When i say im Homeschooled what do you think of me?

Question

Why do some people think of you as being weird, anti-social, rich, spoiled ect....Im not spoiled or rich, and i socialize with a lot of people, all i would say is that i dont feel confident with saying im *homeschooled* to people as of what people automatically think. What are your opinions?

Answer 1

Be thankful you dont have to deal with high school drama :)

Answer 2

I home educate my children and am involved in a local home ed group.  My only worry is the one i have about the subculture of particular home ed groups, as i think some are anti-intellectual.  I would also be a little uncomfortable with the term "homeschooled" rather than "home educated" because it has overtones of religious fundamentalism to me.

Answer 3

I was homeschooled myself and now that I'm in college I think it's a good thing. In speech class they had a 'who am I' speech and I told in that speech that I was homeschooled and the looks on some people's faces were priceless, I said "Though some people may think this means I had no friends, it really means that I didn't only have friends at school, but other places too." I'm not rich, spoiled or antisocial either. Don't be afraid to say you're homeschooled, it's just another form of schooling that's quickly gaining popularity. As for those who think that people who have no training or expertise teach us, apparently it doesn't matter since we do so well academically when we move on to college. I would also like to add that I was tutored by a Registered Nurse in one subject, and my dad went to college to be a high school teacher.  

Simply remember that you don't have to dispel the rumors about every homeschooler, just yours, because your education is the one you know about.

Answer 4

It's great to see so many positive comments towards home education!  I imagine you are in the USA and I understand that many more people are taught at home there than in the UK.

I live in England and HE my daughter and whilst she has had one or two slighting comments from other kids that never liked her anyway, most of her friends envy her and want to be HEd too.  She is happy to say that she is HEd and she is learning far better than if she was still at school.  It has nothing to do with being rich or spoilt or anything else that may be considered as negative.  Also why not tell people about the advantages of HE, ie flexible hours, complete choice of what you can learn (at least that applies in the UK), one-to-one tuition, more opportunities to socialise with people of all ages etc.  The list is endless!

Just think positively and be proud to be home educated.

Answer 5

IMHO.... It does not matter one iota what anyone else thinks.  If you are happy, if you are doing your best, if you feel confident that you are going to achieve your goals in life, then you need to be proud of the person you are this day!  

You needn't feel compelled to throw yourself into defense of the entire idea of homeschooling.  You know that it works for you.  Simply practice a pat answer to the question "Where do you go to school?"  Say whatever you are comfortable with, and then dismiss further discussion of the topic.  

An example could be (you say whatever you like, not this)  :

Oh my gosh why do you homeschool?  Aren't you missing out on a social life.  

Response:  Our family has chosen an educational option that works best for us.  It isn't for everyone and I really don't want to get into a discussion about it now.  If you really have questions about homeschooling, I can give you some books you may want to check out and read.  They really explain it well.    Now let's go to the game (out for coffee, watch a movie, etc.)  

As to "why" they have preconceived notions about homeschooling....it is likely they have been fed those ideas by others and not had an opportunity to become well informed and form a valid position based on accurate information.  ----like any prejudicial notion.  

Stay strong and be proud!

Answer 6

I think you're pretty lucky. I am desperate to homeschool, I would be really into it. It seems you have some understanding parents. Me, on the other hand, am stuck in a freaking public school that is basically torturing me.

You should be proud to be homeschooled. I know I would be!

I wouldn't say you're rich, spoiled, etc. You just chose homeschooling as your guide to education.

You're so lucky. <3

Answer 7

i dont think spoiled n rich cz if some1 is spoiled n rich he would go to a PRIVATE SCHOOL

but sure being home schooled is kinda weird i mean y would u be home schooled if there is a school u can go to

