In the past three weeks, I've had three different conversations in which people have talked about how the homeschooled people they know are all weird, awkward, etc.
I find this somewhat puzzling, mostly because I actually think the exact opposite. All the people I know who were homeschooled as children seem to be comfortable with being who they are-- even if who they are is different from the people around them. I think that's a really good thing! Obviously public schooled kids can turn out that way too; it's not an either-or thing. And, of course, there are plenty of public schooled kids who are weird and awkward. ;) I don't think that where a person is educated determines whether they will be confident or weird.
So what do you think?
Growing up as a homeschooled kid, I'm sooo aware of the stigma. :P
ReplyDeleteI think that homeschooled kids *can* be weird, but then so can some children in the public school system. It depends largely on the dynamic of the home life and family, methinks. :O)
Absolutely! I don't think that the idea that all homeschooled kids are weird is accurate at all. But I will say that, if mainstream culture is what's considered "normal," then I'm pretty much okay with my kids being "weird." ;)
ReplyDeleteI was homeschooled until 3rd grade, and I loved it. I think that if homeschooling is done well, then children actually come out more independent, self aware, driven, and even sometimes smarter than other kids their age.
ReplyDeleteIf, however, a parent does not make an effort to socialize the child somehow and also does not keep up with what the child should be learning, then they actually can turn out "weird" per se. Done incorrectly, some kids can turn out awkward, years behind in their learning, and completely overprotected to the point that they won't even go to the bathroom alone when in public. I've seen it, and it's sad. But, properly done, homeschooling is a great way to teach children.
I agree too that kids can go either way in public school too. Both schools of thought have pros & cons.
I was homeschooled in elementary and some of middle school. I am well aware of the stigma of "homeschool". I'll be honest, I can see what they mean. Some of it I think is that many home schooled kids generally interact on a more mature level than their peers. They are around all different age groups (if they have siblings) and have the acceptance of the grown ups around them- grown ups who don't push them to be some thing they aren't. I don't think I'm socially awkward, I don't wear tube socks and jumpers with giant scrunchies any more (but hey it WAS the 90's!). I'm still different, and my difference has served me well. It still stings some times, but my differences came out of growing up as an individual, not some one surrounded by people my own age with the pressure they put on me. I am passionate person and I think for myself. Even when that makes me look weird because all that AP stuff IS SOOOO weird.
ReplyDeleteA thought: I have seen so many homeschooled kids "go out in the world" (college, jobs etc) and seem to have no problem making the adjustment. Other kids STRUGGLE and BLOOM. A small percentage just can't seem to hack it. I think a part of that has to do with how over protective the parents were, and part the kids temperment. Some people ARE awkward(be it public/private or home schooled)
That makes a lot of sense. I think many homeschooled kids definitely interact on a more mature level. Some people would see that as a negative thing, but I think it's positive. Obviously children need to have the freedom to act like children, but I think it's a good thing when kids are able to interact maturely with adults and children of various ages. There's a lot to be said, too, for being encouraged to be yourself instead of caving in to peer pressure.
ReplyDeleteCan those things be accomplished with public/private schooled kids? Well, of course-- but I think that the structure of public/private school makes it a bit more challenging.
In the end, I think that no matter what kind of schooling is chosen, some kids will turn out really mature and well-rounded and with excellent educations, and others won't. And that has a LOT to do with the home environment and the child's temperament and personality. It's much too simple to just say "Public school bad, homeschool good," or vice versa.