My homeschooled children are a vibrant mix of qualities. They are intelligent—able to quote lines from classic literature, share fascinating facts about ancient creatures, and identify different species of salamanders. However, like all kids, they have areas where they’re still catching up; my 7-year-old struggles a bit with reading, while my 5-year-old is familiar with letter sounds but not their names. They are also incredibly amusing; just the other day, my 9-year-old claimed he was using “occlumency” to ward off the earworm of a catchy song from a popular movie. And yes, I find them adorable, even when they’re bouncing off the walls. Truthfully, they are just like any other kids. But one thing they definitely aren’t? Unusual.
It’s important to clarify that simply being homeschooled doesn’t mean they’re socially awkward or overly focused on niche interests. In fact, many homeschooled children often have better social skills than their peers who are confined to traditional classrooms. My kids enjoy playing with a range of ages at the park, where everyone is included—there’s no teasing or bullying. They engage with peers of all ages freely, often forming friendships without the constraints of grade levels. My 7-year-old, for instance, has enjoyed playing with a 4-year-old girl without any hesitation.
Academically, my kids are generally on track. They excel in certain subjects—like poetry memorization—and struggle in others, just like most kids. The beauty of homeschooling is we can allow them to pursue their passions deeply while trusting that they will master skills like multiplication when they’re ready. In contrast, traditional schooling often dictates a rigid schedule that might not suit every child’s learning style. We’ve approached things like potty training similarly; we let them lead the way, and we apply that same philosophy to more complex subjects.
Contrary to popular belief, my homeschooled children aren’t exceptionally well-behaved. Many people express disbelief at how I can spend so much time with them, assuming they must be perfectly calm. The reality? They drive me just as crazy as any other kids. They jump on furniture, shout, and make messes. Typical childhood antics! Instead of recess, I often send them outside to explore nature or engage in creative play. They’re not the picture-perfect children people might expect; instead, they’re usually more disheveled than most.
It’s also a misconception that all homeschoolers fit a particular mold. While some families may embrace a “hippie” lifestyle, not everyone does. My family, for instance, isn’t focused on extreme self-sufficiency; we shop at grocery stores and adhere to modern parenting methods. If you met us, you wouldn’t immediately think, “That family must homeschool.”
Moreover, religion isn’t the main motivator for our choice to homeschool. According to Time4Learning, only 21% of homeschoolers do so for religious purposes; many opt for it because they seek a safer or more personalized learning environment. My family falls into several categories, but religious beliefs aren’t a factor for us or for many other homeschooling families I know.
While my kids may not engage with a lot of mainstream pop culture—they don’t own smartphones and have limited screen time—this is a parenting choice rather than a homeschooling one. It hasn’t hindered their social interactions; their friends don’t seem to mind that they’re not into the latest video games or trending shows.
As homeschooling becomes more prevalent, it’s crucial to recognize that we are not all reclusive oddballs, overzealous academics, or members of cult-like communities. We come from various backgrounds and lifestyles. Currently, two of my children are playfully squirting water guns, while another is engrossed in a podcast about cryptozoology. They recently enjoyed a movie that I’m sure your kids have seen too.
Let’s stop the stereotypes and assumptions about homeschooled kids. We are your neighbors and your children’s friends. It’s time to recognize the diversity and normalcy within the homeschooling community.
Summary:
This article discusses the common misconceptions surrounding homeschooled children. The author shares personal anecdotes about their own children, emphasizing that they are just as social, intelligent, and playful as traditionally schooled kids. The piece aims to dispel stereotypes about homeschooling, highlighting the diversity and normalcy of families who choose this educational path.