INPUT REQUEST from moms of teens aged 15-18

[mhg]

Those of you with teens aged 15 - 18, I am curious as to how your kids feel about being homeschooled? Do they wish they were in PS? Do they feel lonely? Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school? Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it? What would they say about it? Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd? What do they like most and least about it? I'd appreciate any input on this as I'm curious. (my firstborn's only age 4, so don't "HOLD BACK" thinking your honesty is going to affect my hs continuance).

[QueenCat]

I didn't start homeschooling until mine were going in to 7th and 10th grades. The older one had a choice, and chose to homeschool 10th-12th grades. He says he hopes to either homeschool or send his children to a small, private school. The younger will be in 12th grade this year, and says he is glad he is homeschooled.

[ChrisN in NY]

All my kids have always been homeschooled, very which I am very thankful.

 

My oldest 3 have graduated:

Number 1 was glad to be homeschooled at the time. He's in a different place now in his life, and while he doesn't regret being homeschooled, I don't think he currently believes he wants that for his own children. He's 24 now.

Number 2 hated that he was homeschooled beginning with 10th grade or so. Everything was my fault; I ruined his life. He took cc classes for his senior yr at his own expense because he didn't like dealing with me and my "rules". If he's changed his mind, he hasn't told me. He's 20 now.

Number 3 was glad to be homeschooled. She like that she could work at her own pace on her subjects, giving more time for the things that needed it, and less on the things that came more easily. She also like the fact that there were more opportunities available to her in the community (work, volunteer) that she could not have done if she went to school. I don't know if she will hs her own children. She's 19 now.

 

My 4th is in high school now, and likes being homeschooled. She is advanced in many subjects, but I will not allow her to graduate early. Instead, she will have more advanced subjects on her transcript. I don't know if she will hs her own children either.

 

HTH

[Barb_]

So many questions! I'll do my best.

 

Those of you with teens aged 15 - 18, I am curious as to how your kids feel about being homeschooled?

 

Well, my two oldest loved it. The oldest one went all the way through graduation and has thanked me often for giving her the gift of time and space to learn who she is. The 16yo actually attended a small classical charter in a nearby city for the past two years because she was curious, but she chose to return home this year. My 13yo is less academically inclined, and more artsy and social. I've agreed to let her try high school for a year because she's the most 'schoolish' of my children, but that could change as she gets older.

 

Do they wish they were in PS?

 

None of them wish they were in PS, even the one that is going to try PS next year. She is curious to see what PS is like, but would be perfectly happy to stay home too. It's certainly not a yearning.

 

Do they feel lonely?

 

No, but they are part of a large family. The answer might be quite different if I had one child.

 

Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school?

 

They've all expressed a desire to homeschool at least part of the time. But we tend to reevaluate each year, so it isn't our style to actually plan to go all the way through.

 

Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it? What would they say about it?

 

They love the freedom from arbitrary rules and limits on personal expression. Oh, they have limits...they just aren't arbitrary and randomly enforced.

 

Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd?

 

It wouldn't occur to us to feel either proud or ashamed of homeschooling. It's just something we do. However, my oldest did say she sometimes tired of answering questions all the time.

 

 

What do they like most and least about it?

 

I kind of already answered what they liked most. They also loved having a say in choosing their curriculum, teaching themselves, and taking college classes. They appreciate the extra sleep. What do they like least? Less access to the opposite sex, probably. That's a pro for me, however :D

 

Barb

[CLHCO]

They love it. My oldest two are twins and don't get lonely, so I can't comment on that part. They will likely homeschool their children and if they can't, they'll send them to Grandma's house to school them. :tongue_smilie:

 

No holding back. Honest. They would probably look at me in horror if I suggested they attend public school.

[1bassoon]

Do they wish they were in PS?

No. Not at all. OK, well the 5yo did bring up tonight she "wants to go to school". When asked why, she said she wanted there to be a school bell. I asked if she wanted me to buy one, she said yes. Problem solved. :)

Do they feel lonely?

No. We are blessed not only with a large family, but a great group of homeschoolers very near by.

Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school?

Haven't asked them! I think they would both say yes, but I'm ok with whatever they decide - it's b/w them and God and their (future) spouses.

Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it?

Depends on the day, what's for lunch, how loud/annoying younger siblings are being, and how much work I've assigned them.

Seriously? My 17yo loves it. As does the 14yo.

What would they say about it? Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd?

Very proud and thankful.

 

What do they like most and least about it?

Least? Mom's not available to help them quite as much, b/c of the little ones.

Most? They can pursue their passions, and they have breathing room in their lives.

 

HTH - I can remember wondering the same things when my oldest was only 4. . . .WOW that was a long time ago!

[nrg]

I ahve always homeschooled my three. THe two oldest, 22 and 24, have expressed their gratitude for homeschooling and even wondering if I night want to teach their own children someday.

 

My 17 year old is still in the suriosity about high school phase, but doesn't want to go . He does do some things with the high school; he is their hired arts photographer, performs in plays, and plays in the orchestra for the musicals.

