I grew up homeschooled

[LisaDS88]

I've noticed there are a lot of parents on here that homeschool their kids. I just wanted to give some encouragement and/or reassurance for those of you who have decided to homeschool their kids or are thinking about doing it. I was homeschooled my entire life (I'm 22 now) except for one semester in my junior year of high school when I went to public school. The main thing I learned from going to school was how thankful I was that I didn't spend the earlier parts of my life in school. It was such a WASTE of time. I was locked in a building all day with people I didn't really want to be friends with anyway. I felt like I had a better social life when I didn't go to school. Not to mention, it was full of nothing but busy work, and I hardly learned anything (I was in advanced classes at a "good" public school, too). Honestly, it probably took us 2 weeks in class at school to learn what I did at home in 2 hours. I used a curriculum through a Christian school in Illinois. Most of it was correspondence, so I had to send in work to the school, and they would grade it and send me a report card. But even that was too strict sometimes, and I think I could have done better without it. My mom helped/taught me until about 7th grade. Then, I did everything on my own after that, including teaching myself algebra. I did get a private math tutor for algebra II and chemistry to help make the learning process easier. Just about all text books are 100% self-explanatory, so if you can read and have a little patience, you can teach yourself pretty much anything.

Basically, your child's education will depend on how much effort and time you want to devote to teaching your child....not whether or not you have a degree in teaching or some other special qualification. Just get some good text books covering a wide variety of subjects, come up with some "lesson plans" or schedules to go through the books, and do a lot of "hands on" learning like taking field trips to the museum or science experiments in the backyard. If you can afford it, sign your kids up in local sports like baseball or soccer; or music or art lessons. (That's a good way for them to meet friends, too). If they are teenagers, I HIGHLY recommend them getting a part-time job. I got my first job handing out skates at an ice rink when I was 11. Nothing teaches you more about how the world works than getting a job. (Plus, it's another way to meet new friends.) If they are nearing the end of high school, get the Princeton Review book on how to prepare for the SAT test. The most that college applications require from homeschooled kids is a list of subjects they studied and their SAT or ACT scores. I got into a major university with no problem.

Basically there are three points I would suggest:
1. Make sure your child studies and/or participates in a wide variety of subjects like math, science, history, English, grammar, foreign language, music, art, sports, and life skills (i.e. making meals, balancing check books, paying bills, getting the oil changed in your car.....yes, they will need to know that one day)
2. Decide if they might want to go to college in the future and begin preparing for the SAT or ACT test. It is mostly vocabulary, reading, and some very basic math.
3. Make SURE they have enough of a social life and have some continuing friendships (i.e not just a homeschool group activity once a month where they are with kids they hardly know). They need friends to spend time with on a regular basis. Most homeschool groups or youth groups get together once a week or month. They can be fun "social events," but make sure your child has "real friends" to do things with outside of big group activities. Interacting with people and developing lasting friendships is something to learn as well....no matter what age you are.

[Rawkinlocs]

Thanks so much for your contribution and input! It's always nice to hear the perspective of an adult who grew up being homeschooled, esp. when THEY recall it as having been a positive experience! Thanks again :)

[Goldenrod]

It's great to hear stories like yours. Thanks for sharing.

[vegggeeemom]

Thank you so much for posting this! I will go back and read it again!
I often wonder if my dd is benefiting from me hsing her and I'll just keep on going!
She's in 5th grade. Hs'd her since K.

Thanks
Pam

[ReneeSC]

Lisa, THANK YOU for your encouragement to those of us still "on the trail" with our children and those who seek to understand or possibly enter into this homeschooling journey.

At this moment, my two teens, feeling much better after a WEEK of being ill, are at our studies table ( not the only place they do work ) getting their stuff together so we can finish out this week strong.

We're now at the point of having a seemingly too harried schedule after Wednesday..and on into Sunday. And I meant outside of the home with ( gasp!) real people! ( grin )

My girls are already preparing their way into college; which has been a challenge because one is still teetering on which program to select, and her selected college is pretty strict on entrance requirements for homeschoolers. ( oh, don't get me started! lol ). That being said, she takes music at our major public uni - and does wonderfully!

My youngest has, we think, finally settled into her God-given life path, so she's beginning to "school" in that avenue as we speak.

There are SO many different ways to home educate because there are SO many different people and families and situations. We're grateful to live in a country where we're allowed the choice of how we wish to accomplish this "rite of passage" into adulthood.

SATs next year! Algebra into geometry... Oh goodie!! lol

[mandarin honey]

Lisa, thank you for posting. This is very encouraging for me as well since I only started homeschooling my sons in September. Its good to read such a positive message that reinforces my feelings toward homeschooling.

[truthseeker]

Well that was an uplifting read! Thank you!

We have been HSing now for a few weeks and IT IS GOING SO GREAT !!!! I know things can change anytime, but so far the kids LOVE it and I do too!!!

[Mina]

thank you lisa!!!!! I just started my journey into homeschooling in September and I love it. I find my son is learning so much and having fun with other homeschooled children even my daughter who is only 3 years old. I can't imgine them going to school. the best part is that they are eating healthy, we are raw, they get to eat good stuff and I don't have to worry about what other kids are eating because my kids want the same thing. I hope that one day my kids will have the same positive experience like you had.
thank you again

[Denise Nicole]

Great post!

[LisaDS88]

Your welcome. Let me know if you ever have any questions about homeschooling. I'd be happy to give my input. It's a great way to keep kids on a health diet, too!

[Live Free]

Thank you so much for telling me about yor experiences with homeschooling.

My niece was homeschooled and she hated it only because her home life was not a joyful place. But she is a great person despite all her stresses while growing up. She is beautiful, talented and intelligent.

I have been contemplating homeschooling my child. However, I am not sure if I could handle the stress of it. I already have so many things on my plate, but I would love the flexiblity of homeschooling. I would like for my child to spend time with her family overseas for three or four months out of the year. I think it would be good for her. Even if it would be difficult for me.

I also believe that when the child is in a 8hr day at school that most of it is a waste of time. Just like LisaDS88 said. I dont think it would be difficult for my baby to eat the right foods at school, but it may get more difficult when she is older. My husband is more of a culprit in getting her addicted to foods I dont want her to eat. It is a constant. School would be the least of my worries.

I would love to have her travel with me and go to different field trips, and maybe some raw adventures. Who knows. I have a list of goals that I would like to accomplish with her.

I feel like I am getting all the signs that I should homeschool my child. Depending mostly on how my business is growing and if it will be self staining in a few years. I hope so.

Teresa and Mae
Live Free