Homeschoolers are Weird (and other stereotypes)

There’s not a shortage of misconceptions and stereotyping surrounding homeschoolers. Anytime someone makes a choice that is counter-culture, it’s likely to raise some eyebrows and start some chatter.

Home schoolers are weird

Here are some of the most common:

1. Homeschoolers are unsocialized.

In the dictionary, the word socialize is defined as “to behave in a friendly or sociable manner; to prepare for life in society.” For some reason, there’s a general belief that the only way our kids will fulfill that definition is by being in a classroom of peers from the time they are young until they hit the workforce. Why can’t anyone learn to be social from the everyday interactions of life, the people they meet, family interactions, and the wider community they live within? Preparation for life is a lot bigger than just understanding how to sit in a classroom listening to a teacher – homeschoolers can teach their children this skill by allowing their kids to experience the society they are part of.

2. Homeschoolers are religious nuts.

Yes, it’s true – there is a very large Christian homeschooling community. In fact, the origins behind the homeschooling movement seem to have been started due to a desire for freedom teach faith. But today, the homeschooling community has expanded way beyond its origins. There is a huge variety of cultures and faiths that continues to grow. Besides this, not everyone who homeschools because of faith is a fanatic.

3. Homeschoolers are anti-public school.

While many homeschoolers pull their children out of the system due to bed experiences with teachers or learning, many have done it for other reasons. There can be a general underlying disappointment in different aspects of the public school system that homeschoolers feel they can better handle in a home setting – things like classroom ratio not allowing for the one on one teaching needs, moving at a set pace instead of child’s own ability, etc, but for the most part, it seems to be just things we wish the school system could offer instead of an anti-schooling movement.

4. Homeschoolers are hermits.

There is a joke amongst homeschoolers: “Why is it called homeschooling if we are never home?!” Between activities, field trips, classes, and clubs, many homeschooling families are out and about on a regular basis. Other prefer a slow relaxed pace of just hanging out at home – and there’s nothing wrong with that either. It just allows family relationships to cultivate and learning to happen at its own pace. I have yet to find a homeschooling family that sequesters themselves behind their doors and never ventures forth to the world. Typically, they want to use the world around them to expand learning opportunities.

5. Homeschooling is only for gifted or special needs kids.

While it’s true that homeschooling suits kids in both of these categories because it allows them to move through learning at a speed and level that is best suited to their own needs, homeschooling is open and possible for any child. It’s more about the commitment to learn – not their ability to learn.

6. Homeschoolers are weird.

I can’t refute this. But honestly…. who wants to be normal anyway.

 

lisa2

Lisa Marie Fletcher has been homeschooling her 4 boys since the beginning. Her site, The Canadian Homeschooler, was born out of a desire to help other homeschoolers across the country find resources they need for their journey.

 

 

 

 

Note- This guest post was sent into me quite some time back. Since the original blog it was shared on is no longer live, I wanted to share it here for all to read 🙂 

Comments

  1. On the ‘weird’ and religious notes – I had some neighbors that home schooled their first four children 100%, and let me tell you, weird doesn’t begin to describe them. They were absolutely lacking social skills, are incredibly awkward and just weird. Their family is also crazy religious. They had their younger three kids in the school system 100% and they are normal kids. And about the point that home schooling families are anti-public schools, well that seems like a silly point altogether. I think it goes without saying that you are against public school, otherwise you would chose that option. And that’s totally ok, you are allowed to not like public school. I wouldn’t put my daughter in the public school board and I’m not shy to say that nor do i need to defend why I think that. I see pros and cons to traditional school vs home school. It all depends on how the home schooling is done. I don’t think people should be victims of stereotypes, but at the same type, stereotypes come from somewhere and while they may not apply to everyone, they do apply to some. Anyone I have ever met or known that was home schooled start to finish is definitely weird. That’s my personal experience, but I don’t imagine that is everyone’s.

  2. Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says

    Growing up, I always thought homeschoolers were weird because they WERE back then. But that was during a time when very few parents did it. Now that it’s more main-steam I think that stigma is going away. A little at least.

  3. Never heard of homeschooling as much as you do now, seems like everyone is doing it, I just don’t agree with it myself, but that is my opinion, I think the kids need to go out and make friends and socialize!!

  4. Ha, ha, ha… This is hilarious. Years ago my friend said she was home schooling and I literally thought all of these things! But, her kids are awesome and she does a great job home schooling…

  5. We homeschool and have heard most of these! We are kind of anti-public school since the kids were bullied there.

  6. I love this! We have been debating about homeschooling our son, as he will be starting school this fall. These are all things we have discussed between ourselves, so it’s good to see the record set straight.

  7. It is crazy how much people will say about home school kids. It amazes me, while mine are not home schooled, I have seen some amazing families who home school their kids and their kids are so beyond what the public system is at with same grade/age levels!

  8. I’ve been thinking of homeschooling my children. I do love that they are in a public school though, but there are days I’d like to homeschool. I know they love being in school meeting new friends. There is so much out there for homeschooling though too!

  9. ciaoflorentina says

    I am for sure going to home school my children. For a few years anyways, but make sure they do get out a lot and make tons of friends. Social skills are crucial for survival !

  10. My best friend home school and I am pretty sure her kids have more friends than mine does! This is a great post that more people sure read.

  11. I know a few families that are homeschooling the children. It is important to break stereotypes that surround homeschoolers.

  12. Lisa Bristol says

    I often thought of homeschooling my kids when they were younger. It is so much work but it is worth it.

  13. There are so many terrible stereotypes when it comes to homeschooling your kids. There are so many amazing people that do it.

  14. Homeschooled kids can be just as smart, social, and well-adjusted as public school kids! There’s no reason to stereotype!

  15. I can’t stand stereo types of any kind. Any parent that can homeschool is amazing in my opinion it takes a lot of dedication and patience to do so

  16. I home schooled my daughter for one year. I have to admit, it wasn’t for me and was very difficult to adjust to.

  17. Jenna Wood says

    What a thoughtful article! I think, honestly, there are pros and cons to both sides of the fence. I don’t think one way or the other is wrong and I think that which makes us unique is our best strength!

  18. I was a homeschooler and I’ve known many homeschooled children over the years. In that time I’ve only ever met one family whose children were really socially awkward.
    Yes, some of them were a little weird, but lots of people who go to school have odd quirks too.

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