Homeschooling outcomes

[Anonymous]

I was homeschooled from 7th-12th grade, my sister from 5th grade, and my three brother never went to school.

Ultimately we've all turned out "fine." Three of us have bachelor's degrees, the other two are still in school as well as in the National Guard. I did well in college (a large public university in the South) was gainfully employed until this year when I opted to be a SAHM.

My family was fundementalist Christian and around middle school my mom (who did not enjoy school herself and went through high school) became empowered through some religious materials that she could do it. I went along with it at the time as I was 12 and was getting picked on by some older kids. However, as the years went on I feel like it was a disaster. My mom and I didn't get along at.all. Typical teen stuff for the most part, but having her in both the role of educator and mother really complicated things. I actually liked school, and still am very curious in the world and wonder what I missed out on. It would have been good to spend 8 hours outside the home everyday. Plus, my mom just doesnt value education. She really though algebra shouldn't be taught until college.

However, I figured out what I needed to get into college, arranged to take the SATs, went on college tours alone, took some classes at a community college, created my own transcript and assigned grades, and, thank the baby jesus, I was able to get in. I did well in college, met wonderful friends (ultimately married one of them!) who further challenged me and "made it."

[Anonymous]

I was homeschooled too - for two years. Hated it. My parents weren't religious nuts or egotistical. My dad led the schooling. I can not tell you how glad I was to get back into school. On the other hand my brother loved being homeschooled as he had hated the social pressures of school. Homeschooling let him avoid all that and it really didn't help him socially in the long run.

[Anonymous]

The few people I have come across that have home schooled seem to have done a really good job of it or were doing a really good job.

However, I never understood how the parent manages the power-struggle issues that seem to be normal in a parent child relationship. How do they keep the power struggle from interferring with the education of the child? I would not do it for that reason... my children are 7 and 5 and we have plenty of friction already. Plus, I think it is good for the child to have interactions with adults that are not the parent and experiences outside of family.