Any why you probably shouldn't either ~ My unpopular homeschool opinions

Hi Friends - welcome! In the homeschool community there is a LOT of advice and opinions out there - some more common and well-received than others. Today I'm sharing some of the most common advice and opinions I see from homeschoolers that I just don't agree with. While many people who offer these opinions have great hearts and good intent, sometimes it can make others feel alienated or that they're making the wrong decision for their family. So stay tuned for my popular homeschool opinions that I DON'T agree with (any maybe why you shouldn't either).
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unpopular homeschool opinions, homeschooling for beginners, the truth about homeschooling, homeschool mom motivation, homeschool mom encouragement, homeschool mom, homeschool questions, should i homeschool

[@reclaimingwonder]

Unpopular homeschool opinion: I don’t want my kids “socialized”. The definition of socialization includes learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society - well a whole lot of what is acceptable to society is not acceptable or right in God’s eyes, so I’d much rather keep my kids home when they’re young and teach them how to love and obey God and live by His standards. Having 4 kids (and probably not done yet lol), they learn plenty of sharing, problem solving, getting along, and just being kind and compassionate in our own home. Not saying anything is wrong with those that want to get their kids involved with other children, but personally I just can’t help but laugh when people assume I should be worried about socialization when in reality a big part of homeschooling for me is to get away from that 😂

[@homeschoollifemom]

Love that. I think it’s funny when people say homeschooled kids are different. Yeppers that’s the point. 😆

[@kdrudolph1]

Amen!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

True! I’m more referring to when people say “just join groups, etc” but it’s not always that easy for people who have the desire to build community with like minded families

[@WithAngella]

Amennnn! Well said !

[@emilypott8113]

Yes!! Especially this day and age. Need to protect my babies. We have play dates with very select few ppl.

[@KatsGrimm]

We live in remote Ohio. Our village is of 1,200 people. There are no co ops here unless you travel 2hrs away. We have a small field trip group, but they are rather snobby it seems and have their clique. 🤷‍♀️ Honestly, I'm grateful for my kids having each other (8, 5, and 4). They are each ithers best friends and a true relationship that will last. ❤️

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Sorry to hear that….That’s tough! It’s hard when groups are already established and don’t really welcome new comers. But definitely…the siblings will still make great friends!!

[@little_house_in_the_sunshine]

I was homeschooled and so were all of my friends; we all went to the same church together. It’s crazy how many of my friends don’t really follow Christ anymore. I homeschool now, and I’m really trying to keep the perspective that my walk with God does not guarantee their walk with God.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Yea it’s very sad 😔

[@SevenInAll]

I love that you brought up the topic of homeschoolers getting INSTANTLY on defense and offended by the very question about socialization. Homeschool is a very unknown thing to many people (especially in the part of the world where I live), and we can welcome questions as opportunities to share a tiny bit about our life choice. It really can be a little bit tougher to make strong friendships as a homeschooled kid unless you family finds opportunities for your kids to develop strong friendships with peers--and you're right, opportunities are not equal. And I was the kid who LOVED tests and thrived with traditional learning--thanks for speaking up for such kids!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Thanks for watching, Rachel!! That’s a good way to put it…welcoming questions as opportunities to share. And yes, we like traditional around here too 😉

[@sarapayne9445]

Just had a conversation with my mom this morning and she said my son needs more socializing options. She wasn’t being ugly or anything. 😂 just find it funny that this video came out right after our conversation. I’ve done it all. I was homeschooled, I went to public schools, and private school. My favorite was private school. We’re more eclectic homeschool style. Traditional phonics, classical and Charlotte Mason inspired. I love it all. Every child is different. That’s the beauty of homeschooling is meeting your uniquely beautiful child’s learning style.

[@laurak6685]

My unpopular opinion- that if you want your child to graduate high school by/at 18 yrs old, then, yes, your child absolutely can fall behind in homeschool

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

With the credits needed and all of that, yes, you’re right

[@user-bn7dg2km2d]

Falling behind happens in public and homeschool. It's definitely not exclusive to either. My son went to public, and he had to repeat a grade. My nephew, also in public his whole school career, was held back twice. He got so frustrated with the school system he dropped out at 17. 🤷 And these are different districts. I think the moral is regardless of which option you choose, you have to be proactive in your child's education.

