Growing up, my mother often claimed that home-schoolers were a bit strange. She would point out families who chose to withdraw from public education and remark, “Look at that one; they must be part of a cult!” or “That kid can’t even read!” When I shared my plans to home-school with my husband, he had similar concerns. He envisioned home-schooling as a lifestyle where parents reject evolution and favor long, flowing skirts.
People also assumed we didn’t value teachers. However, both my mother and mother-in-law are teachers, and my husband teaches at a public high school. We hold educators in high regard; we just believe that home-schooling fits our children’s needs better than traditional schooling.
I have my educational philosophy, supported by training, which I feel isn’t fully represented in the current public school system. I’m not a fan of celebrating figures like Columbus, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, or assigning busywork. I would likely drive my children’s teachers crazy with my differing opinions, so we opted to educate them at home instead.
Let me clarify: we don’t think fossils are planted by Satan to mislead believers. My husband and I enjoy paleontology and have a collection of fossils at home. Our kids study these fossils as part of their curriculum, and we even listen to podcasts about extinct whales during science class. Dinosaurs are a favorite topic, and we dive deep into learning about their anatomy, including the specific names of bones.
We don’t belong to any cult or secluded religious group; we’re Catholic. This means we incorporate religious education into our lessons, but we also embrace science, acknowledging that the Earth is round and that climate change is a real issue. This year, my son is making his first Communion, which adds a bit more focus on religious teachings. Unlike some extreme groups, we teach our children to embrace diversity and not to harbor hatred toward anyone.
My kids are unique, but they’re not “bad weird.” One of them is fascinated by Spinosaurus, while the other is a shark expert. They have a wide circle of friends, both home-schooled and in public school, and they engage in age-appropriate social interactions. They play well with others and are far from shy.
As for my wardrobe, I don’t conform to the stereotypical image of home-schooling moms. I see plenty of denim skirts, but I prefer wearing ModCloth dresses every day. They’re more flattering for my postpartum body and easier to manage than squeezing into jeans. I also enjoy a daily makeup routine, just like anyone working in an office. So, I don’t fit the typical home-school mom stereotype.
I have three children, which is often considered a small number for home-schoolers. Many people envision big families where kids must teach each other, but we’re happy with our trio for now. It allows me to give focused attention to my 6-year-old while also helping my 4-year-old learn the alphabet and reading to the baby. Everyone gets the nurturing they need!
And yes, my son can read! There’s a common misconception that home-schooled kids struggle with literacy, but I know kids develop at their own pace. My nearly 5-year-old isn’t interested in letters yet, and that’s perfectly fine. In Finland, for example, children typically don’t learn to read until they’re about 7.
I’m not the archetypal homemaker either. Many assume home-schooling moms are always at home, barefoot, and busy making homemade goods. The truth is, I spend more time driving my kids around than cooking. I have a black thumb when it comes to plants; I can’t even keep cacti alive!
We’re not “bad weird.” We’re just a family that chose to opt out of public schooling in favor of home education. My children are social, have friends, and are developing well—without any bizarre ideologies. I don’t wear denim skirts or brew my own kombucha. We’re simply a normal family with normal kids, making home-schooling work for us.
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Summary:
Home-schooling doesn’t fit the stereotype of being unusual or dysfunctional. Instead, it’s simply a choice made by families who believe they can provide a more tailored educational experience for their children. The author shares personal insights into their family’s home-schooling journey, emphasizing normalcy, socialization, and a dedication to learning, all while debunking common myths about home-schoolers.