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Yes, I would do it again. The pros are you teach what is valuable and not waste time with "busy work". I taught from 7th through 12th. My son took the ACT and scored a 24 while my daughter opted for a GED and scored a 98th % in reading. The cons are getting a system that works for you. Everybody approaches it differently. There are many resources available and you have to try a few until you see what works for you. We ended up with AOP for all of our book learning and used everyday experiences to teach manners, logic, kindness and independence.
To excelman, they did not miss out on social skills as they did not enjoy sports and the only kids that mattered at the school where the jocks. They were always bored and spent a lot of time depressed from the monotony of the routine.They were much happier after I took them out and we still have all our regular friends.
I would not consider it for my children - I want them to have socialization skills that only come from school with a diverse population. They might as well learn to live in the real world from the very beginning. I know lots of homeschooled kids with lots of problems and unrealistic views of the world. I know the same from some of the Christian schools that have created an artificial world for their kids.
quote:
Originally posted by bubba81962:
I would not consider it for my children - I want them to have socialization skills that only come from school with a diverse population. They might as well learn to live in the real world from the very beginning. I know lots of homeschooled kids with lots of problems and unrealistic views of the world. I know the same from some of the Christian schools that have created an artificial world for their kids.

I am not sure how you define diverse population, but most socialization skills happen after school or on weekends. During the day, the kids are so rushed they can't even make it to the bathroom, much less talk to each other. My kids do live in the 'real' world. It was not a decision we made because of religion, we just realized we could do a better job and did. My son has a 3.52 gpa at UNA and my daughter is in vocational training at Shoals. As for vick13 choking her three, the thought does enter your mind sometimes. Luckily, I resisted. Wink
quote:
Originally posted by sbwillingham60:
We homeschool. We have 2 boys, 15 yo, and 11 yo and a 3 yo girl. Wouldn't trade it for anything. I have taught in public schools for 7 years and wouldn't want that for my kids.

What materials are you using? Did you teach high school or elementary? I also have a friend who is a public teacher and homeschooled her kids. Its nice to know that someone who is considered "an expert" also sees the benefits of homeschool.
quote:
Originally posted by littlemeanmama:
Yes, I would do it again. The pros are you teach what is valuable and not waste time with "busy work".


Such as learning how to cope with new friends and new circumstances, learning how to deal with children who are less fortunate, learning how to deal with teachers they've never met before, ya know, just the simple life skills necessary to achieve in this world - is that what you mean by "busy work"?

Your kids would have done just as phenomenal in public schools just because you give a dang. I know this for a fact, I've got a older one that went through the gifted program and a tounger one who is not quite as "gifted" but is phenomonally successful in every measurable way.

Taking the High School experience away from your kids is almost a form of abuse in my opinion.
Homeschool is ABUSE????????
You don't think my kids make friends with their professors or are not AROUND less fortunate kids? Do you mean that as money wise or disability wise??They did do well in elementary school, both were number three in class. Both were liked by teachers and had friends. Both were too intelligent to do crap homework that involved "MOM" running all over town for stupid projects that meant nothing and wasted money. Please do not assume you know how homeschool works when you have never been interested in trying it. I am glad your kids did well but so did mine so please don't judge me unless you are willing to be judged as well.
quote:
Originally posted by littlemeanmama:
Homeschool is ABUSE????????
I am glad your kids did well but so did mine so please don't judge me unless you are willing to be judged as well.


Keeping your children under your wing for so long controlling their every thought, indoctrinating them with your views instead of letting them flounder and make their own mistakes is just too Orwellian for my tastes.
Glad to know that you post the free thought network but you don't believe any one can have free thought but you. I see no reason to argue with you as you are a 'flamer' or 'troll' as defined by wikipedia. Someone who loves to irritate or inflame other people at forums. Why don't you go back to the political forum and bother PBA some more? I did what I did for my personal reasons and I do not need to explain my reasons to you. I asked for info from other homeschool families, not people who only want to criticize it. My children are independent and have their own views and ways. If you are the one who is an atheist, did you give your children the right to chose their beliefs??
quote:
Originally posted by littlemeanmama:
Homeschool is ABUSE????????
You don't think my kids make friends with their professors or are not AROUND less fortunate kids? Do you mean that as money wise or disability wise??They did do well in elementary school, both were number three in class. Both were liked by teachers and had friends. Both were too intelligent to do crap homework that involved "MOM" running all over town for stupid projects that meant nothing and wasted money. Please do not assume you know how homeschool works when you have never been interested in trying it. I am glad your kids did well but so did mine so please don't judge me unless you are willing to be judged as well.


I am sorry, this sounds like you maybe took your kids out of school for your own ease and comfort. You did not want to run around town and 'waste money' on projects that you thought were 'stupid'. Did it ever cross your mind that those projects may have been enjoyable to your children, had you not let your opinion known? Do you not think that your children maybe benefited by working side by side with other children their age on those projects? Seems, from your own admission that it was your having to contribute that was the 'big' problem.