[@lifewithginab]

It's so unfortunate when homeschooling families feel like they are better than someone who doesn't... or does things a bit different. I remember when I used to work and homeschool... a homeschooling mom told me that she feels bad that I have the desire to do it all and the best way to homeschool is when a mom is at home fully. It just rubbed me the wrong way when some people have no idea what you are going through and your why's... great video Lauren as always ... getting people to think and self-reflect!

[@bizzybeefamily]

I am excited to decorate our kitchen area for that this year! My daughters and I are excited. I feel like my husband is excited about it too 😊

[@staceywood2475]

Thank you, sister! Love your honesty ❤ It IS ok to do what works.... Not just what fits the narrative of fellow homeschoolers!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

❤️❤️❤️

[@kf250]

Homeschoolers are judged enough. We need to support each other. 17 years ago when I started homeschooling, there wasn’t much judgement like this between homeschoolers about the curriculum or how we set up at home 🤦‍♀️

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

You’re right…we are! So let’s all be on the same team here!

[@_learningwithlove_]

Great video Lauren 👏 so encouraging 💛 Every family (and child) is unique and has their own specific goals and needs!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Thanks friend ❤️

[@rachela.5311]

Socialization was a big problem for me in the beginning. Small town, no homeschool group, no homeschool friends, etc... So now we're doing a lot of extracurriculars. Both my kids take group swim lessons and are both in 4h, my daughter is in tumbling, and my son is in cub scouts. Plus, they both attend summer camp. I think without homeschooling, we would have been content to just stick to school. Now my kids are making like minded friends and getting plenty of peer interaction without the stresses that come from being in public school.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Sounds like a great balance!

[@TheEllaTB]

My encouragement is read Laura Ingalls Wilder. They would go for months at times and not see anyone outside her family and clearly that did not hold her back 🙂

[@HerDailyJourney]

I agree with everything you said about socialization. I'm in that exact situation. In my now 3 years of homeschool I have never been somewhere where there are any homeschool groups, coops, or even other homeschoolers.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Sorry to hear that Emily. I didn’t realize that. Hopefully you’ll be able to find something in your new area ❤️❤️

[@jeffslavick9417]

So currently, we are not apart of a co op or a homeschool group. But 2x a week my kids take traditional crocheting classes, an art class, and piano lessons. So we aren’t in a homeschool group. But they do love their time in their classes with other kids regardless of homeschoolers or not. I know people put so much emphasis on being in a homeschool group. But I’ve found other options for now since we don’t have a group.

[@HerDailyJourney]

@@jeffslavick9417 yes I completely agree. My son is in soccer now but unfortunately we are a one car family having just moved from a city to a suburb are in a new state not long ago so it does get difficult not knowing anyone else who are homeschoolers that we can connect with. Hopeful things get better in a few months. Unfortunately a lot depends on when my husband is home.

[@raisingelements8169]

Thank you so so much! I wish I had not listened to a lot of these typical homeschool ideas when I first started. I felt like such a failure because my kids wanted (I did too!) Traditional schoolwork and wanted more socialization. We tried and failed so so many curriculums because they weren't structured enough for us. Now we use worksheets and more structured curriculum. I've decorated our homeschool space just like a classroom too. Bright colors and art and letters & numbers everywhere! We are all so much happier!! Thank you so much for this video!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

💗💗💗

[@Robaby721]

Yes! All of this needed to be said. Thank you for having the courage to speak this truth. I agree that we need to show love and support! Blessings to you Lauren and your family!

[@PerseveranceMama]

Such great points! Thank you for saying this. I feel like it's so important to have a balanced opinion. 😍 As a former school teacher, I love recreating some of the classroom that I felt was successful when I was teaching. Also, if I don't have structure it's really hard for me to thrive and be productive! I feel like my daughter is the same way.

[@lisaroper421]

A variety of opinions for the huge variety of people and kids there are! I think you are spot on that we need to consistently be checking that we aren't generalizing our own experiences and forcing them on someone else. Life is too short to put those kind of blocks in the way of connection, empathy, and love. Thanks!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Amen! Life is not only short enough, but stressful enough as it is too!

