Who Do Homeschooling Parents Think They Are?
Filed Under: Freedom & Politics, Homeschooling
There is an interesting discussion going on at the Asbury Park Press web site about the pros and cons of homeschooling.
This is one of my favorite comments (and in case you don’t catch it, this is sarcasm):
TANSTAAFL2: I don’t know who these parents think they are. You would think they might leave the shaping of their children’s minds, careers and futures to trained professionals, but they insist on interfering in their offsprings’ lives every step of the way.
As if these children were actually their responsibility from birth to adulthood. Don’t they realize these are the people’s children, the state’s responsibility. As such, they must be molded by the state and educated in accordance with state requirements — no more and no less.
They must be taught to accept the same values approved and encouraged by the state. They must be taught that all are equal, regardless of ability, intelligence or talent, and therefore, all must be rewarded equally, regardless of merit, just like the public schoolteachers.
They must be taught their self esteem is more important than anything they can contribute to society. They must be taught that acting in the best interest of the collective is more important than individual liberty.
They must be taught the role of the state is to protect the individual from his own inherent stupidity, because the individual is incapable of making intelligent decisions for himself, and therefore cannot be held responsible for his actions. The state must act as parent, Big Brother, nanny.
I understand the public teachers’ union has the children’s best interest in mind. These parents have a lot of nerve, refusing to conform.
And that, my friends, is exactly why I homeschool.
PHAT = Parenting, Homeschooling And Technology. That about sums up my life at the moment.
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Dana | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
I love that comment!
I’ve been thinking about the day that Dawson must go to school. I’m afraid of today’s public schools (at least those in my area) and as a Catholic, I wanted to send Dawson to parochial school, but I’m worried about their motives as well.
My mother told me to think about homeschooling, but I’m not confident I can do it. (Can you tell I’m a product of public schools? I don’t even believe I have the knowledge to teach my child at home.)
I’m lucky I still have a couple years to figure it all out. There’s a woman from my church who urges me to do it, but I don’t know how I’d juggling working full time and teaching Dawson all that he needs to know.
Decisions! Decisions!
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Mrs. Flinger | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
And that right there is why we need to chat more because I’m really very seriously leaning toward homeschooling. Already at preschool we’re running in to the “you don’t know what’s best for your child, we do, even though we’ve never met her before”
UUGGHHHH. This post, I loved.
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Mama Luxe | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
I have a close friend with a 2 and 4 year old who has started down the path of homeschooling. She has already connected with other area parents who plan to homeschool. I think it is great.
For my family, I go back and forth on it. I do think that I can provide a more complete education, but I also think children learn valuable things about the way our society works from going to public school. I did not have the best public school experience, but my husband had a great one.
I think you can offer a lot of positive educational and social experiences homeschooling, but I do think there is also something to be said for the public school experience.
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Donna | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
This is one of the reasons I WANT to homeschool, but cannot get the husband to understand why it would be better for our daughter than the constant fight I seem to be having with her public school.
It’s hard to be the one who’s always right… :)-
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Summer | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
LOL That is a great reason to homeschool! Up with non-conformity!
Summer’s last blog post..Homeschooling Links Of The Week
Heather | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Amen! That information sounded like someone who would do very well in a communist type society. That is so what it reminded me of.
How dare we, as parents, think that our children are our responsibility and how dare we think it’s our right to raise them the way we feel is best? Crazy isn’t it? And, to think, they think we’re the ones who are crazy! =)
rainbow | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Is there a serious network about homeschooling? (Teach parents and make them conscious of how to manage education isn’t a light stuff)
Angela | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Had to link to your blog! Great job on showing people *why* homeschooling really is best!
Angela’s last blog post..Who Do Homeschoolers Think They Are?
Christine | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
As a second generation homeschooling mom of six, I have to say that I couldn’t agree more!! The less the state interferes with the education and upbringing of my children the better! GO homeschoolers!