You never said that it had anything to do with their being unsafe, or it being a moral issue (as maybe for religious reasons). Looks like your kids paid a huge price, for your ease.
quote:
Originally posted by littlemeanmama:
I did what I did for my personal reasons and I do not need to explain my reasons to you.


I did'nt ask for an explanation. I simply offer my opinion of your choice. I'd offer the same opinion if I saw you verbally abusing your children in public. If I think it is wrong, I will tell you. don't like it? Don't abuse them in public.

quote:
If you are the one who is an atheist, did you give your children the right to chose their beliefs??


Absolutely. I still carry them to functions that will help them develop their own spirituality. I believe spirituality is a basic a need as food and sex for some people. I actually despise atheist parents who would indoctrinate their children with disbelief as much as I despise parents who brainwash their kids into believing in a omnipotent space alien.

We should all be able to believe what we want - as long as those beliefs do not adversely affect others.

Children should be exposed to the world, not hidden. They should see the good and the bad. They should be exposed to failure as well as victory. They should socialize with those less fortunate and those much more fortunate. They definitely should not be coveted and protected by overbearing parents confined within their own home.

I am passionate in my belief (supported by evidence) that Florence City Schools are the best schools in the entire state of Alabama and believe just as passionately that homeschoolers and private school parents are helping destroy that fine institution because of prejudice, ignorance and over-protectiveness.
GoFish, I always have a strong urge to hug your wife when you get all reasonable and sweet (that would be in the last part of your next to last post - in case anyone doubts me...haha). So close and yet so far. Yeah, yeah, you get a hug too. Smiler

Regarding homeschooling, a parent usually (big U) is the best judge of what is best for their child. If you have the abilities needed to home school and feel it is appropriate, go for it. I, like Vick, would have strangled mine or they might have strangled me.LOL
Fine then, in your opinion I “abused” my children. In the end that is all it is, after all, your opinion. My decision at the time was the right one to me. My children themselves were allowed to make their own vote in the decision too. It was my son who brought it up in the first place. Now it really doesn’t matter anyway, since both are in college and doing well. If your school system works well enough for you, then that is wonderful. I am happy for you. Not all of us, however, are gifted with local schools worth noting. Many of my son’s friends that stayed in the local high school had very low grades/ACT scores whereas he managed a 26 on the ACT with his first and only try. Thus, home school worked for us.

While I enjoy the opinions as much as the next person, classifying what I did as abuse angered not only me, but the whole of my family as well. Now, however, I have calmed down and would like for all of us to let this tread get back to what I originally hoped it would be: a place that pre/current/post home school families could post their comments on. If you have no experience with home schooling, have a poor “opinion” of it, or are otherwise looking to troll, please do it elsewhere. After all, we are supposed to be adults.
quote:

What materials are you using? Did you teach high school or elementary? I also have a friend who is a public teacher and homeschooled her kids. Its nice to know that someone who is considered "an expert" also sees the benefits of homeschool.


little mean mama--we use a variety of things--some of what we use are the Bible, Alpha Omega Press stuff (life pacs for science and history and their Horizons math.) My oldest is learning to drive with a prgram called Driver's Ed in a Box. I'm sure Go Fish could find lots wrong with what I am doing, but I don't criticize his rights to bring up his children as he sees fit, so I hope he'll leave me alone.

There is quite a large contingent of homeschoolers in this area. Look around at the library, or at the YMCA or the park, or just about anywhere. We find lessons just about everywhere we go. I have gotten all kinds of nice compliments (is that redundant?) about how my kids get along with all age groups (babies to grandparent-aged folks) and how nice and helpful they are without even asking them to help. Of course, that doesn't usually extend to household chores! lol They are around a diverse group of people most days--not stuck at home as some think of homeschoolers--so they learn to "deal with the real world" early on--not just same-aged peers. Good grief, how is staying in same-aged classrooms like real life? When you grow up and start work, you are around folks of all ages--so you'd better learn to act appropriately long before getting out of school.
quote:
Originally posted by MomsyDearest:
I am seriously considering homeschooling my son. He's 9 weeks old so I have a good deal of time to mull it over.

My daughter is 16 and attends public school. If I knew then what I know now, I would have pulled her out in the 7th grade and finished her education up here at the house.


If I can offer any help to you or you would like the number of a local cover school, just send me a pm.
quote:
Originally posted by greenhill mom:
quote:

What materials are you using? Did you teach high school or elementary? I also have a friend who is a public teacher and homeschooled her kids. Its nice to know that someone who is considered "an expert" also sees the benefits of homeschool.


little mean mama--we use a variety of things--some of what we use are the Bible, Alpha Omega Press stuff (life pacs for science and history and their Horizons math.) My oldest is learning to drive with a prgram called Driver's Ed in a Box. I'm sure Go Fish could find lots wrong with what I am doing, but I don't criticize his rights to bring up his children as he sees fit, so I hope he'll leave me alone.

