Posted on 10/15/2004 11:41:53 AM PDT by cinives
Take heart. All things in good time. Take it from a homeschool dad who thought EXACTLY like your husband does. Today, you'll search far and wide to find as enthusiastic a supporter of homeschooling than I. Here's what changed my mind:
My wife explained to me that she wanted to "educate our son at home." That's a way different mindset than "I want to keep my baby at home with me."
She had researched homeschooling and provided me with numerous papers and statistics showing that, on average, homeschooled students score better on standardized examinations, and they are recruited and accepted by most universities.
I met several homeschool parents, some by wife's design and some by chance. I found out that these people were not fruitcakes. They are very normal people who happen to take their responsibilities towards their children as seriously as I did.
Now the "S" word... Socialization. My wife and I decided that we didn't want our son "socialized." Why in the world would I want my son to pick up the attitudes and behavior of the majority of kids out there?
I was concerned about the "isolation" just like your husband. We've solved that with heavy involvement in healthy, wholesome activities. Our son plays with other homeschooled kids, and those in public school, too... only rule is I know the parents, and understand their views.
We also choose activities I think will attract kids with involved and caring parents... Tae Kwan Do, Cub Scouting, swimming, piano... things like that.
I'm not kidding myself. My son will have to face the "real world" soon enough. There's plenty of time for him to learn that the world is partially populated with nasty people. That reality check can come later in life, when he's got a better sense of himself and is mature enough to deal with it. Six was too early. He's nine now, and it's still too early.
Home this helps. Good luck to you, and God Bless.
FYI
This an often heard presenting problem with home schooling. It all gets down to what is important in ones life.
We never had this question in my family. I know that others have. Need to be clever here. If husband is ruled by the almighty dollar, start to think of how you can stay at home and still make some money.
Do not be discouraged. If he is the good man he was when you married him, work on him gently. I have seen several identical situations on this board. There are a lot of wise women to help you.
Please stay in touch.
Terrifying is right. We homeschool our 2nd grader with a 3 year old and a 1 1/2 year old. I'm sorry, did I say say WE?? Agrace is an amazing woman and I hope I pull my weight. There has been nothing more gratifying in my life than seeing what homeschooling brings to the family.
YIPPEE!!
That's great news. :^)
Public re-education camp children ON AVERAGE do worst. They have so much other indoctrination to digest doncha' know. The exceptions to "national average" are the ones who could've been through at least a semester in college if they hadn't been HELD BACK by the system to "graduate with their class".
There are many liberal homeschoolers. Remember, they were the original homeschoolers in the modern era during the "anti-establishment" phase of our 60s/70s culture.
Of course, the original American homeschoolers include just about every person of note in our early history... food for thought. :o)
So true. If children can't act childish, what is our message about childhood? No wonder even the quiet kids need Prozac by high school...
The typing will serve them better in the long run. My homeschooled boys are also happier typing and have less than stellar penmanship. But, then, so does my oldest who was taught his penmanship in public schools.
Sounds like a good idea but the teachers union wouldn't go along with it, and they fund politicians' campaigns.
I homeschooled my kids, and I'm from OK.
Public schools are no better in OK despite the list of things you liste.
Becky
And our three year old is learning . . . . . . French!
In a certain sense, that's the point:)
Who wants thier kids to be like most of the little hellions in schools. Homeshcooling does not isolate, it does give parents better control over who their kids social life. It also teaches kids to socialize with a wide varity of age groups. When, other then in school do people only socialize with others thier same age??? Never.
My 2 kids had friends of all ages. In fact when they started driving and could go by themselves, they went and hung out with some of our friends and they were glad to have them.
We got the kids out among people with horses. We did alot of horse activities, and there is a wide range of types there. And I'm sure there are other activities with that advantage. You have to find what fits your family, and the parents have to be committed to doing it with the kids, not just taking them and dumping them off. Be there with them. Teach them by example how to socialize with the good the bad and the ugly:)
Becky
We are very happy with our public school. If you choose to homeschool, go right ahead. It isn't for everyone.
In our 21st year, we have found that homeschooling helps the each one in an individual way. The super-bright, hardworking one graduated at 16, and at 22 has an AA in criminal justice, a BS in computer science, 2 years of work experience, and is working on a masters in computer security. The 98%ADHD one with processing problems has been able to stay on schedule, with a lot of work from both of us. She is adjusting well to college, probably as a science major. The artistic, philosophical one has been able to use her start in homeschooling to get an AA in fine arts and a BA in Bible. She plans to train as a counsellor- after her November wedding! The late-blooming son caught up, became an eagle scout, and is in college enjoying his networking and computer tech classes. The 8th grader, the only one left schooling at home, is able to pursue her own interests within the structure of her education: crafts, reading, karate, and now web page design. All have been moderately successful competitive swimmers, and quite successful competitive shooters. All have played band instruments. They each know who they are, and what they think. The best thing about homeschooling is the freedom to learn tha basics, and to explore your interests- without peer pressure or government limits.
Of course it isn't for everyone. It takes a great deal of time, work and discipline. It also takes patience, and financial sacrifice (living on one income.) My husband and I consider it a gift to our children.
Guilty!
We are in our 13th year of homeschooling. Our two oldest children are away at college, one at Bryan College in Dayton, TN, as a Presidential Scholar with significant scholarship aid, the other at Clemson University as a National Merit Scholar, with about two-thirds of his way paid. He had several full-ride offers, graduated with an AA the week before his official high school graduation, and is doing well at Clemson. Homeschooling works, and I have to say that I have not seen it as an overwhelming task.
As for the things they miss out on, or perhaps we should call it character development, my ten yo daughter just commented on how strange one of her friends at Awana is - she has a picture of a popular singer in her Awana book! I realized that my daughter is missing out on all the celebrity crushes that I experienced in late elementary school - Oh my!
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