Is it better to ‘pretend’ to homeschool or to admit defeat and find another way? I know what I believe!

Anyway, just wanted to let you know, my husband and I are both college drop-outs. The amount of formal education you have is not something that I think you should take into account when deciding whether to homeschool or not. Some of the brightest and most well-informed people in the world are in the same boat! What matters is that you feel led to do it, are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to do it, and love your kids enough to see that they get the education they need! I’m rooting for you!

Secondly, YEESH!! Tara has issues doesn’t she!?!? WOW! I’m glad you had some other comments after hers that were a completely different tone! I’ve had commenters treat me like that before (on an old blog I had) and it’s very hurtful when people attack like that. Especially when it’s completely inaccurate and unfounded!

Thirdly, yea to your hubby!! What a guy to jump in and defend you! I was almost teary by the end when I realized it was your hubby standing up for you. That was awesome!

And lastly, to the point of the post – because I did have one! – I used to be one of those who thought anyone could homeschool and honestly I still think most people can… but I have definitely come across some parents that I’m glad are not homeschoolers.

The key is being the kind of parent that a) knows their limitations and b) is willing to seek help when it’s needed. I feel like the parent needs to have the drive to want the absolute best for their kids and be willing to do what it takes to make sure that happens. If the parent is lackadaisical in regards to education then they probably shouldn’t take on the role of educating their children. If, on the other hand, they have the desire to teach and the desire to learn – even if they don’t possess all of the knowledge they need – I think they can be successful. There is so much available to homeschoolers now that, even if the parent is not academically capable of teaching something, there are plenty of other options. I’ve known homeschooling families that seem to just float through the school year not doing much schoolwork and not teaching in a very rigorous or academic way. It always surprises me. I know that not everyone has to teach the same way I do and we each have our own methods that work for our families but we do need to be doing what’s best – academically as well as all other areas – for our kids. As another commenter already said though, no system works 100% of the time and those same kids might have fallen through the cracks and been even worse off in the public school system so maybe it did work out for the best?? That’s up to each parent to decide. And as I think someone said above, we may not agree with them but we can support them and their right to do what they feel is best. That’s why we have academic freedom – which I’m very thankful for – and it’s up to us as parents and not the government to decide what’s best for our kids.

Sorry…that ended up being a really long comment!!!

Again – loving your posts!! You’re a great writer!

I was tasked with reviewing articles she submitted on the topic of homeschooling to a former client. These articles were painful to read in both style and content. She often talked about how today’s lesson included a viewing of Cars, Shrek, or what have you and how they simply cooked or cleaned for school. (I see you addressed this Part 1! haha)

I’ll admit, I had a lower opinion of homeschoolers because of her and even told people that I felt parents should be tested before being allowed to homeschool!

Thankfully, I’ve since met other homeschoolers that have swayed my opinion back some but I think I will always have a nugget of concern based on my initial experience.

I guess the ultimate answer is no system is 100% perfect and children can fall through the educational cracks whether they are in public, private, OR home school.