There is quite a large contingent of homeschoolers in this area. Look around at the library, or at the YMCA or the park, or just about anywhere. We find lessons just about everywhere we go. I have gotten all kinds of nice compliments (is that redundant?) about how my kids get along with all age groups (babies to grandparent-aged folks) and how nice and helpful they are without even asking them to help. Of course, that doesn't usually extend to household chores! lol They are around a diverse group of people most days--not stuck at home as some think of homeschoolers--so they learn to "deal with the real world" early on--not just same-aged peers. Good grief, how is staying in same-aged classrooms like real life? When you grow up and start work, you are around folks of all ages--so you'd better learn to act appropriately long before getting out of school.

Thank you so much for replying as I received many compliments on my children's manners too. Now they are both respected adults and agree home school was the right decision. One of my son's professors told him that the home school students usually did much better adjusting to college and studying than did the high schoolers. HOME SCHOOL RULES
quote:
Originally posted by _Joy_:
So close and yet so far.


Same to you, bud. Same to you. Wink

quote:
Regarding homeschooling, a parent usually (big U) is the best judge of what is best for their child.


Of course. I just wish those parents would realize what they are doing to my child when they yank the brightest and best of our students out of the public system. This is called "white flight." Littlemeanmama's kids won't ever get a chance to meet my boy - a beautiful, wonderful, bright, funny, moral, future president of the United States. I think that is a sin.

There is actually NO data that says that homsechooled kids to better, long term,, than public school kids who have parents who give a damm. There are some short term tests that indicate slightly elevated test scores but we all know that those tests don't always measure the important stuff.

littlemeanmama's kids, like my kids (and, of course, yours Joy) will do well no matter where they go to school because their parents simply give a damm. But taking those students away from the "bad" kids creates an even worse atmosphere for the students who have parents who don't give a damm.

Home and private schooling is a very bad trend that will eventually turn good school into bad and bad schools to worse. Do we really want to go there?
I’m not bragging about it. I’m stating he got what he wanted out of home school. He didn’t spend hours upon hours with the ACT prep courses. He simply went in, did it, and was happy with what he had since it allowed him to go to the school of his choice. He wasn’t out to be some prodigy. My daughter is much the same. She wanted to take the GED, and try a junior college before the real thing. I let her. If they have what they wanted out of life, who am I to complain. More to the point, who are you to judge?
First thing I want to say is:

What do you guys think of me, on here?


I ask this, because, I was homeschooled by choice during my High School years. I did so, for several reasons. One being the horrible abuse that I endured at the hands of another student, and when reported the school didn't do anything about it, because of WHO the student was. I don't want to delve further into that explaination, but it was only one of several.

My homeschooling was Christian based, and we still had functions to where we could actually go to the school if we needed help/tutoring, and we still had dances and proms.

It helped that my best friend was already homeschooled at the time. He and his parents helped us get the information. Back then, around here, that information wasn't really as readily availiable as it is now. Smiler

I was never and have never been socially stunted. I did well on all my testing, and I feel it was the best course of action for me. Big Grin

I quickly was able to adapt, and start really feeling out, who I was as an individual. I found that I was able to learn things quicker, which helped me finish school early because of that. Smiler

Others may knock homeschooling, but I don't see a problem with it. Especially, if the parents are making sure the kids get out and socialize with other kids. Whether that would be in sports, or just making sure their children are able to hang out with other kids their age.

I do have to say that I don't agree with the parents that shelter their kids completely, either. I remember watching something on T.V. about a family with 17 kids. All of them homeschooled, and every single one of them were sheltered. They didn't even have a t.v. (remarkably enough) for the kids to watch. Their outlet was only Church. I feel that whileas their children will be bright kids, once they hit the real world, they are going to crumble under a lot of the pressures out there.

In those cases, the kids really are stunted.

If done right, Homeschooling can be more beneficial to the child, because they are learning on a one on one basis instead competing with 20+ classmates to learn the material. They get that extra attention where they need the time to grasp the information.

Furthermore, the kids, if taught well, are able to easily adapt in most situations. They learn how to handle the responsibility of their actions, and the consequences of not doing their work. They are learning at their own pace, and if they get lazy, it will reflect upon them. Most learn this really quick, and strive to better themselves.

I know it has to be hard for people that have never had first hand experience with homeschooling or homeschooled children, to understand everything. Depending on the program you choose, your child can still participate in Proms and dances as well.

You can sign them up for local sports teams to give them that kind of experience, as well as art classes, and other extra curricular activities too. So the child on a good program does NOT miss out on things.

