I wish homeschooling didn’t have a stigma...

[Anonymous]

I think of homeschooling as similar to not vaccinating your child. Both are ok if you have a real reason—a medical reason why your child can’t be vaccinated, or a public school that will not accommodate your child with special needs, for instance.

But both have serious downsides for society at large—weakening herd immunity, and weakening the social fabric in which everyone is invested in the strength of the public education system.

If you opt out just because you think maybe it’s better for YOUR kid without giving any thought to the larger picture, I think that is morally indefensible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think of homeschooling as similar to not vaccinating your child. Both are ok if you have a real reason—a medical reason why your child can’t be vaccinated, or a public school that will not accommodate your child with special needs, for instance.

But both have serious downsides for society at large—weakening herd immunity, and weakening the social fabric in which everyone is invested in the strength of the public education system.

If you opt out just because you think maybe it’s better for YOUR kid without giving any thought to the larger picture, I think that is morally indefensible.

What?? Do you feel the same way about privates and charters? Regardless, if someone’s child thrives with homeschooling and doesn’t in regular school, I don’t see why the child is obliged to be sacrificed. The child’s presence doesn’t necessarily improve the experience for other kids (though it may). Unvaccinated kids are a health threat. Don’t you see the flaw in your analogy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a high schooler now, and he would be missing so much if I tried to home school. I am not qualified to teach biology or chemistry.

And the social part is huge. From wearing spirit wear to attending the athletic events to pep rallies, he is enjoying being part of that community. The theater and music programs are more opportunities to get involved and work as a team.

He has been in classes with some of these kids since preschool. There is value in that. I have BFFs from 5th grade and junior high. That is what ho.eschoolers are giving up.

Pretty much, no. You just are unaware of the community, its options and opportunities. But glad your kids are happy.

Lots of kids don’t have school “BFFs” from the elementary years. Especially in the DC area. And parents don’t do all the teaching themselves, in many many cases. There are tons of classes, coops, formal and informal groups.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think of homeschooling as similar to not vaccinating your child. Both are ok if you have a real reason—a medical reason why your child can’t be vaccinated, or a public school that will not accommodate your child with special needs, for instance.

But both have serious downsides for society at large—weakening herd immunity, and weakening the social fabric in which everyone is invested in the strength of the public education system.

If you opt out just because you think maybe it’s better for YOUR kid without giving any thought to the larger picture, I think that is morally indefensible.

Now I've heard it all.

Let me guess. Your critical thinking skills are the product of America's public education system?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Homeschooling seems to be mostly associated with very religious and conservative parents. I am not religious or conservative and wish it could be more mainstream. I just think my children would really enjoy it. I have the proper education to facilitate a good curriculum that adheres to my state’s learning standards. My children’s current public school has been very disappointing, so I was looking into alternative options. But homeschooling carries a certain stigma. FWIW, this is not a post against religious or conservative families. My sister is both, and homeschooled. Her adult children are super social, independent and successful!

Does anyone else feel this way? Do you wish homeschooling was a more mainstream alternative to education?

Nope. Australian here, and I know how hard it is to educate the kids who live in the bush. At least in my husband's family, outcomes weren't so good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think of homeschooling as similar to not vaccinating your child. Both are ok if you have a real reason—a medical reason why your child can’t be vaccinated, or a public school that will not accommodate your child with special needs, for instance.

But both have serious downsides for society at large—weakening herd immunity, and weakening the social fabric in which everyone is invested in the strength of the public education system.

If you opt out just because you think maybe it’s better for YOUR kid without giving any thought to the larger picture, I think that is morally indefensible.

Your comparison has too many holes. Unless you are lumping private/charter/anything besides standard publics in with homeschoolers. And maybe you are? But then you are making a more radical statement that puts you out there on the fringe.

