Night Elf Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 We've all heard reasons why we shouldn't homeschool. Some of them are thoughtful while others seem silly. Homeschoolers... won't learn how to be around other people. won't learn to work in groups. won't have the skills needed to take the SAT and enter college. can't get into college because colleges shy away from homeschoolers. don't learn how to separate from their mother. don't learn how to do things they don't want to do. Homeschooling parents without teaching degrees cannot teach their children everything they need to know. Any others? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holly in FL Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Believe it or not...I had a woman once tell me: "I could never home school my children...I couldn't be around them all day long!" I think my jaw dropped and I quickly closed it. Smiles! ~Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Jenny Flint Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 to deal with bullying. I've also heard the one Holly mentioned several times from different people (about not being able to be around their kids all day long). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pqr Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Michael Jackson was a homeschooler! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsunshine Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 One of the funniest responses I've heard personally (when I told a friend we were homeschooling) is: "But what about sleepovers?" Huh?:confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holly in FL Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 That's hilarious! ~Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 According to my older brother I am ruining my children for life (apparently he did not see the results of my son's standarized tests). My mother used to protest that they would have no friends and that they would miss out on all the great things about school. You know like cliques, bullies and teachers who should have quit teaching 25 years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmom3tn Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Believe it or not...I had a woman once tell me: "I could never home school my children...I couldn't be around them all day long!" I have had someone say this to me before. Actually she said, "How do you be with them all the time?", as if I shouldn't be able to tolerate being with my kids so much. I just said that I enjoy being with my kids and I enjoy learning with them. They're not bad kids. We have fun together. (Well, most of the time :D) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 "Do you belong to a cult?" "You can't homeschool him. He has a speech delay!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraceyS/FL Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Believe it or not...I had a woman once tell me: "I could never home school my children...I couldn't be around them all day long!" I think my jaw dropped and I quickly closed it. Smiles! That is the one i hear the most. They can't imagine i LIKE my kids enough to spend all day with them. According to my older brother I am ruining my children for life (apparently he did not see the results of my son's standarized tests). My mother used to protest that they would have no friends and that they would miss out on all the great things about school. You know like cliques, bullies and teachers who should have quit teaching 25 years ago. I'm now hearing about all they are missing out on during this divorce. Funny how "they" forget about the 2nd 1/2 of your statement..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 When we were trying to determine if my ds was dyslexic my sister informed me via e-mail that I should put him in public school so they could deal with it. :glare: How about you shouldn't homeschool so you'll have more time for ministry work. :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathy in MD Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 ......How about you shouldn't homeschool so you'll have more time for ministry work. :001_huh: Now that one's different! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillieBoy Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 This actually came up a few days ago while visiting a friend and one of her other acquaintances stopped by. After a cup of tea she said “You don’t seem like a homeschooler.” I bit and asked “How so?” “Well you don’t seem like a religious freak, you’re educated, you aren’t a hippie, and your kid seems pretty normal.” “Ummmm” jaw dropping moment “Thanks??? I think” . Wow, what a stereotype. I was on neutral ground so I minded my manners. I did tell her though I don’t own a denim jumper, sometimes in the winter I don’t shave for weeks. I wonder if that is the real world perception out there. I don’t really care but, geesh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vkay Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 My ds has been dx as mild Aspergers and apparently my hs'ing him has caused it!!! :cursing: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SherryTX Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 I have had someone say this to me before. Actually she said, "How do you be with them all the time?", as if I shouldn't be able to tolerate being with my kids so much. I just said that I enjoy being with my kids and I enjoy learning with them. They're not bad kids. We have fun together. (Well, most of the time :D) Actually, this was my reason - that I didn't think I had the patience. Really, I still feel this way some days. Like today - yeah - we all have THOSE days haha. Hmmm...I think the whole "socialization" thing is what I have heard the most. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicianmom Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 "Kids need to go to school so they can learn to stand in line." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Katia Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 I was told that my dc would "never learn to stand in line". :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oak Knoll Mom Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 "What about prom?" and "It's not good for kids to spend too much time with their parents. Look how weird (our cousin) is." (For the record, our cousin was nine when her mom died and therefore didn't get to spend enough time with her, and she wasn't homeschooled.):blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmom3tn Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 I have been told before that my kids don't act like "normal" kids, because they don't know/like rap music, they don't dress like most kids (my son doesn't wear his pants hanging off of his butt), they don't speak in slang or purposely use incorrect grammar, etc.... My dad once made me very upset because he told my kids he was sorry that they were going to miss out on going to a prom and having a graduation ceremony. He was wrong about that, and even if it was true, he shouldn't have said it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohdanigirl Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 Since I am in Mexico people are very unfamiliar with homeschooling. I get more questions like... You're a teacher? So, your kids just don't go to school? Yeah I am a teacher (for my boys) and no they don't go to school, they live it. Funny thing happened this morning. I was hitting the back to school sales in San Diego (where my family is) and someone asked why I was getting back to school supplies. Are you enrolling the kids in school? This person happened to be from Mexico as well and I guess she believes homeschooling means we sit at home and stare at the wall..we don't learn how to read or write, so why buy pencils. Danielle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in FL Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 My dad wanted to know how long I was going to keep my son from the real world. All I could think of is "I wish he had kept me from the real world of middle school". Now it makes me smile, my kids are much more exposed to the real world than any of the public school friends they have. Melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilby Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 My son's speech therapist asked "how will he learn how to cook?". I don't think it occurred to her that people can learn how to cook outside home ec classes, in their very own fully equipped kitchens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 How will you teach upper level subjects like calculus and foreign language? I think that some people are so accustomed to being in conflict with their kids that the idea of being in conflict over family issues AND school issues just overwhelms them. When we lived in Germany, the idea that someone could homeschool and then qualify in any way for either the various job certification processes or for university was something that people couldn't conceive of. Homeschooling there (were it ever legal) would have to take a different form, because the role that schools play in prepping people for work and higher education is different. Now the funniest one that I've ever heard was from a troll on the old boards, way back. He suggested that it wasn't safe for the kids to be home with mom teaching while she was having her monthly cycle. Anyone else remember that one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Hen Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 According to my older brother I am ruining my children for life (apparently he did not see the results of my son's standarized tests). QUOTE] My Dad said something similar -- along with: My DS needed to be around kids who would take him down a notch or two. :glare: carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Hen Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 They won't learn how to do homework :lol: Honest, from my sister who still believes all kids should be in the great public school system. Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockermom Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 "...but, he'll never get to ride the school bus..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsunshine Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 "...but, he'll never get to ride the school bus..." :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekmom Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 "...but, he'll never get to ride the school bus..." This woman obviously has no idea what goes on during those unsupervised bus rides. I remember sitting in the front seat of the bus when I was younger bc I was terrified to sit in the back with the big kids. I think most parents would be shocked to know what kinds of sexual activity goes on in the back of the bus. I was a middle school teacher for 7 years, and the stories I heard would make your jaw drop to the floor!!! My children will NEVER ride the bus - even if they do eventually go to ps!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon H in IL Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 Eh, the usual. What about socialization? (from ps teachers) Homeschoolers take the best students and keep them out of the public school so it hurts the schools. You're turning your back on the (failing) local school, instead of staying and fighting to make it better. How will you teach them higher level science courses? How will they be able to prove they graduated to employers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 My FIL said my boys will be wimps because they don't go to school where they can be toughened up to deal with the real world! :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phathui5 Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 Believe it or not...I had a woman once tell me: "I could never home school my children...I couldn't be around them all day long!" I think my jaw dropped and I quickly closed it. Smiles! ~Holly I've actually heard that from a lot of people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 I too hear often that people could not spend the whole day with their kids. My favorite came from a family member who said, 'how are they going to learn to read' as if only a certified teacher can teach a kid to read (care to guess her profession). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in Florida Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 Believe it or not...I had a woman once tell me: "I could never home school my children...I couldn't be around them all day long!" I think my jaw dropped and I quickly closed it. Smiles! ~Holly I have heard this one several times, often with the person's child standing right there. It makes me intensely sad. I can't imagine the emptiness of life if you don't want to be around your own children. On a lighter note, the sillier ones I've heard are: How will you teach Algebra? (At the time my oldest was 8 years old, yes she was advanced but that was not my biggest worry.) Won't they miss the Prom? (Really, 12 years of school and the key moment is the Prom? :glare:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 The ones that I think deserve consideration (based on what I've seen in the homeschool community): Trouble teaching high school material Won't learn to work in a group Have trouble with deadlines, expectations, etc. in college Could fall behind other students The silly ones: Won't be bullied Won't ride a bus Won't get to go to prom How will they get a boy/girl friend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetzmama Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 ...you need some time for yourself..... (True statement. That time is less than 15 years away:lol:). ...you need time to keep the house, do grocery shopping, cook, get haircuts.... (True statement. My kids learn valuable life skills as the help me with all of these. Well, maybe not the haircuts. But they do remember to use their manners when they say, "thank you" for the suckers:D). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brilliant Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 "Is that legal?" When I assured him it was, he wanted to argue about it. I walked away as quickly and politely as possible. (I was actually afraid he would try to pursue something...it was a postal clerk to whom I'd handed some mail with our return address on it...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 My favorite is that they will miss the prom. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 I've heard, "What about prom?!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThelmaLou Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 As a Christian, the broader opposition I typically hear from other Christians is that homeschoolers are not allowing their children to be "salt and light" to the rest of the world. Don't even get me started. I could write a book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlowetx Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 Eh, the usual. (from ps teachers) Homeschoolers take the best students and keep them out of the public school so it hurts the schools. You're turning your back on the (failing) local school, instead of staying and fighting to make it better. This is exactly what my ex-ps teacher mil says... All my ds friends' parents say the "I couldn't imagine being with them all day..." seriously, this just seems so sad. Anyone who talks about the socialization issue, I just laugh and tell them not to go there..it is not a conversation we want to have.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 How about. You need a break. That is what schools are for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anotherclassicmom Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 I had a clerk tell me one day that homeschoolers look so good on the stats because the parents tell them all the answers on the tests. When I assured her that our children have to be tested by a third party, she accused me of lying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reya Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 This woman obviously has no idea what goes on during those unsupervised bus rides. I remember sitting in the front seat of the bus when I was younger bc I was terrified to sit in the back with the big kids. I think most parents would be shocked to know what kinds of sexual activity goes on in the back of the bus. I was a middle school teacher for 7 years, and the stories I heard would make your jaw drop to the floor!!! My children will NEVER ride the bus - even if they do eventually go to ps!! My DH LOVED the bus as a kid. I hated it, for all the reasons above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LUV2EDU Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 "Kids need to go to school so they can learn to stand in line." I guess they assume homeschool families don't go to restaurants, grocery stores, the movies, banks, etc. Believe me, they will have plenty of opportunities to learn how to stand in line.:lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geo Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 (edited) Same old same old..."Why would you want to be with your kids all day?" What really shocks me though, is even after something like that comes out of their mouth...they still have no idea how stupid and horrible it is to say such a thing...and mean it! Geo 6 kids, 7-34 hsing 22 years Edited July 10, 2009 by Geo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted July 10, 2009 Author Share Posted July 10, 2009 My ds has been dx as mild Aspergers and apparently my hs'ing him has caused it!!! :cursing: I've been told the same thing about my Aspie. I was told that without going to school, he won't learn how to do regular life things like shopping in a grocery store, going into a bank, or carry a conversation with other peers. How hilarious it would be for me to tell people that my son is in public school so he can learn how to shop at the grocery store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciyates Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 My most confusing one so far was "Is it safe?" :confused: Of course this is the same person who told me breast feeding wasn't natural. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 I've been told the same thing about my Aspie. I was told that without going to school, he won't learn how to do regular life things like shopping in a grocery store, going into a bank, or carry a conversation with other peers. How hilarious it would be for me to tell people that my son is in public school so he can learn how to shop at the grocery store. Yup. I am told that my aspie won't be able to learn social norms if he's not in a classroom full of kids. Forget the fact that I'm opposed to some of those "social norms"- this is a kid who has been diagnosed with an INABILITY to "pick up" on social norms!!!!!!!!!! My sister also worries about the lack of proms. :tongue_smilie: And, of course, there's the fact that I never went to school to learn how to teach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 My most confusing one so far was "Is it safe?" :confused: Of course this is the same person who told me breast feeding wasn't natural. This made me laugh out loud. Safe for who? For me? Actually, now that you mention it, tazmanian devil does come to mind... :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runninmommy Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 I would be interested to hear your replies to these questions. Or would that be better accomplished in a separate thread? I could use some creative replies in my arsenal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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