Second Generation Homeschoolers

MaryAnne - posted on 09/19/2012

I've had expierence with all outlets of education. Homeschool, private tutoring, public school, and private schools. I was brought up in a "Catholic" private school until eight grade, and then went to a public high school, but then I got sick with Cancer and had to stay home and catch up to graduate on time with my peers. I ended up going back to graduate with my peers, and then going to college and swimming four years at ISU.



I am now homeschooling all my children, and it's a decision I made based on religious reasons. They do not teach about God in schools. Even in the so- called "Catholic" schools either. Growing up in the private schools I had to combat with my teachers and "priests" over issues they were trying to shove down my throat, teaching me that God is a woman....and I am too simple minded to think otherwise. Yeah, it's pretty bad, and I am assuming even worse now with all the sex abuse and pedifile cases too. I feel like it's a sign from God showing people that something isn't right.



In public schools God is completely left out of the picture, and the cliques, self image problems, not to mention cutting, bullying, teen pregnancy, and peer pressure, are all bad signs. My husband is a secondary school teacher and I hear terrible stories about these things, and I am sure it's true anywhere you live.



I've done extensive research regarding homeschool, because my husband wasn't supportive in my decision. There are a lot of misconceptions about homeschooling, but it's growing in numbers dispite the reproach. Your parents were correct to homeschool you when were growing up. It shows in the Bible that we as parents have a responsibility to educate our children, and teach them about everything. Teachers are offended by this because they feel like we are saying "you are not doing your job", or "anyone can teach." Which isn't always the case. However, we are with our children longer and we are their influences throughout life. So, it's safe to say that we are truly responsible for how our children turn out. I truly believe that our children become products of the type of educational system they go through. I believe it's a sign from God that more people are taking on the responsibility, and not relying on the government to educate (or conform) our children to one way of thinking.



As for private schools.....they used to be FREE. At least in Catholic Schools. The priests and nuns were the teachers, and the children were instructed according to God, faith, and morals. Since they changed everything in Vatican II in the 1960's, they basically just told the priests and nuns that they didn't need to fulfill their vocation anymore. And then started to hire outside "teachers" who may or may not hold onto any Catholic teaching, or have a specific degree. But they charge ten thousand dollars per child to go. All the while using the money to probably pay off the sex abuse cases. Ask any child who went to a "Catholic" school, they will tell you that they didn't learn anything religious from them.



I was able to stay home for one year and homeschool with tutors because my mother didn't feel she could teach me. I wasn't the greatest student, but in that small time I LOVED being at home. It was safe. When I went back I was distracted with my peers and fitting in. But, my grades were better after homeschool. I had a better thirst for knowlege, and realized learning could be fun. I hope my kids have he same experience, and they realize the benefits of homeschooling.



I would like to know more on your outlook on being homeschooled, did you like it? Were there days were it was frustrating?

Katie - posted on 07/20/2011

I was home schooled from 8th to 12th grade. My oldest son went to a private school for Kindergarten but then I decided to quit my job and stay at home after having my fourth son. My oldest will be going into second grade this year and I will be doing Preschool and Kindergarten with my 4 and 5 yrs olds this coming school yr. I am also doing the Baby Can Read program with my two yr. old. Lots of good things in store for us this year! I'm kinda nervous about homeschooling all of them together but its an awesome adventure for us!

Shauna - posted on 07/15/2011

Good for you! Keep the tradition going! God Bless.

Laura Zoey - posted on 06/26/2011

I was homeschooled and so was my husband and we plan on homeschooling our children! Our son is 2 and our daughter 1 month so we have a bit to go,but that's the plan :)

Anna - posted on 09/12/2009

My bro and sis joined Home School Alumni...they have disscusions online with other HSA-ers and might be a good place to look for other like minded ones....

I was partly homeschooled and have homeschooled mine from the beginning. Lord willing I'll be able to all the way...ps is not an option for us!

Michelle - posted on 09/01/2009

I attended public school, but my husband first attended private school, then was homeschooled when his parents could no longer afford tuition (this would be in the mid to late 80s), and finally was sent to public school when his mom had to go back to work. He had a terrible time in public school, including being put in 9th grade when he should have been in 12th because the school didn't want to accept his credits and wouldn't let him test out. He ended up dropping out and getting his GED (and his now a successful computer professional!)

