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Hi everyone! Even though me and my wife are new to the parenting game, this topic has already come up a lot for us. We both went through a public education system and turned out okay, but I've been looking at home school curriculums, and they seem to have a lot to offer too! Trips to museums and guest speakers, lots of online resources...home schooling seems to be an interesting idea. Any thoughts?

I think public school give children a chance to practice social skills which is essential in anyone's development

Posted By jennyang on 20 Oct 2009 12:17 PM
I think public school give children a chance to practice social skills which is essential in anyone's development

Good point Jenny .

I know a few kids who are home schooled and most of them are painfully awkward in group situations. I think in certain circumstances it is benefical but as a general rule it does not equip kids with the social skills that are necessary for a normal life. Sharing, cooperation, making new friends, taking turns and public speaking don't happen at home with mom and dad. Just my opinion.

I have met quite a few home schooled kids and their parents.... most of the kids seem to be doing very well academically, but do seem a bit akward socially (maybe that's why they are home-schooled in the first place?). My own two tween kids, however, say they feel very sorry for any kids who are home-schooled!

Well, speaking as someone who went through the public school system - I think a little home schooling isn't such a bad thing. We don't all fit in nicely with the group, and public school can be very unpleasant for people who enjoy English class more than recess. In addition to which, I know an awful lot of people who've been socialized and sent through the public system their whole lives - and they're _still_ socially awkward! I say: choose a system that works for the child, don't try to mould the child to fit the system

My family homeschools our five children and has done so for 8 years now. I am also a former public school teacher as are my parents, but had attended private schools for my elementary and secondary schooling.

There are many different "flavors" of homeschooling. Some of which do lead to a type of isolation that may impose some social awkwardness. Though, in my experience this is more a stereotype based on a small portion of the population than a reality. I, frankly, find many of the students attending our local public schools to be "socially awkward" in that they are often quite disrespectful and have difficulty communicating with their adult counterparts. However, logic tells me this is not an abnormal occurrence when 20 or more children are 'governed' by one adult where most of the 'learning' comes from each other rather than the teacher and those shared lessons are not often part of the scripted objectives.

Homeschooling has allowed my family to meet the needs of two gifted children who were not adequately served in school despite their participation in the "gifted and talented" program. It has also given us the autonomy to create a custom curriculum for each of our children that matches their learning styles and interests. My children are afforded opportunities that are rare or non-existent for children attending outside schools. For example, my twelve year old son participates in an opera that tours internationally for part of the year. He has seen much of the world and speaks three languages. My ten year old daughter volunteers at our local zoo and is now an assistant to the veterinarians. She knows more about animal physiology than most undergrads. My thirteen year old is proficient in piano, violin and guitar. He performs in a youth orchestra and has been a guest performer in two metro philharmonics. This says nothing of our academic curriculum or educational philosophy, but are simply a few of the benefits that arise from thinking outside the box and not accepting the conventional view of what childhood education should look like.

Each has their own path. As parents, it would serve or children well to be more informed about the diversity that exists for our children and resist judgment based on hearsay or public opinion.