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razzletherev | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
OMG…I was homeschooled and I am so glad the state had nothing to do with my education. I’m going to continue by homeschooling my children.
Viva La Homeschool
Diane | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
I love the post! We’ve been homeschooling for 8+ years, and it was the BEST decision that my husband and I have ever made other than having kids! For those of you who are thinking about homeschooling, my blog has been running a series on home education philosophies (be sure to search for “10 Questions: What Is Your Home Education Philosophy”) and there are 4 other posts on famous homeschooling authors and their home education philosophies. The questions should help you pin down your (and your spouse’s) views on education so you can make a wise decision. Thanks, PHAT Mommmy!
diane
Diane’s last blog post..Home Education Philosophy: Oliver Van DeMille And Leadership Education
BuzzeeDad | Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
My mom is an administrator for the public school system in one of our major US cities. The horror stories she tells me about the teacher’s union and how difficult it is to get rid of teachers who straight up do not give a flying f about the education of children just floors me everytime. Kids are not widgets on an assembly line. You don’t keep a bad teacher “on the line” just because he/she has put in the necessary years. There is something so fundamentally wrong about that system.
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imaginary sarah | Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
I’m not really sure which side of the fence I sit. I had a great education and did well in school, despite attending six different school districts in three states. But, I did see lots of my peers suffer.
I think we’ll be heavily involved in Amos’ education, whether it’s through public schools or at home. I haven’t devoted enough time to the topic to decide whether or not I should home school. Perhaps I’ll peruse some of these blogs.
I guess it’s the interaction with other kids that I don’t want him to miss out on. Social awkwardness is something I’ve noticed in some (and I stress SOME) homeschooled children. Not that you can’t find socially awkward kids in the public system, but I do think that interacting with lots of kids and people is very beneficial to a person’s wellbeing.
Hmm. Now you really have me thinking about this…
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Shannanb aka Mommy Bits | Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
My children are in public school but I do support home schooling. I just think though, that it should be regulated somehow - that the parents should have to “test” so to speak. I have known of people who taught home school that were - IMHO- questionable in their abilities.
Do parents have to “apply”? I guess I am not sure how it works.
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Joanne | Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
Um…is this person for real?
>>>I don’t know who these parents think they are. You would think they might leave the shaping of their children’s minds, careers and futures to trained professionals, but they insist on interfering in their offsprings’ lives every step of the way.<<<<<<
I don’t even know what to say. And that, for me, is rare.
Sign me…
Proud Unschooling Mom
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Carie | Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
I may have over looked it; what product of a governement school had this to say? They can’t possibly have kids! I wish I had the confidence to HS. My husband and I have talked about getting together with his brother to HS our four kids togehter. We would all alternate lessons and activites in which we are well versed.
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LaskiGal | Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
OK. I have to say it. I know a lot of my teacher friends won’t like it. I know they’ll think I’m a traitor . . . but, I support homeschooling, BIG TIME. I am a . . . teacher. Yup.
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Aimee Greeblemonkey | Feb 18, 2008 | Reply
Wow, that’s incredible.
I am not sure if I have told you this before, but I have had some bad experience with homeschooling via family members… but still in general I believe each family does what is right for them. And statements like that one - whoa.
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Liz | Feb 18, 2008 | Reply
[wipes tear from eye]
Makes me proud to be living on the Jersey Shore.
[sniff]
We’re a sarcastic lot!
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Marye~ | Feb 18, 2008 | Reply
Okay, please tell me that that’s a joke. I am not a baby making machine for the people. Our children are exactly that, ours and we will educate them to be loving, caring, moral, intelligent individuals. They will not a part of the ‘collective’.
Amen to being a homeschooler for the past 6 years!
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HRH | Feb 18, 2008 | Reply
OMG. That is great. I will continue to ruin my children’s future because I am just that kinda mom.