Answer 8

I am a homeschool mom who majored in Secondary Education, but instead of teaching in a public institution, I chose to homeschool. I think that the general public is very uninformed about homeschooling today, and still relies on the old stereotype of the "shy unsocialized hermetic homeschooler" who never leaves their home and has no friends. It is so inaccurate. My kids are very social and anything but shy! We live in a suburb of Kansas City, and there are hundreds, maybe thousands of other Hschoolers in our small area. Nationwide, there are millions of us. We are active members of several local groups for homeschool famlies, and we take part in at least one social activity every day, outside of our home. Activities are set up and organized by moms through yahoo email loops. Our local homeschool groups offers the following activities to name a small few; Girl and Boy Scout troops, 4H, campfire, bowling, gymnastics, swimming, horseback riding, art, choir, and gym classes, holiday parties, book clubs, a 2 hour long recess time every week, plus park days, field trips, picnics and academic fairs. These are just a few of the many things we do while everyone else is in school). When we are not doing our lessons, we are always on the go, and it is ironic that we call ourselves homeschoolers since we spend so much time away from home! Homeschoolers have the advantage of one on one personalized attention educationally, and we also dont have to waste a lot of time on discipline, paperwork, and busywork. We can get our lessons done in a couple hours each morning, and then get on with enjoying our hobbies and friends. We also have the advantage of making closer more meaningful friendships because our kids have the time for more playdates and outings, instead of sitting, bored and institutionalized behind a desk all day. I find it ridiculous that public schools are thought of as a great place to socialize! How can kids socialize when they have to sit silently and listen for 8 hours a day?? Homeschoolers have the time to learn at their own pace, to spend time with friends, and just be kids, without the pressures and negative influences of public school. Homeschool kids are not hermits and they are not freaky nerds. They are just really lucky kids who get to enjoy life and learning every day. No child is left behind in a homeschool, and socialization is the best reason to homeschool. Public school creates a harsh artificial society where children are raised by their peers. Homeschoolers live and learn in the real world. For more info, read the book; "The Well adjusted Child; The Social Benefits of Homeschooling", by Rachel Gathercole,

or Dumbing Us Down; The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling, by John Taylor Gatto

Answer 9

Yeah I get it a bit too. People say: having a day off school? or where do you go to school? or how's school going? when I say I learn at home, It's so refreshing when people just understand. But mostly I get questioned about it...

I think your grammar is OK. School is not the be-all-and-end-all! don't worry about what people think of you. You have a better chance to concentrate on what YOU want to do with your life, than anyone who goes to school. There is more to life than academic stuff too, by learning at home you have a better chance learn how to keep house, cook, sew etc, important life skills like that. I have a lot of respect for home taught people, they have to put in a lot more effort and run off their own steam. It is much more of a healthy way I think!

Now, to those against home schooling:

I am the worst example in many ways of a home taught person. My maths is awful... my English is naturally good, (but I couldn't tell you offhand what a adjective is.) And I don't see people much. BUT when I do see people, I communicate well, I am not too shy (only on the inside) I am my own person. I don't follow fashion. I have my own views on life. People who go to school are like little plastic people all moulded exactly the same.

Answer 10

my first thought would be "interesting" and "unique"

Answer 11

i have the same exact problem.

im homeschooled as well.

i absolutely hate telling people that i am homeschooled,

but alot of people are homeschooled.

when i tell people im homeschooled they are like "uhm thats cool." but alot of my friends are like "your my best friend no matter what."

so, i try to get involved with people like myself :]

Answer 12

well i dont think nothing aot of people are home schooled not because there posh because its eaiser to learn less distraction . Also some can cope better be able to do work in your own time.

Answer 13

Not weird but why be home schooled...do you have friends? why do your parents home schooled you? to protect you? do you like spending all that time at home? I think i would like to be home schooled, however i would miss all the experiences i've had in regular school.

Answer 14

I went to public school for all my years, and I knew a few people who were home schooled.  I think that in some cases, it feels like the schooling is not regulated enough, as in, you usually get instructors that had to get some experience and credentials, and I don't know what certification they have with homeschooling, but it seems like it's harder to regulate.

I would think that they would also feel a little trapped.  Having to spend most of their day, if not all of it, either cooped up at home or close by.  I know that I relished the days when I went to school because I just wanted to get out of the house.

Either way, education is still the important thing here, and as long as you feel that you are getting the most of it, be proud.  There are people all over the world that would kill for this chance.

Hope it helps,

H

Answer 15

It's because people have pre-conceived ideas about home educated children.

A friend of mine told me that home educated children are weird (I home educate) I did point out that children taught at home don't have the same peer pressure as children in school!

I prefer home educated children because they are much more socially adept with ALL age ranges (not just their peer group),  they are much more mature and are well-rounded individuals. They don't tend to have really bad attitude problems!

Be 'proud' of being schooled at home because you are different from others (who wants to be the same as everyone else anyway?). I expect you behave in a much better way than most schooled children. Let people see you for who you are :D

All the best with your studies!