[@kayking3313]

I appreciate you and I appreciate this video! It was timely and it was encouraging! I especially need to be a bit more open/vulnerable/transparent with my kids and admit to them when I'm wrong - alot more than what I currently do. Thank you Lauren!!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Dreblueskies]

I have some family members that are obsessed with the ‘socializing’ lecture. Please I don’t want mine to be like the public school kids!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

That’s kind of generalizing though. I grew being told how terrible public schools are and I got the impression that every single kid who went to public school was bad. Every single kid. I literally thought they were all mean, cussed, smoked, did drugs, etc. I was very afraid of them because of the the bashing and negative messages I heard. When I got older I actually met people who went to public school and they were very, very nice people….some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, actually, and they didn’t do any of that stuff. We can’t be so fast to lump everyone into one the same category. And again, this point was from a perspective from homeschoolers to other homeschoolers.

[@Dreblueskies]

@@thepracticalhomeschooler Nahhh not what I meant at all. I mean I don’t want my children to accept the progressive ideology that is gripping the majority of children that are educated by the government schools. I don’t want my children to think they must endorse everything someone else does to be a nice person. The list goes on and on. Today is a very different time and unfortunately the poor children that are subject to the system are being brainwashed and that is not what I want.

[@kimberlygoudzwaard2811]

I agree with every point you made 100%. Traditional curriculum gets such a bad rap in some of the fb groups I’m in. I right now it’s sort of trendy to do Charlotte mason or other methods and people look down on the traditional stuff that actually really works for many kids! I agree about socialization too. We are working on trying to find more community but it’s hard!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Thanks for watching, Kimberly! Sorry to hear that you’re struggling to find a homeschool community ☹️❤️

[@beccacoleman498]

I do not do any "lessons" after lunch. Whatever we get done in the morning is it for us 😂 I have chronic illness and my body loudly let's me know when I have done too much. Simple is better.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Sorry to hear that! Nothing wrong with simple (I love that best)

[@schultesweeties]

Yes!! Loved all of this video-especially the last point. I saw this a lot as people sought out information during Covid for homeschool. So many homeschool moms were rude about the options and that homeschooling was the best and only option for schooling at home. I tried to graciously share the other options and be realistic with those asking for help. We currently use a charter and so many think it is a horrible thing. I love that it is an option and has been a great fit for our family. I wish others would just realize it isn’t their business !

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

I’m glad you’ve found what works for your family! Definitely what’s most important!

[@marthakraus6431]

Wow i have so many thoughts on this. (Sorry for the text bombardment i just love your videos and feel very much in the same mindset as you on many things!). Anyways so im in the "considering homeschooling" phase for my seven year old who is currently in a great Christian school. Like you i never ever had the desire to homeschool, but suddenly the Lord has begun this process of putting it on my heart. Ive noticed already that the "socialization" topic is very taboo, even as a novice in this world. Its silly that people are judgy and self righteous about admitting the elephant in the room! It shocked me actually. You are totally right that socialization is a huge issue for many, and im in that category. My daughter is an only child, is very social, and there are no neighbors around to just go outside to play with. Our family is far away, and she already talks constantly about feeling lonely for a sibling despite being with kids all day at school. But i still feel a growing passion to homeschool, so what about people like me? I dont fit the norm and i need to process these issues. I always assumed my daughter would have a typical childhood, with friends in the schoolyard, class birthday parties, sleepovers and that whole paradigm of what defines childhood, e.g. playing, bonding and forming memories with other children. Without that, and especially for an only child, it almost seems like she wouldnt have a "real" childhood. So thank you for validating that not all homeschool families can just dismiss the problem of socialization!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

I totally get that! What I tell myself (and my kids) is that with literally every decision in life, you’re going to miss out on things. Whether you stay home, and miss out on a second income, or go to work and don’t homeschool and miss out on priceless time with your kids. Whether you live in this area that you don’t LOVE but are close to family or live in the best area of the country but not close to family. The list goes on and on. So I try to focus on and point out to my kids all the things they get to do and experience that kids in school don’t ever get to do. It may not solve every problem but at least it helps with that mindset

[@marthakraus6431]

That is such good insight thank you for your response!!​@@thepracticalhomeschooler

[@homeschoollifemom]

The shaming all across the board is so bad these days, which is sad. I definitely agree with doing what works for each kid each year. I definitely hear the homeschool shouldn’t look like school at home loud and clear. Socialization- you mentioned aspects I’ve never thought of. My experience is that you can be in a homeschooling community without making connections. We went to a church that had many homeschoolers and we didn’t fit. After 12 years we finally made a switch to another church also with a good amount of homeschoolers and my kids instantly fit and made friends. It’s been such a blessing and answer to prayer. I feel like I’m shamed a lot more for homeschooling as it’s just always going to be against the tide but I’m sure there are lots of homeschool moms who do make ppl feel bad for sending their kids to school or think they are better.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

So glad you found a community that fits your/your kids needs better! What a blessing!

