I once read a saying that says it all!  “Education is going from an unconscious to conscious awareness of one’s ignorance.”  Perhaps this is a good way to end our series on opposition to home education.  You see, the biggest misunderstanding regarding home education is that it is about training children.  It is, of course, but … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 10: Back to the Basics (Part 29)"

Now that we have talked about the pushback, opposition, obstacles and other potential persecution one can expect as a consequence of deciding to home educate, let’s look at how to effectively deal with opponents, be they government, third-party agencies, schools, facilitators, family, friends, and/or children. First, let’s discuss who you are.  I believe I have repeated … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 9: Back to the Basics (Part 28)"

It is not uncommon for older children to bear a grudge against their parents for having kept them out of what they perceive as the real world.  After all, your decision to do things differently does result in the children being different, which they quickly realize as they venture out into the world.  Is this … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 8: Back to the Basics (Part 27)"

Now that we have addressed the biggest opposers of unschooling within the home education community, let’s address what may be the biggest surprise of all.  It is not unusual for home educating children to oppose your resolve to teach them at home.  Natural curiosity is usually the impetus for home educated students wanting to go … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 7: Back to the Basics (Part 26)"

We have now dealt with a few sources and manifestations of home education persecution.  Once you have found your rightful place and authority in the home, there remain two other possible sources of opposition to your plan of doing things your way, at home. The first bit of testing may actually come from your facilitator.  … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 6: Back to the Basics (Part 25)"

Eventually, one does get past the opposition to your initial decision to home educate.  Those who are really obsessed with you daring to do things differently start slowly backing off as they witness your resolve and, more importantly, see the results of your home education program.  Most children are not even aware of the profound … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 5: Back to the Basics (Part 24)"

The most common form of persecution coming from outside the homeschooling community is likely from within your inner circle.  I am talking about family members who take issue with your decision to educate your children yourself. This one is usually a shocker.  Because home educators tend to be independent critical thinkers, we generally believe family … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 4: Back to the Basics (Part 23)"

We have now established the fact that doing the right thing comes at a cost, usually in the form of opposition or persecution.  We also determined that the objective of naysayers is to mindlessly advance the status quo education system and that the best way to deal with this is to ask questions of those … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 3: Back to the Basics (Part 22)"

As mentioned in the previous vlog, we can expect persecution for being on the path of righteousness, and it is not meant to be enjoyable.  The pressure to adhere to government schooling can at times be overwhelming, especially when it comes from close individuals, and it can lead us to question whether we have indeed … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 2: Back to the Basics (Part 21)"

It must be understood that doing things God’s way is superior to other alternatives, assuming of course that God exists as part of your life.  This should apply to all things, including the education of our children.  For most home educators, doing things God’s way is the reason for home educating in the first place.  … Continue reading "Testing Home Education – Part 1: Back to the Basics (Part 20)"