A love letter from one mother to another, to the public school mom who is considering a difficult decision.
As a mother, I have always strived to provide the best education and nurturing environment for my children. However, after several years of watching my teenagers struggle in the public school system, I made the difficult decision to pull them out and embrace the world of homeschooling. It was a leap of faith, but one that has completely transformed our lives. In this blog post, I would like to share my personal viewpoint as a mom who is homeschooling teens and the incredible journey we have embarked upon together.
Discovering the Flaws in the System
The decision to homeschool was not made overnight. Over time, I began to notice that my teens were losing their passion for learning within the rigid structure of the public school system. They were often overwhelmed by large class sizes, standardized tests, and a lack of individualized attention. It became clear that the system was not catering to their unique needs and strengths. Homeschooling offered a chance to break free from these constraints and rediscover the joy of learning.
Tailoring Education to Individual Needs
One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is the ability to tailor education to each child's individual needs. No longer confined to a one-size-fits-all curriculum, I have the freedom to create personalized learning plans that cater to my teens' interests, strengths, and learning styles. Whether it's delving deeper into a subject they are passionate about or taking extra time to understand challenging concepts, we can move at a pace that works best for them.
Nurturing a Love for Lifelong Learning
Homeschooling has allowed me to cultivate a love for lifelong learning within my teenagers. With the flexibility of our schedule, we can explore various topics beyond traditional subjects, such as art, music, gardening, or even entrepreneurship. Together, we have the opportunity to delve into real-life experiences, take field trips, and engage in hands-on activities that ignite their curiosity and passion for knowledge. Learning has become an adventure, not a chore.
Strengthening Family Bonds
Homeschooling has brought our family closer together in ways I never anticipated. The shared experience of learning and growing together has fostered a deeper connection between my teens and me. We have more time for meaningful conversations, shared hobbies, and exploring the world around us as a family. Homeschooling has not only enriched their education but has also strengthened our bond as a unit.
Embracing Independence and Self-Direction
One of the key skills my teens have developed through homeschooling is independence and self-direction. Without the constant guidance of teachers, they have learned to manage their time, set goals, and take responsibility for their own education. These skills will undoubtedly serve them well as they transition into adulthood and navigate future endeavors.
A Final Word
Choosing to homeschool my teenagers after pulling them out of public school was a decision that transformed our lives for the better. By embracing this journey, we have rediscovered the joy of learning, fostered a love for lifelong education, and strengthened our family bonds. It has empowered my teens to become independent learners, and I am confident that the skills and experiences gained through homeschooling will shape their future success.
While homeschooling may not be the right path for everyone, for our family, it has been a true blessing. The freedom to personalize education, nurture passions, and build a strong foundation has made this journey truly worthwhile. As a mom, I am grateful for the opportunity to witness my teenagers thrive in an environment that celebrates their uniqueness and allows them to reach their full potential.
Academic Advising – Your Path to Homeschool Success
Academic advising equips parents and students with a personalized plan, including tutoring or guidance for testing, career, and special needs, and helps create transcripts, grading, test prep, and more.
True North Homeschool Academy requires Academic Advising for all new families and includes Academic Advising in all Course Bundles.
Our years of experience with thousands of students have given us the wisdom and insight to see that families who utilize Academic Advising have more confidence in their class choices. Further, the students can find the sweet spot between not being hard enough and being overwhelmed, creating a better learning experience.