[Liz CA]

My ds was always happy to be homeschooled so we could tailor the curriculum a little to his interests. He has many friends in PS and never wanted to go. He thought their schedule was so inflexible.

 

He was the only kiddo here but was never lonely because he is very outgoing and was / is very involved in youth groups ,etc.

 

During the last 2 years of High School, he was in dual enrollment at the local community college and has enjoyed it very much. He is now almost to his AA degree but still undecided as to what his major should be and is now considering the military to have more time to explore his talents.

[Jann in TX]

My oldest was hsed from 3rd grade-12th. There were moments when she was lonely and wished she had a 'school' to go to like her sister, but at the same time she realized that she had some learning challenges that would have made attending a 'regular' class very intimidating. She is on the honor roll in college for the second semester in a row... and is fitting in WELL! She has no plans to homeschool... but she told me that I 'could' homeschool her children IF they were in a situation where PS was not a good fit/choice and I lived close by!

 

Middle dd was hsed from 1st-5th and then from 10th to present (this will be her Sr year). She liked the 'friend' part of PS--but hated the 'drama'. Academics were OK--but there were a few petty issues (like her former Geometry teacher) that bugged her. She is dual enrolled and LOVING that--an option she would not have had as a PS student in our district. She has no plans to homeschool...but she is homeschooling now by HER choice...she has some heavy anxiety issues and an unstable thyroid problem (related issues)... she is TOUGH to parent/live with!

 

Youngest dd is in PS and is loving it... she knows that homeschooling will always be an option, but at this time (for our family) PS is a good choice for her.

[LibraryLover]

In that age group, I have one who adores hsing and hasn't been in a school since age 9, and will not step foot in full- time schooling until college ( so dc says), and one who was hs'd and is now in a small (ish) -town high school and is happy as a clam. Both are fab people and both are thriving. I am so proud of them. Their tender natures touch my heart daily.

 

It's all about your child and your options.

Edited August 5, 2010 by LibraryLover

[katemary63]

I did not homeschool my oldest two. However my DD24 vows to homeschool her children. My DD19 liked being homeschooled. She tried public high school for a while and chose to come back home. There are things about homeschool she loved and things she hated. She was very lonely. But she was lonely while in ps also. She's not one of the "cool" kids and had few friends even though she has a wonderful personality. She also intends to homeschool her children. She thinks ps is disgusting. (because of the horrible lack of morals that are so in your face every where you turn - kid's in her high school had competitions to see who could...um... perform the most of certain acts on the most boys if you get my meaning....truly disgusting.) So, yes! She will homeschool her own. She wouldn't want them exposed to that! My youngest is 9 and she loves homeschooling.

[Hillary in KS]

My oldest child is 15.

 

Do they wish they were in PS?

No. he did occasionally when he was little, but it was mostly that he wanted to ride a school bus and eat lunch in a cafeteria. Now, he doesn't want to attend PS. He knows he's getting a better education at home.

 

Do they feel lonely?

We're active enough with church and sports activities. He's also part of an NCFCA debate club. He's got plenty of time to spend with others.

 

Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school?

He says "yes," but realizes that his future wife's opinion will play a large role in the decision.

 

Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it?

He likes being homeschooled, but doesn't always like doing schoolwork.

 

What would they say about it?

He doesn't say much, really.

 

Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd?

Not ashamed. I don't know if he's *proud* about it. It's just part of who he is. Sort of like saying "I'm in scouts" or "I'm on the swim team" or "I go to _______ high school."

[KidsHappen]

The oldest two think it was great and plan to homeschool their own children.

 

The middle two had the option to go to high school if they wanted and chose not to. After a year or two they were ambivalent about it and they felt that maybe that was a mistake. They felt that they would have been more social and maybe learned more in PS but they also realized that they would have had less freedom to travel (which they did extensively), work and pursue their own intrest. In the end they decided to homeschool all the way through. The 18 year old will probably homeschool her children until at least middle school. The 17 year old isn't planning on having children but if she did I think she would send them to school.

 

The youngest two had the option of going to PS in middle school which they both chose to do. They are happy with it and the middle two are happy for them and feel that it was probably the best choice for them. These two are very pro PS and would probably send their own children to school.

[Joanne]

My oldest, 15, will be attending public school this year as a sophomore. It's not entirely by his choice and it's certainly not mine.

 

That said, he went through a period of wanting public school for a while. It was sincere, but it was also because he was curious as to what many of his peers did.

 

Outsourcing classes helped.

 

Now that he's going, he's mixed; both sad and excited.

[Peela]

My youngest started homeschooling first,e at age 7- he is now 14. He has at times wanted to return to school- and he has usd it as a threat to me, too, but when push comes to shove, he really doesnt want to return to school. If he didnt have kids in the street to play with after school time, it might be different. Both my kids are very social extroverts, unlike me.

