativity as well by entering art and poetry contests, and taking time out for creative writing. All of my work is project based as well (unless i'm traveling and can only pack book work) so my creative sense really gets a workout throughout the day.

I am an advanced student who desired/needed more academic, creative, and social freedom, and I am homeschooled. Others may be homeschooled because they are slower learners who need one-on-one attention, want an education that is tailored to their individual learning styles, are heavily involved in sports or acting and need the extra time, are in an area where the public schools are really bad and can't meet theri needs, are in a military family or a family that moves frequently for work or other reasons, are in a family that travels a lot and wants to use it as a means of providing a real life education for their children, are learning disabled, are severely physically disabled, are mentally disabled, are profoundly gifted (the kinds of kids who are years ahead of others their own age and may suffer socially and academically if left in a school that can't serve them) families who live in remote locations for whatever reason, families with kids who work faster than the public school will allow and get bored in class, families with kids who have ADD or ADHD (or at least the school may think so) and need the freedom to do hands-on work and learn by doing, kand really any person who is being underserved by the public school system. You don't have to have any sort of abnormality. Some parents just want to provide something better for their children, and some children feel they need or deserve something better. I can tell you it isn't always the parents' sole decision. I had as much say in it as my mom did, and now as a homeschooler I have as much say in everything else as well (what curriculum we use, whether it's online, software based, DVD's, workbooks, hands-on lab kits and activities, classes in the community, AP level classes, classes at the cocmmunity college or in a homeschool co-op, or a combination, when and for how long we work in a particular subject, what activities to participate in and how to schedule the week, what subjects I want and need to study in preparation for college, what my goals are, if work is satisfactory or if I need to go back and study something a bit longer, etc).

Homeschooling is for anyone and everyone who feels it will provide them with a superior education and a better life in general.

Answer 17

Home schooling is typically done by parents who want their kids to get more learning experience out of it then some kids do at school. I've considered home school when I have kids because I want to travel with them. A lot can be learned from studying abroad.

Usually children with mental illnesses do better in a school environment because the parents wouldn't know how to handle teaching their kids.

I do worry about the lack of social interaction that children can have if home schooled. There is socialization that happens in school that doesn't happen at home [learning social norms]. And it can cause lack of ... well friends if there aren't many children in the neighborhood. Especially with over protective parents.

Most families can't afford to home school since it's almost essential to have two working parents  to keep a house hold running.

Many people are home schooled. Not just those with special circumstances.

And you weren't offensive. Far from it actually.