I still had Proms, and dances. I took art classes on the side for many year's at Ann's Studio in Sheffield. Not to mention the experience, helped me find "myself" and know who I am, in what is usually the most awkward of ages. Smiler

Point is, there isn't anything wrong with it. It's something that might not be right for you or your child/ren.

It was right for me. I have thought about homeschooling my son when he gets older. However, I figure we will wait until he can help make that decision.

Smiler

~Amanda
Manda, I think it is fabulous that homeschooling was an option for you. I think you are an awesome person and I am glad we've been able to meet through these forums.

As to the lady who started the thread - I think it is insane to "brag" about your mediocre children and then expect us to all "ooh" and "ahhh" over them. I stayed out of the conversation while they were simply asking for information, but as soon as they started bashing public schools and holding their kids up as some great example of the triumphs of homeschooling... nah, I don't think so.
Well, I guess its time to end this. Since there seem to be a lot of people with nothing to do but troll, and since I am not one of the 'in' group on the forums, I am done. I asked for info. I gave info. The only 'bashing' was when I was personally attacked. The busy work I mentioned were tasks plenty of other parents complained about, not just me.

As for oohs and ahhs, no, I don't need them. I was giving numbers for others on the forums since numbers are always wanted for comparison in statistics. Oh, yeah, here are a few more numbers before I go. The national average for ACT scores (www.ACT.org) for 2007 was 21.2, the average for Alabama was 20.3. My son's friends scored between 18 and 22. I was using that as a fact that he was better prepared than the high school kids at his old school. It was to give the others reading this an example of what you can do in home school if you are only going at a leisurely pace and enjoying your high school years.

Since TSC obviously has geniuses for children, or had them take the test 30 times like so many others, good for him. To Gofish, we were part of a county school system and got all those 'bad' kids kicked out of your city system. White flight is a fact from bad school systems, although its not just 'whites' leaving. To those who actually gave me info, thank you. Amanda--good job. To those who I had originally aimed the thread at, people who wanted to talk about or find out more info on home school, I am sorry it came to this. To the others, find another thread as I will no longer respond to this one or ever even read these forums again. I see one thing you all learned and kept from your high school days was the art of bullying. Isn't that a fine example of what our school systems are teaching? I'm out.
quote:
Originally posted by littlemeanmama:
I see one thing you all learned and kept from your high school days was the art of bullying.


Nah. I did keep my debate team skills tuned up, though. Wink

Seriously, nothing personal. The "abuse" comment was a little out of line so I take that back . . . esuba. There, that better? Okay, how about this: I'm sorry. Really. The abuse comment was uncalled for.

The other comments stand, though. Wink

This was an initiation by fire. Welcome to out little forum!
Smiler

Glad to have added to your thread Little Smiler

I hope you don't run off for good though. I know some people on here come across blunt, or rude even, but most times they are just sharing their opinions, much like the rest of us.

Besides that though, I'm sure you have a place here, and I do hope you stick around.

GF is right too, I think we all get a taste of flame when we are new. Good Lord knows I did xD

*crosses fingers that you come back*

If you don't want to, really, then I wish you much luck and I hope that things continue to go awesome for you. Big Grin

~Amanda
I am going to add a little bit to Amanda's post here because I know the BIG picture.

I have 3 kids, 2 of them are over 30 years old, and Amanda is mid 20's.

First 2 went to HS and furthered their education, both are good people but very different in many ways.

OLDEST: Gifted program, geek, smart, witty (AT HOME) but on the anti-social level. Mixes very well with family but at G2G's is VERY QUIET. Faired very well so far in life with Career and Spouse.

MIDDLE: Barely got by in HS, Social Skills were fantastic, very popular and outgoing. Peer pressure was the MAIN thing. Went TO the edge of getting in trouble but never really crossed that line, turned out to be a great spouse, parent and member of society.

YOUNGEST: Very sensative, emotional, extremely well versed and has a heart of gold. Gets along with ANYONE. If someone can't get along with her, it has to be their problem because she is so easy going. Had some problems dealing with abuse at school, and she was old enough for her to be part of the "DISCUSSION" process of home schooling. It was agreed on, local Acedemy is what we chose to get materials and for the "Social" part. She did totally FANTASTIC and did a complete turn-around from going to Public HS!!! She has excelled in vocal arts and in every kind of Artwork you can think of. Great wife, great mother, great daughter. Stays at home due to some health issues, but STILL excels in everything she puts her mind to achieve.

HOME SCHOOLING VERSUS HIGH SCHOOL. I personally think it is a case by case thing. But the FINAL DECIDING factor for me pulling Amanda out of school was a kid who had a "hit list" of consisting of his 5th period Science Class (he was failing) and she happened to be in that class. School shootings were getting to be a normal thing and I got scared.