 

My dd16 was 9 when she started homeschooling and she wasnt willing at first- we forced her and she was not happy about it. Once I found her friends who homeschooled, she flourished. She is so strongly peer influenced, we homeschooled her to limit her contact with friends we didnt feel were a good influence- to help her make good choices. Nowadays, her friends are varied and of all types- she is not especially overprotected.

Last year, yes, she wanted to return to school. Activities with other homeschoolers dropped off for us, and she wanted more socialisation, basically. I was willing to put her in school for her happiness- dh was not. Instead, what I did was helped her find a path...we worked hard to find what she wanted to do. She started a correspondence course in media studies, and looked into what she could do after that- which is starting in February. It would be her equivalent of year 12, but she will be in full time college which should get her into university if she so chooses. It is a fairly academic course (mass communications/journalism) and she is satisfied that it will fulfill her needs for socialisation as well (it is on campus but she will live at home). Meanwhile, she has stepped up her involvement in the Venturer (teen Scouts) movement and that is where she has her socialisation mainly nowadays.

So yes..it has been tricky. No, not sure at this stage that they would want to homeschool their own kids (they know its hard work!). No, they do not think homescholing is the be all and end all. But both are fine with it at this stage. Both recognise the immense freedom and free time they have, compared to their schooled peers- time to work part time, time to follow their interests. Just spare time. But we are not hugely academic homeschoolers, even though dd16 has that capacity. She pretty much coasts along and has a rich life that is varied and her energy goes in a few different directions. That is what we appreciate about homeschooling, and the kids do appreciate it.

[Melissa in Australia]

My teens would really prefer to be at school, but they realise they have more time for themselves being homeschooled.

Just recently they have started telling people they are home educated,, not homeschooled. When I queried them on this, they told me because only weird people are homeschooled, while the normal ones were home educated! Whatever!

[AmyP]

Those of you with teens aged 15 - 18, I am curious as to how your kids feel about being homeschooled? Do they wish they were in PS? Do they feel lonely? Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school? Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it? What would they say about it? Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd? What do they like most and least about it? I'd appreciate any input on this as I'm curious. (my firstborn's only age 4, so don't "HOLD BACK" thinking your honesty is going to affect my hs continuance).

 

I just asked my DD 17 (DD15 sleeps pretty late). Here are her answers.

 

Wish she was in PS? No.

 

Feel lonely? No (Then she added she enjoys being alone. She says not getting to know as many people is one thing she likes best and least about homeschooling. -- Added by me: she recently (2 years ago) moved from VA where she had gone to school until 10th grade. She chose homeschooling after going to the PS here for a couple of months.

 

Homeschool her own kids? Yes.

 

Likes it.

 

What would you say about it? She says this question is too hard for so early in the morning!

 

Proud or Ashamed? Proud, but doesn't advertise that she is homeschooled (but doesn't deny it either) because she feels there is a stigma associated with homeschooling.

 

Likes most: Freedom

 

Likes least: Sometimes I choose things that are too hard for her. (I find this one of the more difficult things about homeschooling, being torn about whether I am not pushing my kids enough or too much.)

 

Amy

[CathyT]

I have a 14 ds and a 16 ds and both have never wanted to attend ps but they have taken classes at a resource center off and on and we have been part of a coop off and on. They have lots of friends when they want them. At times it is hard to schedule time with them but they feel that going to ps wouldn't have changed things that way.

 

They both have told me that if they have kids homeschooling would be a good option for them, if I could teach them if they or their wife wouldn't be able to due to jobs or what have you. LOL

 

As they have gotten older I think they have appreciated homeschooling more and have been more involved with choosing their curriculum path. That has helped make doing what I tell them daily must be done much more tolerable and they understand WHY they must do their work. We hold them accountable for their learning goals. We meet with them a few times each year to assess what they have done, what they want to get done, and the how and why's keeping in mind their goals.I don't have them do a formal curriculum other than math.

 

With two little ones that need my attention most of the day, the older two do a lot of their work on their own with minimal hands on by me but I check in each afternoon to see what they have done and their dad does math at night with them.

 

Good luck with your kids. Each year is a different experience.

Homeschooling is just a part of life. Not proud but definitely not ashamed. We are secular and there are times my boys make sure to point that out to others when they are asked questions about homeschooling. That said, they have good friends who are home schooled for religious reasons.

[HappyatHome]

My dc were homeschooled all the way through. They are ages 23, 21, 19, 14 (almost 15). Two boys and two girls. Each of the graduates has thanked us for homeschooling them. They all plan to homeschool their children. Their dad is a high school teacher, so they got to see a lot of what they were "missing" - I would say they had more curiosity about it than wishing they could go to ps.

 

We do make a point of helping them to expand their boundaries socially and enabling them to pursue their interests in high school. I think that made all the difference.

[RegGuheert]

I'll tell you about DS20 and DD17, who have both now graduated from HSHS. I asked DS20 these questions as he dragged himself out the door to commute to work. DD17 is still sleeping.

Those of you with teens aged 15 - 18, I am curious as to how your kids feel about being homeschooled?