Look, I have three kids and only homeschool one. He happens to be in your forgivable category (special needs, horrible experience at school). So now, after a few years of homeschooling him while my other kids are in FCPS AAP, I realize that he is a stronger student in absolutely every way than they are. Much more advanced in math, much stronger writer, knows -- I can't even begin to estimate how many times more -- so, so much more about history, literature, science than they do. And, most importantly, he loves to read and learn and has genuine curiosity about the world. So, I look at my other kids and think, what am I doing??? I am letting these guys down because the other kid started out with more issues. I am not sure I can handle homeschooling three, but if I can, why wouldn't I???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every home schooled kid I've met is weird.

Me too. To be fair, I mostly know the crazy fundamentalist type. They all think they are academically advanced, too, which is either completely inaccurate or based on being able to do one higher level skill out of context.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every home schooled kid I've met is weird.

Me too. To be fair, I mostly know the crazy fundamentalist type. They all think they are academically advanced, too, which is either completely inaccurate or based on being able to do one higher level skill out of context.

Some of them were a little weird to begin with. Mine was, but he is a lot happier and much less weird now than when he was miserable at school and couldn't wait to get away.

As for academic advancement, it depends on your circles. Obviously the fundamentalists have a different goal. Most of the people I know are very academically focused and, think what you want, their kids are advanced.

[Anonymous]

Cases like this:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/crime-law/2019/04/08/man-allegedly-beat-his-year-old-daughter-death-not-doing-homework-police-say/?utm_term=.2a6e85d71733

What do responsible homeschooling parents suggest we do as a society to prevent these tragedies? Do you have to prove you have a diploma from Wellesley to homeschool? It's ok for you to do it, but what about terrible parents? And what about those who are well intentioned but ignorant/. What about the children's rights to a fair and equitable education?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cases like this:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/crime-law/2019/04/08/man-allegedly-beat-his-year-old-daughter-death-not-doing-homework-police-say/?utm_term=.2a6e85d71733

What do responsible homeschooling parents suggest we do as a society to prevent these tragedies? Do you have to prove you have a diploma from Wellesley to homeschool? It's ok for you to do it, but what about terrible parents? And what about those who are well intentioned but ignorant/. What about the children's rights to a fair and equitable education?

Well, personally I would welcome a lot more oversight. To answer your question: in my state you DO have to send a copy of your diploma (every year you do this formally) but in my state only a high school diploma is required. I think that is absurd and completely inadequate. A minimum of a college degree should be required. I would be fine with much higher standards as well as additional oversight.

You really can't blame these tragedies on homechooling. People can use homeschooling as a way to get off the grid but there are plenty of other ways. And plenty of abusers who do it while their children attend school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. I don't think homeschooling has the stigma that you think. But I think you're missing the point of public school, too. It is for socializing, enculturating the child.

bwahahaaa

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:YES IT HAS A STIGMA.

Usually I think religious. I think also you need to socialize your children to the world. You can always support learning at home. But put them in school so they can learn about people not like them.

And they learn this how?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a pretty liberal agnostic parent who has homeschooled, and sent my kid to brick and mortar school. I didn't find the stigma you describe to be a problem, nor did I find it hard to find socialization opportunities for my kid.

Most of the families I know who homeschool do so for non-religious reasons, even if the families happen to be religious. I’d say the split is 60% health or bullying related. 30% sports or other special talent accommodation. And 10% religious or non-mainstream culture reasons.

We do STEM activities with several homeschooling AA families. None are homeschooling due to religion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. I don't think homeschooling has the stigma that you think. But I think you're missing the point of public school, too. It is for socializing, enculturating the child.

I don't think that in our area this is the case. Many people homeschool because they want to give kid more then the public or private has to offer. If they can afford not working then homeschooling in the early grades is fun and very much enriching for the kid and the family. Later on it seems more people go back to the public or private for social life.

[Anonymous]

The stigma will never disappear, that is for sure. Many people perceive homeschooled kids as isolated which is, unfortunately, sometimes true. Many kids don't have a proper chance to socialize because all their peers are having fun at school and they are stuck at home with their parents. Sometimes it's a good decision if you do it for health reasons but if you simply don't want your kid to attend school, this is clearly not right