Would I do it again??? IN A NEW YORK SECOND.

Was it worth it??? You bet it was.

Do I wish I had done it with my other kids?? YEP, I sure do!!!

Homeschooling IF HANDLED correctly can be the best thing in the world for a kid.

High school on the other hand, even if handled correctly can be the worst experience in the world for some kids.

I applaud anyone who takes on the task of Home Schooling, it is a diligent task, but believe me, when you see the "finished product" and you have a very PRODUCTIVE and WONDERFUL Adult son or daughter, then YOUR SUCCESS has been proven, many times over. Whereas, sending them to school is just a "roll of the dice" for some kids.

Oh, and by the way, OLDEST and YOUNGEST scored ABOVE 30 on ACT. Middle was 28. If that means anything to anyone wanting to go that route.
I was homeschooled for 3 years. I went to school until 4th. Was homeschooled from 5th-beginning of 8th and was thrown back into school because my mom got a job teaching at the school and couldn't do both. Personally, I loved high school. My sister didn't go back to school. She went to college early. She missed her prom, football games, having childhood friends, which is important. She missed the chance of cheering, being in the band, playing softball, all the things kids NEED. She did her work and sat at home watching tv. What kind of life is that for a child? As for me, I was very popular in school before I left. When I came back, everyone acted as though they didn't know me. They grew up in those important middle school years, the baby years, basically together and there was no room for me. Which, made high school more complicated. I personally won't home school my daughter.
quote:
Originally posted by Taciturn:
quote:
Originally posted by GoFish:
Taking the High School experience away from your kids is almost a form of abuse in my opinion.



Now, GoFish, you know that's not true! Shame on you! Razzer



AMEN Tac!!!! Taking HS away from SOME kids is a GodSend!!!!

Thanks to bullies, know-it-alls, and just plain abusive and MEAN kids, some kids just can't take it. It would be ABUSE to leave them there IN it.

Thank God you are older and you don't have to go through school in this day and time, your attitude would get ya in loads of trouble with the school as well as with the bullies!!! Big Grin
I have a daughter that just turned 1. Most likely she will go to public school simply because of my need to work. I applaud the parents that are able to make home schooling work. I do believe that outside of the home school there should be activities and socializing with other kids, but as long as that is accomplished then I think the education the children receive is most likely top-knotch.
quote:
Originally posted by pintsize:
I have a daughter that just turned 1. Most likely she will go to public school simply because of my need to work. I applaud the parents that are able to make home schooling work. I do believe that outside of the home school there should be activities and socializing with other kids, but as long as that is accomplished then I think the education the children receive is most likely top-knotch.



There is all sorts of "OUTSIDE" things a home schooled child can participate in. The list is endless depending on which school you use to get materials for homeschooling, and believe it or not, it don't take that much of "YOUR" time.

And as far as Dances, Proms, Ballgames, Parties, they are available to home-schooled kids, no social skills should be lacking Smiler

In fact, it is even BETTER because a home-schooled child attending a function in another school (by invitation) is treated like a New Kid that EVERYONE wants to get to know Big Grin
quote:
Originally posted by Taciturn:
quote:
Originally posted by GoFish:
Okay, how about this: I'm sorry. Really. The abuse comment was uncalled for.


I'm proud of you,
GoFish!!!
Wink


Ditto!!! Ditto!!! Ditto!!! I didn't see this when I submitted the other one. Had something to do and just didn't go back and read. Sorry!!!
quote:
Originally posted by Taciturn:
quote:
Originally posted by GoFish:
Taking the High School experience away from your kids is almost a form of abuse in my opinion.



Now, GoFish, you know that's not true! Shame on you! Razzer


I know you are kidding just a little there but I do wonder if you was the post from Bree1604 that was just above this post. She is still pretty mad that she missed out on so much because she was home schooled.

Really, man, missing out on the middle and high school years would just have to suck. I just can't imagine taking that from my kids. Truly.
quote:
Originally posted by Kindred:
Thanks to bullies, know-it-alls, and just plain abusive and MEAN kids, some kids just can't take it. It would be ABUSE to leave them there IN it.


The world if filled with mean people and bullies. Just because you avoid them in high school doesn't mean you avoid them in life. Kids need to have parents who can show the kids how to deal with bullies.

Locking them up in their own home to keep them away from bullies is so short sighted and selfish.
I didn't leave because of bullies. I know my comment might have sounded that way. I was bullied from time to time, but I dealt with that. The reason I left though was much more severe than bullying, and because of who the person was it was swept under the rug.

I won't say more than that, cause last time I did, it got deleted, because it's libel (which it is since I can't prove it- but still).

As for the topic more at hand. I do see both sides of this fence. I would have never wanted to be yanked out of school without having a say in it. I chose to homeschool, and do feel that the child should be able to have a say, as well.