Both DS20 and DD17 enjoyed HSHS. Both have excelled in their academics.

Do they wish they were in PS?

No, neither did.

Do they feel lonely?

There are nine Guheerts here: Annoyed might be more accurate! :D

Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school?

DS20 said "probably," but being a man, a lot depends on his future wife.

DD17 would say "Yes!"

Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it?

I would say both liked it. It is school, after all, and they had a VERY intensive curriculum.

What would they say about it?

Both can see that they are clearly way ahead in college when compared with the kids from the local high school. Not so much when compared with some children from Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria, VA, which many consider the top high school in the country.

Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd?

Both are proud.

What do they like most and least about it?

DS20: Most: Not having to go somewhere all day each day and being able to finish in the morning most days. (He is a VERY efficient and diligent worker. His college buddies call him "the android.")

DS20: Least: Sitting with MomsintheGarden doing Precalculus tutoring/corrections. (OTOH, after the first year, he added a math major to his CS major.)

DD17: Most: Spiritual growth opportunities and the isolation from non-Christian indoctrination. Also, she likes that she was able to test out of about two years of college during her junior and senior years.

DD17: Least: Sitting with MomsintheGarden doing Precalculus tutoring/corrections. (I'm seeing a trend here! :D)

I'd appreciate any input on this as I'm curious. (my firstborn's only age 4, so don't "HOLD BACK" thinking your honesty is going to affect my hs continuance).

Four!? Let me guess: you are a planner!! ;) Good luck!

[Pamela H in Texas]

My kids are 15 and almost 18. The oldest is in college. My kids attended public school for 8 weeks in the fall of 2001; the rest of their schooling has been at/from home. Anyway, both have liked the opportunity to homeschool because:

 

1) We could be more laid back

2) so we could enjoy life itself more

3) but they could also do what they wanted/needed schoolwise (go own pace, graduating early, taking subjects of interest, etc).

4) they could follow other pursuits of interest to a greater degree along the way (many hours of sport practice, many hours of volunteer work per week, etc)

5) they didn't have to deal with classroom behavior, "normal" teenage behavior/morality, teacher behavior, etc.

 

My kids tolerated the schoolishness imposed upon them. My dd liked schoolishness SHE chose. My ds never would have chosen it. Neither want to imagine having gone to school.

 

My daughter may not ever get married. If she has children, it'll likely be through adoption; but she seems to shy away from that more as she gets older also. She's getting *more* steadfast in these choices. But yes, if there are any children, she expects that she, I, or a combination would homeschool them.

 

I would definitely guess my son will get married one day. He realizes his wife will have a big say in terms of what should be done educationally. If he had 100% say, I think he'd be somewhat pulled; but he'd likely side with homeschooling. BTW, that is exactly how I feel about homeschooling him (we stuck with hsing, but many times along the way, we had some pulling towards school).

[Margo out of lurking]

Those of you with teens aged 15 - 18, I am curious as to how your kids feel about being homeschooled? Do they wish they were in PS?

Is thankful for it for now. But she goes back and forth every half year to a year or so. She's expressed desire for ps in the past, and she may again, but the decision does not rest with her. She likes sleeping in. She likes being able to do what she wants when she wants to do it. She appreciates the freedom to study her interests.

 

Do they feel lonely?

No. I'd be lonely if I were her, but she chooses a lot of solitude. She has said several times that she's happy, and that she will look back on this as a fun time.

Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school?

 

She goes back and forth on this too, depending on what kind of career she may or may not see for herself.

Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it? What would they say about it? Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd?

 

Likes it. I honestly try to discourage this, but my kids are a little snobby about being hsed. I wouldn't say they are "proud," maybe pleased. We've always been around a lot of hsers, so they don't see this as unusual. While my dd is terribly shy/reserved, I've always made her answer the "What school do you go to" question. I think she might even slightly enjoy responding in a way people don't expect.

What do they like most and least about it?

 

For "like most," see above. What does she like least? Being "stuck" with me all day. I began working part time two years ago, and this has eased up a lot of the tension, just giving us a break from each other. At the time, we were living quite isolated, moving half way across the country, and living an hour from any activities. It was hard.

 

Homeschooling = other than accepting Jesus Christ, it's the best thing we've ever 'done' for our family, and we've NEVER regretted it.

[dirty ethel rackham]

My boys love being homeschooled (okay, they don't love the day-to-day, but have absolutely no desire to ever step foot in a high school.) They think it is dumb. I do have to say that my oldest has a bit of social anxiety disorder so school for him would be a disaster. Nothing like being lonely in a building with 3000 students.

 

They realize that many kids who go back to school hide the fact that they were homeschooled. Our neighbor down the street does. My oldest is bummed because one of his few friends is going to school this year.

[TxMama]

Those of you with teens aged 15 - 18, I am curious as to how your kids feel about being homeschooled?

 

My kids are 19 and 20 and their hsing years are behind them. They never attended a ps or private school.

