Search Results for: blog my unsocialized daughter

Ask a Homeschooling Blogger: Is Homeschooling Sexist?

Question: I’ve been recently reading that some homeschoolers are emphasizing in their home education programs that girls are to be wives and men are to be the leaders. As a teacher I am concerned about this trend and want your opinion. Is home schooling inherently sexist and do you think something should be done to legislate how these families are teaching? It seems to me that homeschoolers may well raise a generation of women who aren’t well educated. There indeed has recently been some buzz about sexist home education. Since I have four daughters, I do of course have thoughts … Continue reading →

My Daughter’s First Two Years of Homeschooling

My oldest daughter is now in third grade. She is articulate and polite. She reads at about a 5th grade level and does well in pretty much anything she sets out to tackle. I wouldn’t say that she’s ahead and/or gifted, but she’s bright and does quite well. In fact, it was her (and not my son) that convinced my pediatrician that home schooling was a great idea. Her first two years, you know those essential formative years of 1st grade and kindergarten are also known as “the twin years.” Those are the years that I was pregnant with the … Continue reading →

Ask a Homeschooling Blogger: Why Are You So Against Government Intervention? Part 4

Note: As I have explained in the first blog in this series yesterday, I have received an e-mail that I think articulates the opinions of many who do not home school and don’t understand why those of us who do might see government intervention as a bad thing. I generally ignore these letters because they are often riddled with poor language and have clearly not been thought out. For the original question in part, please see the first blog. This is a continuation of my response. My Agenda Against Hilary and What I’m “Hiding” I have never sat to tea … Continue reading →

My Favorite Color is Colorful

When Andrea was here, she used to write a series about reasons why she was glad she home schooled. I don’t want to steal her series. . .but this is one of my reasons why I’m glad I home school. It allows my children to think outside of the box. . .way outside of the box. My four year old, who by the way is not officially home schooling, was recently asked her favorite color. Her reply? Colorful. “But,” said the adult in charge, “which one of those colors is your favorite? Do you like pink, or maybe purple?” “No. … Continue reading →

My Unsocialized Daughter

Socialization, as defined by the dictionary, is the process by which one learns the behaviors necessary to survive in one’s culture. One who is socialized then, is one who uses and applies cultural knowledge and understanding to various situations. According to the definition of socialization, we can say that socialized people learn to recognize the ‘norm’. I know some people would buck the abstract concept of ‘the norm’. But in reality there are things that we can agree upon that are considered socially unacceptable. Running and yelling through a library, dancing on top of a table at dinner. . .you … Continue reading →

Is there shame in quitting homeschooling?

Due to the strong feelings toward homeschooling it is often looked at as some sort of exclusive club. The club that lets you in but will never let you out unless you defect and that my friend is like a good old fashioned Amish shunning. At least this is the feeling I get from moms who email me for encouragement when their homeschooling days come to an end. For some reason or another they can no longer homeschool but they are told by others not to give up, they can do it, or they are harming their children by sending … Continue reading →

Cooler Than the Jonas Brothers?

Last Friday at four o‘clock in the morning, my husband and I dragged all five of our children out of bed and went down to Bryant park in New York City to see the one. . .the only. . .the incredible. . . JONAS BROTHERS!!!!! Yes, even my three year old twins can sing a very unique version of S.O.S. and my son thinks they are the greatest thing since sliced bread because after all, they are home schooled. My five year old knows all the words to Camp Rock and well–what can I say? My spouse and I know … Continue reading →

Parenting Books vs. Common Sense

Someone recently asked in the forums which parenting books were the best. What are those books that you must have on your shelf? I was surprised at the number of mothers who said that parenting books were not worth their time because they are not geared specifically towards their child. Personally, I’m a big fan of Dr. Sears and have many of the things from the Dr. Sears Parenting Library. Of course, as you probably would’ve guessed, I also have a few breastfeeding books. But the common response of “trusting your gut” reminded me of how and why I began … Continue reading →

There Is Not Enough Time in the Day

I am convinced that ever since I started homeschooling, the days have gotten shorter. I’m positive this is occurring and as proof I homeschooled until 5pm yesterday. That meant we ate dinner at almost 6:30pm which apparently if you’re under the age of 8, is akin to virtually starving. I am positive that before I started homeschooling, I was able to keep my house clean. Completely clean. . .even the tops of the shelves were sparkly. Nary a crumb in the crevices and crannies of my floors went unnoticed. One would think that this lack of time occurred when we … Continue reading →

The Real Problem with Homeschooling

I’ve only been homeschooling for a few years. . .my oldest is in third grade. But like all homeschoolers, I’ve heard my fair share of objections. I’m either unqualified (because you know, colors, numbers and shapes are so hard to master) or my children will be behind socially. I’ve pretty much accepted the fact that we’re misfits and I’m okay with that on a personal level. However, it has always bothered me on a more philosophical level. I mean, we live in a society that is pretty much “live and let live.” No one wants to be told how to … Continue reading →