By: Sarah Thompson
“I’ve never talked to half these people in my life!” my daughter exclaimed, scrolling through a barrage of messages just as school let out. Questions like “Where are you?” and “Why aren’t you in school?” flooded her screen, and we shared a moment of laughter, imagining the rumors that would ensue. She’s either in trouble, pregnant, or maybe even in rehab! But in reality, she was simply enjoying her time at the local college library.
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be home-schooling my child, I would have laughed and said, “Are you kidding? I don’t have the time!” Yet, here I am, navigating a unique educational path for my youngest, who is diving into her sophomore year through online classes. Whether you call it home-schooling, unschooling, or a tailored educational approach, she’s learning in the comfort of her own space, equipped with nothing but a laptop and her curiosity.
As I approached her after my classes, I found her deeply engrossed at a small table, typing intently. She looked electrified, a vibrant energy radiating from her. In that moment, I realized she truly belongs there; her excitement was infectious. I had to hold back my urge to cheer, knowing that her happiness and enthusiasm were what mattered most.
She finished her work well before 1:30, focused and free from distractions. There were no peers chatting, no disruptive comments, and no rigid time constraints forcing her to switch subjects every 49 minutes. Instead, she found her groove, immersing herself in her studies. It was a refreshing change, devoid of the drama typical in traditional schools.
Gone were the worries about fitting in, the stress of crowded hallways, and the fear of encountering bullies. She was free to learn and thrive in a way that felt genuine and true. No more heavy backpacks filled with outdated textbooks—just pure, unadulterated learning in a supportive environment.
She even took the time to enjoy a healthy lunch, with no anxiety over where to sit or who would be there. Contrary to the misconceptions about home-schooled kids, she wasn’t lounging around in her pajamas all day; she woke up early, got ready, and engaged with others.
Let me tell you what else happened. She smiled. She was calm. Her once twitchy eyes were now serene. There were no stomach aches or anxieties plaguing her throughout the day. Surrounded by positivity, she thrived.
I feel like I am empowering her, teaching her to trust her instincts. When we encounter negativity as adults, we can choose to walk away. But kids often feel trapped. I want her to know that she can recognize when something doesn’t serve her, and she has the power to change that narrative.
This decision to home-school has been a challenge but also a privilege. Not everyone has the opportunity to provide this kind of education, and I am grateful for the chance to do so. It may be overwhelming at times, but I can see how transformative this experience is for both of us.
My daughter is a bright light, and while some might argue that she should tough it out in traditional high school, I believe she has already faced enough challenges. She deserves an environment where she can flourish.
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In conclusion, this journey has been about more than just academics; it’s about empowering my daughter to find her voice and her path. She’s thriving, and every day I see her stepping into her power.
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