 

Do they wish they were in PS?

 

They refused to entertain the option of PS.

 

Do they feel lonely?

 

They were far too busy to be lonely. They had many friends and activities that they were involved in.

 

Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school?

 

They have not even thought of the possibility of having kids.

 

Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it?

 

Liked it. They liked the freedom and the options.

 

What would they say about it? Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd?

 

I wouldn't say they are proud but they aren't ashamed either. They are glad they had the opportunity. They comment about the "group think" of some of their peers who were ps or private schooled. They are also amazed that their peers are content to wait for someone to tell them what they need to know and think.

 

What do they like most and least about it?

 

With freedom came responsibility. During their hs school I made them fully responsible for their education and they had to decide how to meet my requirements for graduation. They liked the freedom but not the responsibility.

I'd appreciate any input on this as I'm curious. (my firstborn's only age 4, so don't "HOLD BACK" thinking your honesty is going to affect my hs continuance).

[J-rap]

***

Edited February 18, 2023 by J-rap

[hsm6kids]

My oldest is 15 and I have a 13 yr. old, they are both starting 10th grade this year and have been home schooled from day 1. When they were 5 or 6 (this is true for all my kids when they get that age) they see the back packs and school buses and they want to go to school. I tell them that's not an option for them and we move on.....now they tell me all the time how happy they are to not be in PS. They have lots of cousins and our house is a block from the bus stop so after school there are about 15 cousins here waiting for there parents to pick them up. They aren't lonely at all. They do tell me that they have a hard time talking to PS kids about anything other than tv programs and such because the kids never know what they are talking about and they prefer to socialize with "older people" ie. adults. They would be completely offended with me if I ever mentioned putting them in PS. As far as homeschooling there own children the 15 and the 13 yr. old said that they will make that decision when they are ready to have children, the 11 yr. old says she will defiantly be homeschooling her children :)

[Laurie4b]

Those of you with teens aged 15 - 18, I am curious as to how your kids feel about being homeschooled? DS 1 liked it; Ds 2 was ok with it. Do they wish they were in PS? They were given the option once they hit 9th or 10th grade to choose. Do they feel lonely? Ds 1 is extremely social and is always around other kids. Ds 2 is kind of "self-contained" and doesn't need as much social contact. I worry that he's lonely, but he says he isn't. They both were in at least 2 outside classes each year plus extra curriculars. Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school? Ds 1 says it would be his wife's choice. Ds 2 has never said anything about it. Do they love it, like it ds1, tolerate it ds2, hate it? What would they say about it? ds 1 had an activity with a public school and a girl on FB was writing repeatedly imploring him to come to ps. He said "Homeschool is chill." Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd? Neither. It's fine. What do they like most and least about it? I'd appreciate any input on this as I'm curious. (my firstborn's only age 4, so don't "HOLD BACK" thinking your honesty is going to affect my hs continuance).

 

Answers in your text above. Our older two are going to a hybrid public high school/community college this year. DS2 is going because it was getting very hard to homeschool him (lots of push-back) and I was tired of it. It's better for him to be out from under me in school so I can be the encourager and cheerleader and just Mom, not setter of syllabi and determiner of standards! Ds1 was choosing to homeschool his senior year until he realized he could take double the cc classes in the hybrid school, so that's what he went with. I'm happy with these decisions.

[MamaT]

Do they wish they were in PS?

No. He doesn't. He appreciates the flexibility and ability to tailor his learning.

 

Do they feel lonely?

No. He has friends over or goes somewhere with friends probably 5 days a week. He is very much a people person and finds plenty (sometimes too much!) of ways to spend time with his friends.

 

Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school?

He hasn't really talked about this. I have already graduated two and my oldest will be getting married in three weeks. He and his lovely bride have already said that they would like for their children to be homeschooled.

 

Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it?

Most of the time he likes it. He loves the flexible schedule, but sometimes it is hard work and, just like any other teen, would rather be doing something fun.

 

What would they say about it? Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd?

He is not ashamed of being homeschooled. His ps friends have told him that they wish their mothers would homeschool them. He appreciates the time and effort I have put into his education.

 

What do they like most and least about it?

He would probably say that he likes the flexibility of our schedule. He likes the fact that if he has worked hard all day, he is finished with school while his friends are just starting their homework. He likes that he can get something to eat when he wants, school in his pj pants, and listen to music while he works. Some days he would say it is just too much work and too rigorous (which he chose :001_smile:).

 

My oldest two that have graduated and gotten old enough to understand the sacrifice and work that I put into their schooling, tell me often how much they appreciate their education. HTH

[Mad Jenny Flint]

Those of you with teens aged 15 - 18, I am curious as to how your kids feel about being homeschooled? Do they wish they were in PS? Do they feel lonely? Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school? Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it? What would they say about it? Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd? What do they like most and least about it? I'd appreciate any input on this as I'm curious. (my firstborn's only age 4, so don't "HOLD BACK" thinking your honesty is going to affect my hs continuance).