Answer 16

i generally think of  homeschooled children as not very social

Answer 17

I think home school rocks!!!I am *home schooled*!!!

I think home school is better than going to "lame school".

You learn more things when your home schooled (trust me).

I have alot of friends I know that are home schooled.

Answer 18

People add on a lot of extra c**p when they find out you don't go to school.

People think I'm pretty much normal until they find out I'm homeschooled. Then they start quizzing me and acting all exclusive.

Doesn't really bother me, though.

Answer 19

Yes, I would think you are weird first off, then I would wonder if your parents were either hippies or overly religious then I would think that you were a nonconformist.  If you were articulate and independent I would think that you would have a different outlook on life and would be able to see situations from a different, unbiased point of view.  I would think that you would be able to think for yourself and that is really, totally WEIRD.  I don't think you would be spoiled or rich at all.

Answer 20

lol yeah i get that a lot too. :) i don't think that about other homeschoolers, i think they're neat!

Answer 21

I have some friends a few years older than me who graduated from home school.

They are really great people and I think it's fine that they were home schooled.

The only thing I don't get with people that are home schooled, is that they sometimes don't understand the scedules of the people that do.

Like homeschooled kids are really flexible in their schedules.

But like, a public school attending kid who is involved in sports has like no flexibilty to their schedule.

I guess that's the only thing I can think of that's weird, for a home schooled kid that is socially active.

Answer 22

I think what color is your hair?

Homeschool or private school or government school. It don't matter, you're still a person

Answer 23

I think you are lucky to have parents who love you so much that they are keeping you out of the evils of public school.

Answer 24

I was also home schooled for the majority of my schooling.  I think that most people tend to look at home schoolers as being weird or anti-social because it us out of the norm for them.  Whenever people don't know all of the details, they tend pair what they have heard about home schooling and use their imagination to make up the rest, leaving home schoolers with the stereotype of "anti-social, weird, pale basement dwellers who do not get enough sun, and when they do see the sun, it burns their eyes."

Just be proud of your home schooling back ground.  Colleges love it because it sets you apart, not to mention we really do get to sleep in and do our school work in our p.j.s (occasionally).  Prove people wrong and be outgoing.  Show them what home schooling is all about, and don't get offended when they think that it is weird.

Answer 25

ok i wouldn't think rich or spoiled because in my opinion i think it would stink to be home schooled and i think that home schooled people are just busy (lol)

Answer 26

I have the exact same problem...no I don't care what people think of me and I'd much rather stay away from some of the disturbing things that happen at public schools. I like classical music and pay attention to more important things in life than most people my age...I believe it's thanks to homeschooling. If you're fitting in a  great social life and getting a great education then who cares what others think of you. The idea is to be different :) I actually like it when people think I'm a wierdo. It gives me more room to be hilarious.

Also, being homeschooled you can have an extremely flexible schedule. It's wonderful :)

Answer 27

I am Homeschooled, so I know exactly how you feel. I think most public schoolers just don't know what it's like so they label you as weird, anti-social, rich, spoiled, ect... just because it's different. Iike you, I am not anti-social (I have tons of friends!!!), I am not rich (definitely not rich at all!), I am not spoiled (I more responsibilities than most of my pubic schooler friends), but I'm a little weird (lol, but in a good way :).

It's just different to them. Don't let it bother you. Once they get to know you they may come around and realize that's it's not that weird after all.

Answer 28

As a child that was home schooled, and now homeschooling my children it is one of the stigma that comes with the whole deal.  Unfortunately people can be ignorant and not realize that a home schooled person can have as much of a social life (if not more sometimes) than a pubic/private schooled child.  I am so amazed at how little things have changed over the past twenty years, all this technology, knowledge, and waves of advances and yet we're still in the stone aged thought process that homeschooling can be a bad thing.  

You have only one of two choices, you can either ignore, or educate the people that make ignorant comments.  I usually don't mention my education until I've known the person for awhile, then I mention it and wait... then educate because it means that I've already invested time in that person.  It also means they've had enough time to evaluate my mental, educational, and social level for themselves to know homeschooling wasn't a bad thing for me.  Don't worry about ignorant people, doesn't mean they're horrible,  bad, or even stupid, just ignorant to what homeschooling is and can do for children.