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I love homeschooling. I am an ardent supporter. I homeschool and know many other homeschoolers. For many families it is the best educational option and choice of lifestyle they can make. For those families, homeschool is nothing short of a blessing.
However, I do not think that situation with the stalker could be considered school related. Women, boys and girls should be safe to walk down the street, regardless of where they are headed. Schools draw predators because that is where the kids are. Libraries are dangerous for that reason too. So are parks, malls and other places kids like to go. As homeschoolers, we go to those places too. Our kids like to hang out and do normal kid things. When they do, they are vulnerable. I try to always be close and my daughter often has a cell phone when she is out of my sight, but life has no guarantees. While I agree that homeschool is somewhat safer than public school, it is not a bubble. Homes are in communities and communities are in the greater world. My advice is to arm your kids with information. Get to know your neighbors. Call the police if you see anything suspicious and get your entire town involved in making your streets safe again. The public schools cannot do that. They need to focus on what goes on inside their walls. The rest is up to parents and citizens.
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Joe, I know more than 5 or 6 public schooled people that I consider "weird". What does that prove? Meanwhile, socialization is not an important part of public school. It is an important part of life. It happens in the house, on the street, at Girl Scouts, in the mall, etc.
Joy L, you are right that homeschooling is not for every family in every situation. But it isn't as hard as you think. When my daughter wants to have a day off now and work an extra day next week, she does. She also gets up a couple hours early if she wants out early to do something with her friends. She knows she is accountable and I know I can trust her. If I could not, I would not. She had to earn that trust. You should also know that HS kids don’t necessarily miss out on anything you mentioned. Why would they? It is an “extra curricular”, Joy. It happens outside the classroom anyway. Social occasions? You mean like parties, fairs, sleepovers and dances? My kid has been to all of those things.
Regress: You don’t think HS kids are ever in a “public environment”? You don’t think they ever meet new people or make new friends? Why do you assume that? How would that even be possible? My kid made a new friend this week. His name is Brandon. She is in public every time we leave the house. Give it some thought. I’m sure you’ll see that public school is not necessary for these experiences.
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