 

I have my son here with me so he will answer your questions. He is 15 and has been homeschooled since K.

 

"I personally love being home schooled. I would absolutely homeschool my future kids, rather than put them in the public school system. I very rarely feel lonely; but then, everyone does. I'm proud to be homeschooled because I think it prepares me for the "real world" better than anything the government could provide. This is because my education is tailored directly to me, and the classes aren't as mind-numbing as the classes in traditional learning facilities (I just completed a driver's education course at a local high school).

 

It annoys me that public school kids have certain prejudices against home-schooled kids. For example, they set up stereotypes about us and the more stereotypes we don't fit, the more "normal" they say we are. To me, that is the worst thing about homeschooling: being made to feel like an exhibit. I say homeschooling allows us to develop our own personal quirks without fear of disrupting the system. I feel like I am slightly different from a lot of other kids my age. Many guys my age that I have interacted with have acted exactly the same as each other. They tend to notice and comment that I don't act that way. I think I've developed comfort in expressing my sense of humor more than other kids. I feel like I can judge for myself what is acceptable or unacceptable behavior, for myself or others. I have a sense of justice that differs from what other kids think is just. I think when kids are around their peers, they essentially create their own sense of justice subconsciously and then push that sense of justice onto newcomers. But I am free from that.

 

One of the greatest things about home schooling is that I have not only been taught facts, but also how to analyze facts and draw conclusions. I have been taught to love learning as an activity. This has brought me to know small facts that are unknown to the general public. For example, the riddle of the Sphynx is Greek, not Egyptian; and the origins of the phrase "bless you" are religious, not scientific.

 

All in all, I feel slightly "off" in social situations, not because I behave poorly socially, but because my peers judge me. However, over the years, I have gained experience in dealing with prejudices and this has made me a less prejudicial person overall. People usually see me as very bright, very knowledgeable, and occasionally a "know-it-all." I wouldn't trade being home schooled for the world."

 

So, that is what my teen has to say about it. I don't guess I have ever heard so thorough a response from him on this topic before and I was pleasantly surprised by some of his answers. I want to add that during his response, I turned to him and said "it must be hard feeling like you have to buck a stereotype all the time." He replied, "Oh, I don't buck it, I embrace it. I am comfortable with who I am." That is just about the best thing, for me as a parent, about home schooling. If that is the *only* thing I can give my children through home schooling them, then it has been worth it. And, another side note: he gets on well with other kids, and recently a boy his age, whom he had just met the day before, spontaneously remarked "You are one of the nicest guys I have ever met."

[HRAAB]

My children have been homeschooled since the beginning. My oldest two have graduated. They both liked being homeschooled and were actually proud of it - loved telling people. The oldest never wanted to go to school. The second oldest wanted to try school to see what it was like. That lasted one semester, and she was back home. They both are adamant that they will homeschool their children.

 

One day I was talking about sending their 13 year old sister to school (I was feeling very tired and burned out that day). Both of my older girls were absolutely appalled that I could suggest such a thing. My oldest was trying to figure out how she could take over the homeschooling for me - bless her heart. They are big supporters of homeshooling.

[Remudamom]

Our oldest would have preferred a private school, he was lonely. But our four youngest, who were closer together in age LOVE it and wouldn't do anything else.

[ChemMommy]

I am curious as to how your kids feel about being homeschooled?

 

From 9th grader:

I think it is great. We get to learn a lot of stuff and be with my parents and not have to follow the ps schedule. I don't wish to go to ps. I have siblings for company but sometimes wish for kids my own age. I'll absolutely hs my kids through high school. I'm rather proud of being hsed; I think it rather cool. I like most that I can ride my horse during the day. I like the least how I can't be in an orchestra or band.

 

 

From the 11th grader:

I do not wish I was in ps. I'm not really lonely. I have boy scouts and soccer. I'll probably hs my own kids through high school. I love homeschooling. I rather proud of being hsed. I most like not having to be on a set schedule all day, doing math from 9-10 and history from 10-11. I can't think of anything I least like about hsing (except working with the homeschooling nazi--my mom!).

 

There you have it!

[lllll]

..

[Catherine]

Homeschooling was to be a one year stopgap measure until he was ready to return to school. Quickly, I saw he was much happier and committed to it long-term, and took his younger brothers out of school. Then, eldest returned to school for a year in ninth grade. It went very well, but he didn't go back after a year. I think he needed reassurance that he could handle school, and he got it.

 

He really liked being homeschooled, and we've never had any blanket prohibition on attending school, at least, not for older kids. If they really wanted to go, and a decent educational alternative was available, I'd allow it. I will say that my oldest in particular knows well the benefits, and also the drawbacks, which there are. He chose the benefits, knowing the drawbacks, and was overall happy with the result, though I don't think that balance is the same for every child.

 

I think he'd consider homeschooling his own children. I hope he'd be less inclined to "go along with the system" than I was, initially, with him. School was clearly not great for him and I deeply regret making him stay there as long as I did.

