“I’ve never even spoken to half of these people in my life!” my daughter exclaimed as she navigated a flurry of notifications around 2:30 PM, right after school let out. “Where are you?” “Why aren’t you in school?”
In a moment of mother-daughter reflection, we speculated on the rumors that might arise:
- “She’s gone off to some old-fashioned confinement. Maybe she’s pregnant and being sent away until the baby arrives, only to give it up to a couple from the North. Perhaps she’ll even end up on a reality show like ‘Teen Mom.’”
- Or maybe, I thought, “Her parents found her using drugs at just 15 years old, and now she’s in rehab, tucked away in a cabin surrounded by Joshua trees.”
- Nervous breakdown? Truant? Tropical illness? Kidnapped? Joined the circus? Landed a role on Broadway?
Nope. She’s simply enjoying her time with academic peers at the local college library.
My daughter is thriving, feeling intellectually stimulated, and, most importantly, she is genuinely happy.
If you had asked me years ago if I would ever consider home schooling my child, I would have laughed and said, “Are you kidding? I don’t have time for that!” Yet, here I am, navigating this journey as she embarks on her sophomore year through online courses. Whether you call it home schooling, unschooling, or personalized education, my youngest is learning from the comfort of her own space, enclosed in a small area filled with technology. Between my own classes at the community college, I find myself supervising her virtual studies, and I’m convinced that I have initiated something truly transformative for my once-disheartened teenager.
As I approach her after my classes, she’s at a small round table in the library, fervently typing away. In that moment, I could almost see sparks flying. She radiates joy. It feels as though her entire presence has shifted to a vibrant, sunny glow, and I can sense her empowerment from across the room.
I wait for her to finish her work, which she completed by 1:30. She stayed focused and engaged, free from the distractions that often plague traditional classrooms. No one was chatting; no snide remarks from peers or teachers. She was relaxed, free from the confines of hard plastic chairs and rigid schedules. Instead, she found her rhythm and immersed herself in her studies.
Gone were the typical dramas and pressures of adolescence. She didn’t fret over her outfit, hairstyle, or makeup. There were no crowded hallways or bullies to dodge. No more frantic dashes to class, and certainly no issues with locker combinations (I still have nightmares about those).
She was learning in a space that felt more like real life, no longer trapped. She was liberated. I could see the weight lifting from her shoulders as she released the burden of outdated textbooks and all the associated stress.
She enjoyed a healthy lunch, with ample time to eat without worrying about where to sit or if she would fit in. Contrary to some stereotypes about home schooling, she didn’t laze around in her pajamas all day. She woke up early, took care of herself, and even interacted with others.
Let me tell you what else I observed:
- She smiled.
- She was calm.
- Her eyes didn’t twitch even once throughout the day.
- Her stomach was quiet, devoid of anxiety-induced discomfort.
- She was visibly relaxed, surrounded by positivity.
- She spent her day basking in an environment that nurtured her spirit.
My child had found where the light shines, and she asked me to let her pursue it, to which I gladly consented.
I chose to say “yes” to online schooling.
Some may argue that she should tough it out, that the challenges of high school are lessons she needs to learn. I disagree. She has faced those challenges and it has taken a toll on her. When we, as adults, find ourselves in negative or harmful situations, we have the power to walk away. Young people, however, often feel trapped in their circumstances, unable to escape environments that hinder their growth.
I believe I am empowering her to trust her instincts. It’s vital that kids learn to listen to that inner voice, so they can navigate toward the light as they grow older.
Initially, I was uncertain about this educational choice. While it requires sacrifices, I recognize it is also a privilege. I am grateful for the ability to provide her with this opportunity, and I can see that it will be life-changing for both of us.
Ultimately, my daughter is exceptional, and her absence is felt at school. For now, she just needs to listen to that little voice inside her.
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In summary, home schooling has not only provided my teenage daughter with academic freedom but has also nurtured her happiness and self-discovery. This journey has empowered her to thrive beyond the traditional confines of education, allowing her to embrace her true potential.