ROTFL!!!!! . . . again!!
This is a great topic! Thanks for bringing it up! Oh, wait, I suppose I sorta did, too. Hm.
You both have some great points, but how-about lets hearing it from the horses mouth . . . obviously my parents homeschooled me. Who else would be such a big proponent?
First, if you think the homeschooling environment is in any way remotely close to being approximately near lenient? You failed to remember that the environment is the one in which the parent reigns supreme. How many parents out there are really that easy on their kids? Honestly, I see more single moms from the ghetto (no offense meant towards single moms or the ghetto, it's just a personal observation) who let their kids run the 'hood and don't discipline than I do homeschooling parents. A majority of homeschoolers are from Christian families-hence, a little on the strict side. I NEVER got away with anything.
Second (and I'm going backwards because I'm tired and it works for me right now), if anything you are much closer to your parents. Again, from an observation. Most homeschooled kids have great relationships with their parents. Being homeschooled increases the likelihood of quality time. No homeschooled child can ever say "my parents don't care what I do". Their parents have their fingers in everything . . . well, like any parent would whose children were at home all the time.
How many homeschoolers do you actually know? I wish you could see how many homeschool groups there are out there, their activities, their social life. It is not annihilated the instant they stop going to public school if their parents are astute enough to recognize social needs and engage their children in social activities. There are hundreds of groups of homeschoolers nationwide. They have dance, theater, band, gymnastics . . you name it. My BFF, an ENTJ, is by no means shy, witless, or un-socialized, and she was also homeschooled. Her sister writes for the local newspaper. For that matter, my own little sister, still in college, is managing editor of the school newspaper and president of the philosophy club. She was able to focus so keenly on her areas of interest that a college degree is merely a means for a career-she does not truly need to learn much of what she studies because of how well she studied while at home.
Marcus Aurelius, one of the last Roman emperors, was "tutored". I wonder what that meant then. But if it's anywhere close to homeschooling, just think, if the family of a Roman emperor specifically desired that their son be personally and privately educated, why are we any less deserving?
But you are correct, it depends on the parents. My circumstances are rare-I've never seen another homeschooled family in which the parents failed in their obligations. My mother became depressed quite early on (as an ESFP, to be cooped up inside with children was almost death to her) and gave up. My father, ISTP, was such a reserved and focused man that he never noticed. My sisters and I virtually educated ourselves, and you know what? We did fine. I'm a registered nurse-no small accomplishment. Not that I'm trying to brag, but I am trying to make a point.
You were both right in that the character and nature of the child and the parent should be considered. First, is the parent up to the task? Do they truly understand what homeschooling means? Can they afford the curriculum (and yes, there are several companies who make up curriculum specifically for homeschooling parents-when I was in fourth grade, I finished my 500+ page mathbook in under 4 months. Showed it to my 15 year old cousin who said he didn't learn that until the sixth grade). Do they have a solid support system available for when they are simply too tired of their children (parental fatigue is certainly higher in these circumstances)? Do they have the qualifications to teach their children?
On that last statement, I would simply like to state that the parents I know have either swapped classes with each other (a mom who is good at math but horrible at science switching with a mom or dad who is good at science but not math. that type of thing), done extensive research (some will even take college courses to supplement their knowledge), hired a tutor, or enrolled their child in the public school just for the one class they themselves are not qualified to teach. Again, my mother didn't recognize any of this, but I have been made the wiser for it after realizing that we were the exception, not the norm. I also have yet to meet a homeschooled child who hasn't had a 3.5-4.0 GPA or higher. Truly!
I've also found that it is generally much easier for the homeschooled child to speak with people of who are not their own age. Some of my best friends are in their 60's. And I'm only 25. I have friends my age as well, but I am able to relate to them all.
Besides, what exactly about high school prepares you for the real world? It's an artificial un-reality. When you graduate, will you always be surrounded by people who are your own age? For that matter, will you always be surrounded by your friends? How do public shower rooms and shared lockers exemplify reality? Teachers give assignments, grade them, and remind their students when assignments are due. I take issue with the teachers reminding students of when their homework is due. If they didn't, homework would never be done. But how does this prepare the child for college? For work-related projects? Aren't they encouraging a lack of interest in responsible motivation? Arent' they encouraging lazy dependance on the system? They more closely resemble an instutution than a world in which you are responsible for your words and actions, where you have the freedom to express yourself in whatever way you wish? I'm not disregarding the social structures necessary for order, I'm just saying they are more varied and complex than high school makes them out to be.
Second, with regard to the constitution of the individuals involved, it's much harder to go into homeschooling after you've been in the public school than if you start out homeschooling. My little sister was homeschooled all the way. I got started in the fifth grade and was very bitter for awhile about being taken from all my friends. But that's a different story! And I'm all written out. I'm sure you've got more in store for me.
Bring it on!