 

What he likes best about homeschooling is the freedom-to study what interests him, for as long and as deeply as he chooses, to take more math, science, and language than PS allows (and less history LOL). He also really appreciate the time efficiency of homeschooling. He's bright, but not necessarily fast.

 

Drawbacks, he would say, are not seeing friends on a daily basis. He communicated by IM, texting and phone calls, but it's not the same. He has many friends who are not local, though. There is also more pressure, in a way, when there is no competition within the class, and you have to muster up the self-motivation to do work.

 

Overall, he's very pleased with the result. I think he knows the guidance counselor wouldn't care as much about the outcome as we do, even a good guidance counselor at a good school.

[Mejane]

My kids love being hs'ed. They lack nothing, and in fact have had many wonderful opportunities they would not have had were they in school.

 

Both have passionate interests they are able to pursue because of the flexibility of hs'ing. My daughter has attended college since 14 and will graduate high school with her Associate degree. They have a lovely group of hs friends who do tons of activities together. Our family is very close, and my kids are best friends even though they are a girl and a boy who are three years apart in age.

 

My daughter talks about hs'ing her own kids all the time, so she obviously thinks it's a good thing. :001_smile:

[AngieW in Texas]

My oldest is 17yo. She went to ps for 6th and 7th grades. She didn't want anything to do with ps after that. She feels like she has no social life, but that's not because of hsing. She doesn't want anything to do with any group activities and doesn't like to leave the house much. That kind of limits your social life. She took 2 classes at the cc each semester last year and will be taking 4 classes at the cc each semester this year. I'm hoping that getting out of the house more will be good for her. She used to volunteer at the library, but she didn't like it much and I didn't want the librarian to have to deal with her any longer. She has been trying to find a job, but despite having 6 interviews so far this summer, she still hasn't found one. She doesn't want to ever have kids, but if she did she wouldn't want to hs because it would be too much work.

 

My 14yo has always hsed and only wants to hs. If she has kids, she wants to hs them too.

 

My 12yo tried ps (for two weeks in 5th grade), but returned to hs very quickly. She is the only one of mine who might end up going to ps for high school. She's my social butterfly. I don't know if she'd hs her kids or not. She's never mentioned anything about kids like my others have.

[Retired]

Those of you with teens aged 15 - 18, I am curious as to how your kids feel about being home schooled?

 

17yo says" homeschooling sucks but private school and PS sucked more" He attended PS k - 3rd, private school 4 -5, home school 6-10 starting his 11th grade year in September

Do they wish they were in PS? "NO"

Do they feel lonely? yes because other home schoolers in our area only hang out with there own family and want hang with us"

Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school? he said it depends on his income and if the kids would need it, he said he needed homeschooling but his kids may not

Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it? tolerate it What would they say about it? "they wish that other home school kids weren't so antisocial and there parent want so sheltering so they could have some fun friends" We have met a few teens home school kids that live over a hour away that are allowed to go to the mall and hang out with other teens. Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd? they tell everyone that ask they are home schooled

 

What do they like most and least about it? tongue and cheek my 17 yo says he likes that he can snack throughout the day. He likes the freedom to run or go for a bike ride between subjects. He like that he can do school in the evening

 

I'd appreciate any input on this as I'm curious. (my firstborn's only age 4, so don't "HOLD BACK" thinking your honesty is going to affect my hs continuance).

 

My 17 yo has sat by me answering the questions. He mainly like homeschooling if we lived in a area where homeschoolers weren't the religious isolation type. We are Christians but we don't believe in still choosing our 17 yo clothes and keeping him with mom at all times. The other teens in our coop can't even walk a block to the Burger King.

 

He doesn't want to return to school. he just wants to move to a more urban area with a variety of home schoolers

[6packofun]

My teens don't *love* homeschooling, but they don't quite "love" work in general. lol We've talked about it many times, and although we all agree that we wish we had access to (and money for) more activities, social opportunities or even classes, they have always said that they do NOT want to go to school. We've been members of 2 churches (which is our main social outlet), one urban with lots of kids from dysfunctional families, low-income, etc. and one with fairly privileged kids who get to do lots of stuff and have caring, Christian parents--no matter who they've been friends with and discussed school with, my kids have never been even slightly interested in going to school. No one can make the positives outweigh the negatives that they see in public or private schooled kids their age. Now, we have our own challenges as homeschoolers, but we have some level of control in how we attack some of those challenges. I always pooh-poohed the ol' socialization thing, but at the high school level it IS an issue for some families like ours who don't have the means to get out of the house and go places. We do the best we can and focus on the positive. Pros and cons, right?

[Rhea]

Those of you with teens aged 15 - 18, I am curious as to how your kids feel about being homeschooled? Do they wish they were in PS? Do they feel lonely? Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school? Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it? What would they say about it? Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd? What do they like most and least about it? I'd appreciate any input on this as I'm curious. (my firstborn's only age 4, so don't "HOLD BACK" thinking your honesty is going to affect my hs continuance).