I didn't miss out on anything though. We still had proms. I was still able to do the extra curricular activities that I wanted. And I had plenty of friends, most of which I hung out with at a local Skate Rink with.

I wasn't the type that ran the streets or anything either- I never got in trouble in school or outside of school. I was a good kid, and am now a very mild adult. lol

~Amanda
quote:
Originally posted by GoFish:
quote:
Originally posted by Taciturn:
quote:
Originally posted by GoFish:
Taking the High School experience away from your kids is almost a form of abuse in my opinion.



Now, GoFish, you know that's not true! Shame on you! Razzer


I know you are kidding just a little there but I do wonder if you was the post from Bree1604 that was just above this post. She is still pretty mad that she missed out on so much because she was home schooled.

Really, man, missing out on the middle and high school years would just have to suck. I just can't imagine taking that from my kids. Truly.



I do agree that it would suck for the majority of kids, but there are some who homeschooling is the answer to a lot of issues.

Just because you don't agree with it, doesn't make it a bad thing. Home schooling is GREAT for the one who needs it, for whatever reason.

I didn't take Amanda out of school, and pitch any hissy fit over "things", it was a MUTUAL DECISION between her, her Dad and myself. And it was NOT the wrong decision either. I will NEVER regret it.

My other kids wish they had of had the opportunity.

Some it works GREAT for, some it don't. Case by case is the smart way to look at it, ya know?
quote:
Originally posted by Invex:
littlemeanmommas social skills...she comes on here bragging about here home schooled children...when some disagree with her/him...she gets mad, and leaves...I wonder if she taught this to her children...


I learned to take the fight to 'em...


Nope, my kids have good manners and would not insult people they just met. I seem to not understand the rules of a forum. You don 't post to get information, it is just a *****in contest. I guess I thought I could find out how other home schoolers are doing in this area but I think the posts here from all non-home schoolers have showed me that. It is not popular or even understood. Amanda was kind enough to give me some inside tips so thank you and your Mom. Did I come here looking for justification? Nope. Did I come here to brag? Nope. Should I have come here? Debatable. Would you talk like this to my face? Debatable. I accept Gofish's apology about abuse, later he goes on to say that homeschooling is short-sighted and selfish. I really was hurt by all the negative statements
since I did take them personally. I guess some of you like to try to get a rile out of someone.
Seems my idea of an opinion is something along the lines of "GEEE, I don't know much about it but I would not want to do it" not "It is taking the easy way out or you're just lazy or your kids must be stupid". I know kindred can testify that it is not the easy way and most homeschoolers would have liked for their kids to go to public school if they felt it was safe and their kids could get a good education and be happy. We did not have that situation. I am in the same boat as Amanda, we had problems with the higher ups at the school in question but I cannot reveal the details. Lets just say we had a "face to face" with the then current superintendent. If this changes your opinion, fine. If not, fine. I did not feel saying this at the start was a good idea. So party on, and I will watch the responses and study the odd psyche of the forum poster.
littlemeanmomma, there are no rules for rudeness on a forum. That is a problem for sure. But there WILL be rude people who post on a public forum...not a thing any of us can do about it. You can ignore them, give back what was given, or just respond reasonably & carry on. It's up to you to decide if you enjoy posting on forums enough to put up with such silliness. Smiler

Also, remember that not everyone is trying to be rude. They may just be blunt about what they think and not bother to soften the blow. There is a fine line between being in debate mode and being outright rude to someone.

OH, and one more thing. You don't owe anyone an apology for raising your children the way you felt was best for them. You quite obviously love your children or would NEVER spend that much time with them. LOL So, you of course are the best judge of what's best for them.
“the only kids that mattered at the school where the jocks.”

“Both were too intelligent to do crap homework that involved "MOM" running all over town for stupid projects that meant nothing and wasted money.”

“Not all of us, however, are gifted with local schools worth noting. Many of my son’s friends that stayed in the local high school had very low grades/ACT scores whereas he managed a 26 on the ACT with his first and only try.”

“One of my son's professors told him that the home school students usually did much better adjusting to college and studying than did the high schoolers.”

“HOME SCHOOL RULES”

“I was using that as a fact that he was better prepared than the high school kids at his old school.”

“Since TSC obviously has geniuses for children, or had them take the test 30 times like so many others, good for him.”

“White flight is a fact from bad school systems, although its not just 'whites' leaving.”

“To the others, find another thread as I will no longer respond to this one or ever even read these forums again. I see one thing you all learned and kept from your high school days was the art of bullying. Isn't that a fine example of what our school systems are teaching?”

