I didn’t come to the decision to homeschool lightly. In fact, it took me far longer than many to actually step forward and commit to the decision. In many ways, I think it took far too long. My eldest, Danielle, was a teenager before I finally decided enough was enough and took back control of something I should have had a say in long before.
For many, homeschool is not an easy choice or one they first arrive at. It is found at the end of a dark road, after so much heartache, resentment and stress.
If you are thinking about homeschooling and just not sure you can do it…
If you are worried about being the perfect teacher for your child…
Or if you just want to hear from another how they made the journey…
Then join me for my journey. This is how I arrived at homeschooling.
Part 1: Eclectic Parenting and Private Schools
Part 2: Early Feelings of Helplessness
Part 3: “Is That Legal?”
Part 4: Dee’s Continuing Frustrations
Part 5: Believing in Myself
Part 6: Believing in My Children
Danielle’s public school history seems almost identical to my own. I was “socially myself” (haha) and would not apologize for it. In incidents similar to that of Danielle and her counselor, I was constantly being pulled out of class by my school nurse and asked utterly offensive questions like; how long have you been smoking marijuana? How long have you been sexually active?- I was twelve years old, had never smoked in my life, and definitely NOT sexually active. I was a complete bookworm and young activist with a profound passion for PHILOSOPHY! The following week I was once again pulled out of class by the nurse only this time she was not alone. She started again by asking me how long I had been sexually active to which I said “never” she rolled her eyes in complete disbelief and then had me stand and asked me to put my hands on my lower stomach. She began pointing to my stomach and talking to what appeared to be a student nurse. She then said “do you know that you are probably pregnant?” It was an utterly demeaning experience for me at that young age. There were many more similar incidents for the remainder of my school experiences. Being naturally eccentric and outspoken is hard in our society, add poor and Mexican to that list and it becomes agonizing. Fortunately for me, I have the gift of unyielding curiosity and intellect to rely on.
I’m 29 now (and a philosophy major
with my own little 9 year old brilliant oddball. I pulled her out of school just two weeks ago after her teacher was publicly humiliating her on a daily basis.
My mom has been an educator in the public school system for 25 years so I know that many teachers care and are passionate about igniting a desire to learn in students , just not nearly enough of them. The teachers who do care are powerless in such a deeply flawed system and are discouraged by it.
Thanks for creating this blog, it is wonderful!
Wow…I’m just ANGRY hearing about your experiences. That is so AWFUL!
I have had many experiences of my own – not in school settings, but in other ones – that have convinced me that there is something very broken about our society. The level of control and invasiveness that others in positions of power try to exert is deeply disturbing.
Congrats on deciding to homeschool your “brilliant oddball” – I have no doubt she will be better off!
Thanks for posting!