Why do I homeschool my kids? - Page 3

[simple living mama]

Originally Posted by jkpmomtoboys

I lurk here a bit, even though we're in ps, because I like getting lots of good ideas and reading about what everyone is doing.

However, I just wanted to say that just like there are some negative stereotypes of hs'ing on the ps thread about not hs'ing, there are many negative stereotypes of ps on this thread.... But unlike the hsers who jumped all over the ps thread, I will restrain from doing that here...

Just wanted to make that point. Carry on...

Go ahead jkpmomtoboys. It's always a good thing to be told when one is stereotyping. Tell us what it is that you find wrong about some of the comments. I actually haven't read all the post yet and I'm curious as to what folks said here. I also run an after-school arts program for public school kids and happen to be very fond and protective of them in regards to stereotyping as they are the low income housing kids.

[joesmom]

Originally Posted by rmzbm

: Meaning...um...I'd be sad if Joe was in school too! Clearly he'd do better with his smart mama! :

[Kidzaplenty]

:

[nomadmom]

Originally Posted by jkpmomtoboys

I just wanted to say that just like there are some negative stereotypes of hs'ing on the ps thread about not hs'ing, there are many negative stereotypes of ps on this thread

That's why when people ask me why we homeschool, I try to keep my response positive (ie why *do* we homeschool instead of why *don't* we do school).

My kids don't go to school because they can get everything they need and want without it. It's as simple as that. When people try to argue, I just point to my kids and say, "Please tell me what you think they are lacking." My kids are happy, enthusiastic, curious, kind, outgoing, etc., so the questioner appears momentarily stumped before blurting out something ridiculous like, "but what about prom?"

And, of course, there's the freedom. Why on earth would I want to give that up?

[boysrus]

I would love to hear what misconceptions we are holding. Please post them

nomadmom, I actually do to. My OP is really a negative for me. Usually, when people ask me why I homeschool, I tell them because it is the most efficient way for them to learn. If they press further, I will explain that my oldest son has asperger syndrome, has read at a college level since he was about 8, cannot write in a legible print, wear a suit and tie and speaks witha British accent even though he has never stepped foot out of the US, and has taught me how kids don't learn in boxes.

[rmzbm]

Originally Posted by nomadmom

And, of course, there's the freedom. Why on earth would I want to give that up?

Yeah, really...

[nomadmom]

Originally Posted by boysrus

nomadmom, I actually do to. My OP is really a negative for me.

Oh, I wasn't being critical of your op or anyone else's reasons for homeschooling! I wasn't referring to that at all. I meant that when a non-homeschooler questions my choice, I believe my argument is stronger if I can avoid making them feel defensive. My family definitely *does* have negative opinions about school -- that's why the kids don't go!

[nomadmom]

Originally Posted by boysrus

I would love to hear what misconceptions we are holding.

Me too!

[ICan'tFindAName]

We homeschool because.........

I love having my kids snuggle on the couch with me in the middle of the day.

I love seeing my 3 kids playing well and getting along.....

I absolutely love hearing my youngest explain to other kids the theories behind why things work.... or don't..... and then having to give the meaning of words he has used because the kids 4 years older don't know what he's talking about. (happened today.... so cool).

I think the neatest thing in the world is to spend the day with the kids and when they come running to me and tell me about the latest snake/frog/squirrel/flower/bug/etc. they have found in our backyard.

I love being with my kids. They complete me....... and it just feels natural to have them home.

[jkpmomtoboys]

Originally Posted by boysrus

I would love to hear what misconceptions we are holding. Please post them

Well here's a few for starters:

Originally Posted by rmzbm

PS does "crush." It crushes individuality, creativity & uniqueness. "Conform, conform, conform!" Not my kid! :

Originally Posted by joesmom

It seems like when kids are in school, they grow so attached to peers, teachers, whoever,that they DO pull away from siblings & parents.

Originally Posted by rmzbm

I think the words "thrive" and "school" don't belong in the same sentence.

Originally Posted by Heavenly

In school kids are taught what to think, how to think and WHEN to think. It doesn't matter if they have a really insightful point about something they did in science yesterday if they are in the middle of English or Math class. Schools just completely compartmentalize learning.

The stereotyping of school in general like this smacks of exactly the same thing you are claiming parents are doing about homeschoolers...

[boysrus]

wow, thank you for posting that. I agree with you, those statements are stereotyping.
And I do know some wonderfully creative public school children who have their own identity and are clsoe to their family.
And completely is a word that automatically stereotypes, isn't it?

[nomadmom]

Originally Posted by jkpmomtoboys

The stereotyping of school in general like this smacks of exactly the same thing you are claiming parents are doing about homeschoolers...

While I agree that stereotyping is unfair to both sides, I see a difference in the remarks you quoted versus the things homeschoolers hear about their choice. In those quotes, *schools* are being criticized whereas with homeschooling the children themselves often are the ones being stereotyped. The classic example is, "Homeschooled kids are weird."

[rmzbm]

Originally Posted by nomadmom

While I agree that stereotyping is unfair to both sides, I see a difference in the remarks you quoted versus the things homeschoolers hear about their choice. In those quotes, *schools* are being criticized whereas with homeschooling the children themselves often are the ones being stereotyped. The classic example is, "Homeschooled kids are weird."

Exactly!

[joesmom]

Originally Posted by boysrus

wow, thank you for posting that. I agree with you, those statements are stereotyping.
And I do know some wonderfully creative public school children who have their own identity and are clsoe to their family.
And completely is a word that automatically stereotypes, isn't it?

Some of those statements could be considered stereotypes, but when I said:

It seems like when kids are in school, they grow so attached to peers, teachers, whoever,that they DO pull away from siblings & parents.

I was referring specifically to kids I know personally. My nephews, for instance. Kids at church. The neighbor kid... just kids in general. This IS a difference I have seen in public school vs. homeschooled kids- it is not a stereotype, but an observation. I am sure it is not true in every case, but I didn't say it was.

Just to make it clear I think there ARE good schools out there. I think some kids can & do thrive in school. It is just not a choice I could ever see myself making. :

[rmzbm]

Well, joesmom, we must know the same kids!

But I disagree school is good for some. Yeah, folks, I'm that extreme.
Maybe it's better than being beat at home, but I really think the very idea of "school" is quite absurd.

[Mama2E&O]

ITA with you, rmzbm.

[rmzbm]

Originally Posted by Mama2E&O

ITA with you, rmzbm.

Now, if we could just sway the masses a bit more...we can finally take over the world!

[L&IsMama]

Originally Posted by rmzbm

Well, joesmom, we must know the same kids!

But I disagree school is good for some. Yeah, folks, I'm that extreme.
Maybe it's better than being beat at home, but I really think the very idea of "school" is quite absurd.

I think some kids appear to do better in school. I do wonder, however, how much better would those same kids who seem to do well in PS do if they were HS'ed.

Unfortunately, some kids are beaten and abused at home, or just flat out neglected, so school is probably actually a haven for them. And that is sad. It probably has nothing to do with school itself, but the adults and people there, who aren't abusing them, that reach out to them, kwim?