“I’ve never even spoken to half of these people in my life!” my daughter exclaimed as she navigated a barrage of messages just after school let out. “Where are you?” “Why aren’t you in school?”
As we shared a moment of mother-daughter bonding, we speculated on the rumors that might arise:
- “She’s in confinement like back in the day.”
- “She’s pregnant and being sent to the countryside until she gives the baby up.”
- Or maybe, “She’s decided to star in ‘Teen Mom.’”
- Yeah, that’s it. She’s knocked up.
- Or perhaps, “Her parents caught her doing something crazy.” Maybe she’s just a rebellious teen living on the edge.
- “They found her stash, and now she’s at rehab.”
- Nervous breakdown? Truant? Tropical illness? Kidnapped? Joined the circus? Scored a role on Broadway?
Nope. She’s just hanging out with the brainiacs at the local college library.
She’s free, feeling smart, and above all, genuinely happy.
If anyone had told me I would be home-schooling my child, I would have laughed and said, “Are you kidding? I don’t have time for that!” Yet, here I am. I’m not exactly home-schooling in the traditional sense; my youngest is tackling her sophomore year online. Call it home schooling, unschooling, or customized education — my little one is learning in the comfort of her own personal digital classroom, which is about as spacious as a shoebox but works wonders. Between teaching classes at my local community college, I find myself overseeing a virtual classroom that has completely transformed my perspective. I believe I’ve set the stage for something extraordinary to blossom within my once-dismal teenager.
As I approach her after my classes, she’s at a small table in the library, typing with fervor. I could almost see sparks flying. She glows. This place is her domain. Her aura has shifted into a radiant sunshine, and I can feel her empowerment from across the room.
I have to wait to leave until she takes a break. The enthusiasm is contagious. I have to fight the urge to throw my fists in the air and shout, “Yes!” “This child is magnificent…and so happy!” A little common sense and restraint save me from being escorted out by security.
By 1:30, she’s finished all her work, having powered through without distractions. There were no snarky remarks from peers or annoying interruptions. She was comfortable, not crammed into a hard plastic chair, and she wasn’t forced to switch topics every 49 minutes like some kind of robot. She found her groove, immersed in her studies.
No drama. No social anxieties. She didn’t fret about her outfit, who she would chat with, or if her hair looked right. There were no chaotic hallways or the threat of bullies. She didn’t have to rush to her next class or struggle with a locker combination that felt like a secret code.
She was living and learning in the real world, free from the confines of traditional schooling. You could see the weight lift off her shoulders. That heavy backpack filled with outdated textbooks and unnecessary stress had been casting a shadow for too long.
She enjoyed a nutritious lunch with ample time to savor it, without worrying about where to sit. She didn’t lounge in her pajamas all day; she got up early, showered, and even interacted with actual humans (myth busted).
And here’s what else happened:
- She smiled.
- She was calm.
- Not once did her eyes twitch all day.
- Her stomach was quiet, void of any anxiety-induced somersaults.
- She radiated relaxation.
- She spent the day surrounded by positivity.
My child discovered where the light lives, and she asked me to let her go toward it. I said “yes.”
Yes to online learning.
Some might argue that she should just “suck it up” and deal with the high school experience. I disagree. She has faced those challenges and emerged stronger, but they have also taken a toll on her well-being. When we adults find ourselves in toxic environments, we can walk away. Kids often don’t have that luxury, and the feeling of powerlessness can lead to serious consequences.
I believe I’m empowering her. I teach her to trust her instincts, so she knows how to escape the darkness as she grows.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this choice. It’s a sacrifice and a privilege, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I can already see this will be transformative for both of us.
The reality is, my daughter is wonderful, and her old school misses her. But for now, she’s learning to listen to her inner voice.
If you’re interested in similar topics, check out one of our other blog posts on home insemination and how to navigate that journey. And for those considering methods for pregnancy, this is an excellent resource for what to expect with your first IUI.
Summary
Home schooling has empowered my daughter, allowing her to thrive in a supportive and distraction-free environment. By stepping away from traditional schooling, she has found happiness and a renewed passion for learning. This journey has reinforced the importance of trusting one’s instincts and recognizing when to seek a better path, a lesson that will serve her well into the future.