 

My dd15 entering 10th does not want to go to the local H.S., though she is very attracted to a private school that a friend of ours went to. It is very demanding and my daughter would not only love the school, but would love to meet and become friends with others who like that kind of thing.

 

Dd loves being homeschooled, but does wish she had friends. She plays sports at the local H.S. but does not have much of anything in common with the girls there. Wishing to have friends does not equate to being lonely. She says she is not lonely, that being with us is one of the pluses.

 

What she likes most about being homeschooled is being able to choose her classes, like Latin which she loves. My daughter did enroll in a foreign language class at the H.S. last year but I pulled her out after 6 weeks of learning barely anything. (She learned (and laughed about) where the make-out locations were, and that if you put your head down on your desk and refused to respond when your name was called the teacher would eventually give up, and that if you didn't come to class with your homework done that was okay because they'd spend 30 minutes doing it in class. I could go on.) Btw, it drove her nuts how little effort the majority of the other kids put into the class. That's one big reason why she has no interest in public school.

 

What she likes least: She said I'm not as demanding as she'd like.

 

My dd says that she would homeschool her own children.

 

He replied, "Oh, I don't buck it, I embrace it. I am comfortable with who I am." That is just about the best thing, for me as a parent, about home schooling. If that is the *only* thing I can give my children through home schooling them, then it has been worth it.

 

Jenny, that brought tears to my eyes.

[Jeannie in NJ]

my dd tried public school last year, for the first time, for 9th grade. She made lots of friends, never had any trouble, was on the honor roll (at a school where only about 15 to 20% get on honor roll) but she asked to come back home after 3 marking periods. Reasons she wanted to come back home:

 

too much drugs, too much "weekly" realationships between boys and girls, too much wasted time, too much time spent watching movies in class and too much meaningless busyness.

 

She loved coming back home. SHe talks daily to her friends on Facebook or in text. Most of them live too far away to see (it was a county school, we live 30 min. from the school and most of her friends live even further from us, more like 45 min). She does have a couple of friends that she sees once a week. We have lots of family here and dd loves being with them, especially her adult cousins who are strong Christians. She really doesn't want to "hang out" much with friends, would rather do extended family things. I am still her favorite companion to go to the mall with her.

 

She will be in 10 next year and for 11th and 12th, she might like to take some classes at our local comminity college.

 

Oh, I forgot, her friends at public school thought that it was so cool that she had been homeschooled and when she left school, they were envious and said how lucky she was to have a mom that would let her come back home and be homeschooled again. They all said how they wish they could be homeschooled. Almost every single one of her friends at school had horrible realationships with their parents and told her that she had a great mom, lol , made my day.

[momofkhm]

Those of you with teens aged 15 - 18, I am curious as to how your kids feel about being homeschooled? Do they wish they were in PS? Do they feel lonely? Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school? Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it? What would they say about it? Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd? What do they like most and least about it? I'd appreciate any input on this as I'm curious. (my firstborn's only age 4, so don't "HOLD BACK" thinking your honesty is going to affect my hs continuance).

 

I brought my 15 yo home for school after 5th grade. At first I think she missed her friends from school. Now she has new friends. I'd say 90% of her friends homeschool. The occasional time it comes up about going back, she does not want to - I think it has to do with having to get up and out of the house by a certain time. :) She would not be going to public but private. The public high school we are zoned to is nicknamed Green Dope. (Real name is Green Hope.) I'd say she loves it as far as school goes. She doesn't love school though.

 

I don't think she feels lonely especially now that she has unlimited texting and facebook and email. But I also don't think she'd say that she would homeschool her own kids - oh, that's a moot point, she's never having kids! (Her words, not mine!)

[WagsWife]

My teens would really prefer to be at school, but they realise they have more time for themselves being homeschooled.

Just recently they have started telling people they are home educated,, not homeschooled. When I queried them on this, they told me because only weird people are homeschooled, while the normal ones were home educated! Whatever!

 

LOL! have them watch this video. My daughters tell everyone they are "Homeschooled" NOT "Homeschoolers."

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQoSRfu5z_4

[lauranc]

Those of you with teens aged 15 - 18, I am curious as to how your kids feel about being homeschooled? Do they wish they were in PS? Do they feel lonely? Would they say they would hs their OWN future kids through high school? Do they love it, like it, tolerate it, hate it? What would they say about it? Are they proud or ashamed of being hs'd? What do they like most and least about it? I'd appreciate any input on this as I'm curious. (my firstborn's only age 4, so don't "HOLD BACK" thinking your honesty is going to affect my hs continuance).

 

My 15 yr old (starting 10th grade) has always been homeschooled. He gave some thought to trying school right before his 9th grade year---- because I suggested it as an alternative. He made the decision not to. He doesn't feel lonely, as his outside interests keep him quite active. We've had to give up some things because we found we were too busy, and not home enough.

 

He's neither proud nor ashamed of homeschooling. To him, it's just our way of life.