“homeschoolers would have liked for their kids to go to public school if they felt it was safe and their kids could get a good education”


The above are all quotes of yours, littlemeanmama. Now Kindred shares that her kids are finished with high school. She stated that it’s a case-by-case decision. She also shared that her oldest child who went to public school scored the same as her youngest child that was home schooled. She praised home schooling but she did it without putting down public schools.

My kids are in public schools. If you will look at the high school rankings here , you will see that there are two public high schools in our area that are ranked very high. The free available rankings are from the year 2004. The school report card we received when registering our 3 children at the beginning of this school year has Muscle Shoals even higher on the list for the 2006-07 rankings.

I understand you started this thread to get information/opinions about home schooling, but with the above statements that you’ve made on a public forum that seem to insinuate that sending your child to public schools will result in a bad education, what did you expect to hear for the parents of children in public schools?

Had you, for example, stated that you were starting a non profit group for parents of home schooled children and would like information or opinions to help those get started, then it wouldn’t have seemed like such a home school vs. public school thread. It’s great that your children have done well, but since they are through with high school and are well on their way in college, why do you need information about home school? You stated, “Amanda was kind enough to give me some inside tips so thank you and your Mom.” Why do you need “inside tips”?

When a democrat talks about their political views, it’s their right. When they start calling Republicans names, that’s when it becomes offensive to the Republican and vice versa. When an atheist has their beliefs, it’s their right and that’s fine. But when they start making fun of Christian beliefs and start spouting off hatred toward the Christian belief, then it becomes offensive to the Christian and vice versa. Home school vs. Public school, likewise.

I'm not sure why you feel the need not to post here because of your feelings: "I was hurt very deeply by the recent scathing attacks on me for trying to post an informative thread. I do not understand why
any one would willing ask for that kind of verbal abuse." And then to say "
Goodbye and enjoy attacking someone else. I am not playing the game anymore." It's only a forum. Heck. I usually only check in on this forum a couple of times a week and that's mainly because of one poster-Interventor. Dude is smart! And well, vick13 is pretty funny to read as well.
I did not start out insulting any school, I did state the one my kids attended was not good. (It was number 210 in just saying list) There are good schools here but we did not get the opportunity of going to one. My thread was for curiosity as to how other families did after the high school years. As for the inside tips, Amanda said to just let the bad remarks go and try not to take anything personal. I should have started with
"HOME SCHOOL--GOOD OR BAD" then I would not been personally involved. As I said, I am observing the psyche of the forum poster since there is no accountability due to all being in the virtual world.
Last edited by LMM
PS,
The 'home school rules' was the slogan for our particular home school. To me, it is the same as saying "War Eagle or Roll Tide". I am sorry that it was taken wrong. Some of the other quotes were taken from the replies I received. I am not saying home school is better than public, just that it is equal to a high school diploma. I am still learning. I still feel I got flames since I am the nubie but only crispy around the edges.
quote:
Originally posted by littlemeanmama:
I am not saying home school is better than public, just that it is equal to a high school diploma. I am still learning.


And I hope you read the post from the girl who despised her parents decision to home school her. She will regret that for the rest of her life and it is just so darn sad.

Just how absolutely certain are you that you did the right thing by taking high school away from your kids?
quote:
Originally posted by GoFish:
quote:
Originally posted by littlemeanmama:
I am not saying home school is better than public, just that it is equal to a high school diploma. I am still learning.


And I hope you read the post from the girl who despised her parents decision to home school her. She will regret that for the rest of her life and it is just so darn sad.

Just how absolutely certain are you that you did the right thing by taking high school away from your kids?



I don't think that was Bree's EXACT words, she did want to be in School.

Point is THOUGH, this post is NOT about being IN school, it is HOME SCHOOLING.

There is a lot of positive replies here dealing with home schooling, and a couple of negative ones. I bet some of the ones fighting the idea so bad are the ones who has NO idea how it even works, ya know???

It worked for my daughter, and I am SO VERY THANKFUL to God that it did.

Taking one back to read one person's view about wanting to be IN school takes the whole post out of context. Besides, what do you want to bet that she has already read every reply and don't need any redirection Razzer

Anyway, like I said, it should be CASE BY CASE, and FINAL DECISION MADE BY PARENT/CHILD, and in the final decision making, the school has NO SAY SO in it if the kid is 16 years old anyway. That would be 15 if they applied for special permission from the STATE.

That is NOT to say that schools can or will dictate homeschoolers, they don't. But until a kid is a CERTAIN AGE the school is bound BY LAW to make sure the kid is having school, whether it be private schooling, home schooling or public schooling.
quote:
Originally posted by GoFish:
quote:
Originally posted by littlemeanmama:
I am not saying home school is better than public, just that it is equal to a high school diploma. I am still learning.


And I hope you read the post from the girl who despised her parents decision to home school her. She will regret that for the rest of her life and it is just so darn sad.

Just how absolutely certain are you that you did the right thing by taking high school away from your kids?