I did not know that my husband was homeschooled. He never suggested it to me because his first wife refused to even consider it. He only told me that he refused to send our kids to public school, so I was researching private schools when I first heard of homeschooling. My MIL drove my husband home from work that day, and when they walked in I asked my husband if he would be willing to try homeschooling our kids. My MIL literally starting jumping up and down with excitement! :)

My husband is a very outgoing, charismatic person. He makes friends everywhere he goes and is usually very respected by his friends and co-workers. (By contrast, I am very shy and socially awkward.) A friend of mine was trying to tell me that she was concerned about my kids being homeschooled, because the only homeschooled kids she'd ever known (one family) were completely socially inept and unable to get along with other people. I stopped her short by saying, "Hmm. Mark was homeschooled. He seems to get along pretty well." LOL.

BTW, 11 of my MIL's 16 grandkids are being homeschooled, and two others were homeschooled for a semester when they were living with me.

Becca - posted on 08/24/2009

I don't have any children yet (due in November with my first) But I was homeschooled from 6th to 10th grades (then got my GED) and plan on homeschooling my own. I worry at times that I'm not going to be able to do it. But I know there are groups around here that are very helpful and my mom did it so she knows what to do also. I loved being homeschooled and I hope my children will love it also. :)

Susanna - posted on 08/20/2009

I was homeschooled most of my life. All except for first and 6th grade when we were state side. I was raised on the mission field and my mom taught my siblings and I at home instead of sending us off to a boarding school. Most of my siblings and I homeschool our own kids. I enjoy teaching my kids and seeing them learn. I also like knowing what they are doing, learning and what environment they are in. I believe that we will be held responsible for our children one day and I want to do my best in teaching them and instilling in them the morals, values and doctrine that I was raised in. A lot of times its difficult to stay faithful in homeschool and not just giving up b/c of so many other Christian friends that give me a hard time for homeschooling them instead of putting them in a public school. I don't want my kids learning a lot of junk thats taught in public schools and neither do I want to have to worry about their safety or who their teacher is, etc. I do believe that homeschoolers are the minority. I would love to get some encouragement along that line.

Robin - posted on 08/16/2009

My husband was supposedly homeschooled until 6th grade when his folks told him he was too stupid to ever learn---religious cult type family. At 13, they put him out on the farm full time. We now own our own business and it is amazing all the things he has been able to 'learn' over the years. LOL!! We have just finished high school with our oldest and are about to start kindergarten with our youngest. I was public schooled but really have enjoyed teaching our girls.

Stephanie - posted on 08/12/2009

I was homeschooled through high school at my request and I have homeschooled my daughter since she was born. She is now eight and in 4th Grade. I am fortunate that many friends at church and my family is pro-homeschooling. I have sometimes severe health problems, and my mother "substitues" for me. I could not imagine sending her to school. I love the time with her and the teaching. Giving someone else so much airtime to train her goes against all I know. She has many who influence her life, but she was born to me and I am responcible for her before God.

Angela - posted on 04/29/2009

Me & my younger sister were homeschooled & now I am homeschooling my kids & my sister plans to homeschool her children! I think when you are raised with the mind set that certain things are more important than any thing else that sticks with you!! But, we are in the minority, girl!!

Rgalvan - posted on 04/08/2009

This is Roxanne. I know what you mean, many of my friends gave up homeschooling their children and put them in public school.  It was so disheartening as a homeschooling mom.  My husband and I want to make sure that our daughters see the good in making the sacrifice (meaning mommy staying at home, in lieu of a career) to educate your own children, so that when they grow up and have children, the "legacy" will go on.

Rgalvan - posted on 04/08/2009

We homeschooled our now 23 year old son and are now homeschooling our 3 year old and 7 year old daughters... does that count?

Sarah - posted on 04/02/2009

We are both very grateful to our parents for their love and time.  We have been rather discouraged lately with the lack of fellow second generation homeschoolers.  Most of our HS friends grew up and just put their kids in public school.  We are praying about how the disconnect is happening so that we can avoid it with our own children. 

Amber - posted on 03/31/2009

Wow- you have such a heritage- I know the Lord will bless you for your determination! I only wish I did not have all the bad experiences of public school.