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Shannon | Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
I went to public school through the eighth grade and then was home-schooled through high school, when it became legal in our state. There are pros and cons for both. Personally, my kids go to public school, and for right now, it works. Allot of people fantasize about home-schooling. And I always reply, it is very hard work. Just remember that your kids are with you 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, if you can’t get through a three day vaca from school at home with them, you aren’t going to make it every day.
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Maria | Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
Blog surfing today…found this post. Love it. I am linking this post on my blog if you don’t mind. And if you do, well, come on over and yell at me and I promise I’ll take it down. You may have to send chocolate or something like that first, but I would take it down.
Maria’s last blog post..Is It ME?
allisonintx | Feb 20, 2008 | Reply
When I decided to homeschool, my first and loudest supporters ALL worked in the public school system, including my own MIL.
Carrie at Natural Moms Talk Radio | Feb 21, 2008 | Reply
Someone needs to tell that moron that Communism has been tried and that it failed miserably.
That is too scary! And yes - exactly why I also homeschool
Found you through TrafficJam.com. Added you to my reader.
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Amanda | Feb 22, 2008 | Reply
Loved that! I’m so glad we pulled our son out of school and are homeschooling now!
Angie @ Many Little Blessings | Feb 23, 2008 | Reply
Maybe I’m reading their comment with the wrong tone, but isn’t this person’s comment likely just using (extreme) sarcasm to make the point that homeschooling is good?
Like I said, maybe I’m just reading it wrong, but that is totally how that read to me.
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gus | Feb 25, 2008 | Reply
How does teach lessons in which on lacks knowledge? I could teach English, History, Geography, and some Science, yet I am lacking in Math. I could do basic arithmetic but would be lost in Algebra. New York requires much Math proficiency. Any suggestions? Mt girlfriend is raising a 3 year old grandson. She home schooled her kids for a year.
gus | Feb 25, 2008 | Reply
Sorry for the typos, I can’t teach typing either.
gus | Feb 25, 2008 | Reply
How does one…in which one lacks…My girlfriend…
SabrinaT | Feb 29, 2008 | Reply
I love it!! I may have to borrow the comment! Is that allowed!?
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Andrea | Feb 29, 2008 | Reply
I’ll tell you who I think I am. I am a very strong woman and mother who happens to know that she can do a better job with her kids than the school system did with her. I am a mother who takes responsibility for my kids rather than complain the state did them wrong when they end up in jail, or worse. That’s who I think I am.
Who does the writer think they are to question my authority as a parent?
Great post!
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Walter Jeffries | Mar 2, 2008 | Reply
Oops… We taught our kids to question authority… especially if it is the government. We be bad!
eighmie | Mar 9, 2008 | Reply
I think the above comment is sarcasm.
As to the person who suggests that Homeschoolers should be required to test their children in some state mandated regulated thing, i disagree. If I wanted to teach my children how to pass the Iowa Test of whatever, I may as well put them in school. And as to the people who were homeschooled you met, I am most certain I could find an equal or greater number of publicly educated individuals who are IMHO “questionable in their abilities.” I’m sure you could as well if you looked hard enough.
I want my children to be engaged mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. I don’t want them to be shuffled and warehoused everyday. I don’t want to be told that their exuberance needs Ritalin or that their sadness needs an anti-depressant to make them another “brick in the wall”
eighmie’s last blog post..An Unfinished Woman
Walter Jeffries | Mar 9, 2008 | Reply
Not sarcasm at all. I question authority - Actively engaging our minds is the difference between faith and science. Likewise we teach our kids to question and think things through. The current political race is providing all sorts of fodder for discussion at our house. And yes, government doesn’t like people who question as opposed to mindlessly following the rules and regulations.
Fortunately government is also schizo and rarely knows what the left hand is doing. It is not so much who is in power that matters but rather that nobody has to much power. It’s a fundamental base concept in the original design of our government. Vote for a divided house.
Lindsey | Mar 9, 2008 | Reply
Wow, I have been homeschooled practically my whole life and now that I am 20 years old, in college, and fully aware of how the public school system operates I must say that I AM SO GLAD that my mom never viewed me as “the states responsibility”. Everyday I am more disgusted with how immature, irrational, and selfish most public school graduates can be.