I KNOW how certain "I" am to home school Amanda. She scored THIRTY TWO on her ACT test!!!!!

HOME SCHOOLER SCORED HIGER THAN A LOT OF GRADUATES!!!! hehe

That is why I say each student needs to be a case by case study as to whether it will help or hurt them.

Unlike Bree, my daughter had all her friendships, her dances, her social time, her teen fun but just didn't go to that school every day. She didn't miss out on anything and spent all her time with actually LEARNING.

So still, I have to give the program credit where credit is due.

As to my other 2 kids, they did fine in School, but my middle one more or less CHOSE school to be her SOCIAL TIME, unfortunately. About a year after she got out of school she put herself through college and got a degree. My oldest one was gifted since 3rd grade and had ZERO problems in school and brought home all A's the enitire time except for ONE B during the Junior year and that was devastating to the kid and it never happened again Big Grin

Pro's and Con's??? Yes, they are many, but if a parent is seriously considering it, it means the parent sincerely is involved with the kid's education and that is a major plus.

I wish any parent considering this all the luck in the world, and will tell you that it is not that hard to home school your child. All the work comes in doses from a local branch and nothing is left out that is taught in regular HS.

The most important thing to consider is that each and every day of that child's schooling at home, YOU have to instill the LOVE of learning in them, encourage them, teach them self-discipline, and it should be relatively easy from that forward.
little-mama, i am glad to see that you are still here..if you stay with us, you will quickly see who is interested in your posts, and who is usually argumentative..the direction you follow from there, is of course your choice..i will tell you from my experience here, it is much more peaceful, if you rise above the discord, and ignore it..you can learn a lot from the forum posts, if you will just sift thru it..just MY opinion..

*you have cats?..i have 5 sweet kitties, but that's another forum subject..
I hesitated before responding to this thread.
I guess the temptation got the best of me. I have no doubts that homeschooling is great for some kids and parents. My greatest worry would be social skills. I have a close family member that is in his early 20s, he can't work a public job. He home schooled and has no social skills what so ever. He wasn't the type of child that held on to his moms apron or skirt. She didn't keep him sheltered from real life. His book knowledge is superb,however; his social skills - He has Social Anxiety Disorder. I am by no means saying all kids that are homeschooled have social problems. I do know his mom has said many times that if she could go back she would have kept him in a public school system. Hindsight is 20 20. Little-Mama, I do wish you the best with homeschooling. I am not trying to criticize you for your choice of the education of your children. I like many others wanted to post my thought on homeschooling.
BTW Many colleges offer scholarships for high ACT scores.

I love life!
it has been asked why would you homeschool your children? my answer is that my son never having been in any trouble before within 3 weeks at the freshman center was jumped by a gang 2 times and started running with a rival gang just to keep from being an easy target and sure enough in no time was involved in a fight that landed him in legal trouble. perhaps if local school admins would do something about it people wouldnt be jerking thier kids out right and left. and before you start in with the "there are no gangs in florence" i used to work with the guardian angels in wpb and can tell you that you are right! but when you get a dozen teenagers running in a pack and calling themselves a gang, it doesnt really matter if they are really gang members or not they can still do damage. notice the UGM BUG tag everywhere? UGM is a freshman center gang also gangster deciples are represnted there
and dont give me a hard time about watching my own kid,,, i took him out of school and havent had a problem since.
quote:
Originally posted by GoFish:
quote:
Originally posted by littlemeanmama:
I did what I did for my personal reasons and I do not need to explain my reasons to you.


I did'nt ask for an explanation. I simply offer my opinion of your choice. I'd offer the same opinion if I saw you verbally abusing your children in public. If I think it is wrong, I will tell you. don't like it? Don't abuse them in public.

quote:
If you are the one who is an atheist, did you give your children the right to chose their beliefs??


Absolutely. I still carry them to functions that will help them develop their own spirituality. I believe spirituality is a basic a need as food and sex for some people. I actually despise atheist parents who would indoctrinate their children with disbelief as much as I despise parents who brainwash their kids into believing in a omnipotent space alien.

We should all be able to believe what we want - as long as those beliefs do not adversely affect others.

Children should be exposed to the world, not hidden. They should see the good and the bad. They should be exposed to failure as well as victory. They should socialize with those less fortunate and those much more fortunate. They definitely should not be coveted and protected by overbearing parents confined within their own home.

I am passionate in my belief (supported by evidence) that Florence City Schools are the best schools in the entire state of Alabama and believe just as passionately that homeschoolers and private school parents are helping destroy that fine institution because of prejudice, ignorance and over-protectiveness.
gofish, i admire the passion in your belief; but i think it's totally misdirected and hypocritical. to blame the parents of home and private schoolers for destroying florence city schools (or any other) reeks of prejudice, ignorance, and over-protectiveness.

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