Want to homeschool, afriad of missing social interaction

[mrt]

Hi everyone

I am a sophomore in high school and I'm seriously considering homeschooling because I feel that it would free up time to pursue other interests. I also feel that public schools just waste a lot of time, I do a lot of sitting around in class and I just think I could be doing more productive things.

The only thing that is really bothering me is not seeing my friends at school and I worry that I would grow apart from my friends, as well as lose the opportunity of meeting other people.

How do you feel about this? Should I homeschool? How can I continue to make friends and meet people while not attending school? I am in one school club and don't play sports any more.

[KrisRV]

well first I want to welcome you to hs spot. Who is going to hs you, your parents?

Any way that good old s word again. Well there's many things out there to get enough of that s word.

There's church for one, hs groups in your area, you could work part time some where, there is the YMCA, the library. the list goes on and on.

[timkelmom]

I think all the groups Kris mentioned are great. Also, it will take some effort, but I think you can keep in contact with your current friends outside of school.

Welcome to HSpot!

[Emma's#1fan]

Originally Posted by mrt

Hi everyone

I am a sophomore in high school and I'm seriously considering homeschooling because I feel that it would free up time to pursue other interests. I also feel that public schools just waste a lot of time, I do a lot of sitting around in class and I just think I could be doing more productive things.

The only thing that is really bothering me is not seeing my friends at school and I worry that I would grow apart from my friends, as well as lose the opportunity of meeting other people.

How do you feel about this? Should I homeschool? How can I continue to make friends and meet people while not attending school? I am in one school club and don't play sports any more.

Hello!
First, if you do homeschool it is a decision that has to be made with your parents, not us. So I do not want to tell you wether you should or shouldn't. Homeschooling is not for everybody. It is a choice that should not be made lightly. It takes a lot of dedication and a person has to have a desire to do it and they should have parental support. Please do not think I am trying to attack or be unkind, but homeschoolers do not sit indoors all day staring at books. They have very active lives outside of school and during school. I understand you do not want to grow apart from your friends you have now and if you do grow apart it will have nothing to do with homeschool rather the choice you and your friends make to stay apart. You and your friends can grow apart in the public school as well. All friendships take nurturing and tending to. The quality of time may change because in the public school you see your friends as they are around many other people, if you homeschool you will obviously have to see them away from public school and this would give a lot of one on one quality time. I think it makes for more realistic friendships. You can see them after school and during the weekend, if homeschooling becomes part of your life. You will also get involved with many new people and will enjoy it. I think! That is if you decide to homeschool.
My daughter has many friends, goes to sleep overs, birthday parties, ballet, field trips with other children and many other things. Most homeschoolers are more socialized because they are not restricted to spending hours in a day with people around the same age. Socialization is not about being around people your age, it is about learning to socialize with the world you live in and will go out into after graduating.
I am glad you came asking for advice. Have you talked to your parents about this? If not, you should make that your priority. Good luck!
Patty

[MonkeyMamma]

Patty you are always right on the ball with advice!!

Have you talked to your parents about homeschooling. That would be the first step you should take. About the s word - Patty is right. Friends grow apart for many different reasons. When my dd10 was in public school she still didn't get to see her friends. All of her friends went to different schools. Sure she had a couple girls she would play with at recess but all of her good friends she saw after school and on weekends.
This is my first year hs my girls. Dd10 is in tumbling, a kids club at church, kids choir (acually lots of church activies) and a library group. Next year she will begin a couple of co-op classes. There are all sorts of ways to stay social.
I hope you and your parents can come to a decision that works best for your family.

[ABall]

you should check with your states requirements.
there are often a few homeschool groups in your town (to check put the name of your town followed by a comma and the word homeschool)--you could join that group and make friends your own age and also see if they have clubs to join.
In some states you can join clubs and sports at public schools even if you homeschool, but that varies from state to state.
also, you will still talk to your friends on the phone and see them on the weekend, you won't loose them for good.
Also talk to your school councilor, ask about doing other classes at your community college to earn both high school and college credits.

[Ava Rose]

You really need to talk to your parents. If they are giving you the option and you are just concerned about friends...don't be. You can still maintain the same friendships and start new ones. The more involved you are the more people you will meet and friends you will make.

Amy has an awesome idea about getting college credit! Look into that. You may be able to remain in school and still pursue other interests this way.

Mostly, talk to your parents. YOu said that you are considering homeschooling....you never once mentioned parents. Parental involvement is necessary. They need to be on board not just tolerating it.

[mrt]

First off, thanks for all of your help.

I was considering homeschooling as well as taking a few college courses at the local community college, and yes, I had talked to my parents about homeschooling. My dad doesn't think its a great idea because of the social aspect of it, and my mom is pretty neutral, but they will both support me if I choose to do it. They know I'm mature enough to take the time and make the right choice.

[Ava Rose]

Wow, you are very trusting parents. You must be a very mature and trusting teenager. I wouldn't worry about the social aspect of it. Check in your area and see about homeschool groups. You may also want to check and see if any schools in your area support homeschooling. I have two schools in my area that have homeschool programs. The students are able to go on field trips and take only a class or two at the school. A teacher also goes over things with the homeschooling family once a month. These are private Christian schools, but other private schools may do the same.

[Emma's#1fan]

Are your parents going to teach you or are you hoping to use some type of program that corrects your work and teaches you how to do things? I do not think you will have a problem with socialization. That is the easy part.
Patty