Through homeschooling I have learned responsibility for my own actions, logical thinking skills, a self-less attitude, respect for authority, a deeper relationship with Christ and how to chose my friends wisely. I feel that anyone that finds these values to be in any way harmful to society should evacuate the country immediately.
I mean, Excuse me for knowing how to carry a decent intelligent conversation when I was 6. I thought that was a good thing! I guess I should have advised the school system before attempting such a great feet at a young age because apparently they know me better than the woman that gave birth to me. Sorry for the confusion “Mr School Officials”. :p Ha Ha!
In Conclusion, WHOEVER wrote that IS A GENIUS! I believe that homeschoolers and their parents have a certain sense of sarcasm towards everyday life. I think it would be a bit boring without it.
HOORAY FOR NON-CONFORMITY!!!!
Julie | Mar 10, 2008 | Reply
Is it just me, or does anyone else suspect the quote in question is intended to be satirical?
I can’t believe anyone would in all seriousness say “As if these children were actually their responsibility from birth to adulthood. Don’t they realize these are the people’s children, the state’s responsibility.” It has to be satire.
Jason McLaughlin | Mar 11, 2008 | Reply
Ugh. If this is a sincere comment, I pine for the loss of rationality in the word that made such a comment sincere. If this is a satirical comment, I pine for the world which makes that point of view worth satirizing.
Jason McLaughlin’s last blog post..What the Hell is Philosophy?
Noelle | Mar 11, 2008 | Reply
I would just like both sides (public schoolers and home schoolers) to admit that the other has some value along with its mistakes. If homeschooling and public schooling could learn to work side-by-side maybe the school districts would be less crowded so teachers could better educate their students, and parents lacking certain teaching skills could employ the service of certified teachers to supplement their curriculum.
Little Tykes | Mar 11, 2008 | Reply
I just hope one day that people may one day accept that homeschooling is an acceptable form of education. The amount of haters out there some days gets me down, especially when they are from your own family!
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Elissa | Mar 14, 2008 | Reply
Well, i have both the experience of home school and public school. I believe that children of all ages who are in home schooling, should take at least a year or two in a public school. that way they wont lack the social skills they will need in the future. Also, who ever said that kids in home school are taught by parents or teacher that come to your house. I you myself as an example because, i teach myself. I do not rely on a teacher or my parents, but assume responsibility myself.
Kat | Mar 18, 2008 | Reply
Wow! But I’m not really surprised. And for those of you afraid to home school - don’t be. Need some inspiration, read The Call to Brilliance by Resa Steindel Brown. It really inspired me.
Kat’s last blog post..A New Direction - The Quest to Find Your Passion
Scott M. | May 30, 2008 | Reply
This is exactly why we need to get rid of public schools. they’re an unnecessary hassle. Trying to decide what’s “politically correct” and crap. Life should be treated as if there’s no government. you are given your GOD-GIVEN RIGHTS AND THATS IT!!! Don’t believe in God? You still have rights that no one can take away. Its an individuals responsibility to take care of them self, and not the governments. That’s the reason why I predict that every government in existence will eventually become Communist. Because of morons like the person with that comment.
Headingtowardhomeschooling | Jun 1, 2008 | Reply
Excellent article - I live in a place where they just took away our rights to let our kids learn our second official language in early years, and have additionally made it MANDATORY for them to be immersed in that language in grade 5 (imagine learning math, science, social studies, etc in grade 5 immersed in a new language. Insane!) My son’s entering kindergarten this September, and that year will be it for him in public schools.
JA Hirsch | Jun 1, 2008 | Reply
I have been homeschooling my teenager since middle school. My wife and I decided that the “public schools” had done enough damage.
For those that read this and have fears, erase everything you will hear, everything you were spoon fed, just everything. Now, teach your child the way that is best for them - at the pace that is best for them - with interests geared for them.