[@lizaw.7313]

I think as a mom it's so important to tune in to what you are seeing your child needs and your kids will grow up to be who they are meant to be with or without what others think they need. I've seen alot of self righteous attitudes here on YT and from some of the homeschool moms I know and I'd never share my struggles or decisions with some of them. I signed my son up to go to the challenge program with our school system once a week because I felt like he needed that piece in his life(our second year of homeschool). Most homeschool moms would scoff at that. It will work for my son and that is all I care about. You are so encouraging, thanks for that😉

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

I’m sorry you’ve felt like that or that you needed to be ashamed of your decision. It can be hard in the homeschool world too 😕❤️❤️ just take comfort in knowing YOU’RE his mom and you have his best interest at heart

[@pknicolaus]

Thank you for your bravery in speaking out! 👏👏👏

[@heidibarker2120]

Great video. To think our children won’t miss out on any opportunities as homeschooled children is naive. It’s no different than recognizing the opportunities parents miss out on by never trying to homeschool. There is no perfect, and anyone who says there is, is not being realistic. As my children get older, I realize that the one thing I hated most in high school and college, is very valuable, and that is group projects. Project planning and collaborative work is a huge part of real world reality, and I am struggling with how to give my kids this needed skill set (outside of working with siblings where emotions run very strong). I have found myself defending homeschool, and I might have fallen into HS elitism at times. Thank you you for sharing this dose of humble pie. Again, great video.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Thanks for watching ❤️ you’re right about how kids working with their siblings might lash out/argue, but likely will not do that with other kids (not that that’s ok, but that’s just the nature of it). Although I was not fond of group projects 😮‍💨😂

[@rebeccawilson7953]

We are going to be a new homeschool family in a totally new town with a social butterfly. Socializing is a major concern for me.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Definitely hard! It will take time but just keep putting yourself out there and something will eventually stick (always easier said than done 🫣).

[@leahsmith4414]

Wowie!!! Yes, let’s stop the judgement on other homeschool families AND those that send their kids to a school building. We are all doing what we think is best for our children and family. God bless you Lauren!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Thanks for watching ❤️

[@myrabratt4036]

Great video! I have one child, no homeschool groups by us and it’s very hard to find kids my son can play with. He also has autism so this hits home!!!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Hugs to you, sweet mama ❤️❤️

[@purpledol8455]

This is us! We live in a town of 700 people. I have an only child and we homeschool. This is our first year and we are struggling with the socialization. I’ve asked in Facebook groups about ideas for socializing. I didn’t realize that word was such a hot button topic. People were so rude. But I was honestly trying to find solutions and need help. No help has been found. We are going to try some sports or activities and see how that goes. There were many “the grocery store and running errands counts”comments. Honestly that wasn’t helpful in any freaking way. My 10 year old was in public school, had a good friend, and it’s been hard transitioning. We are doing it, it’s hard, but it’s a little less hard this week than it was last week. Hoping it keeps improving. Good luck to you!

[@LizzyTwifehomemaker]

Thank you for sharing! I guess my views are unpopular too :) LOL I think your take on homeschooling is somewhat based on why you are doing it. If you are doing it because you hate school systems, and how they are structured then yeah, I think a lot of people are going to disagree with you and have the opinions you are arguing against. However, if you don't have an issue with school per se, you just have an issue with what schools are teaching and want to have more control over what your kids are learning, then your issue isn't with school, curriculum, schedules or anything like that, but instead, what those textbooks teach. I come from the latter perspective and I grew up homeschooled, but my life was scheduled like a school. It was good for me, and I fully endorse traditional learning! The benefit of homeschool is you do have the freedom to vary things if you think your child needs something changed. You also have the ability to make sure your kids are learning the truth and are not being influenced by dangerous people. That said, you DO NOT want to shelter your kids, or overprotect them!!! You are charged by God to make sure your children are learning the truth and safe from dangerous people, however you also want them to know about the world, other worldviews, understand what is being taught to people from a Biblical perspective, and be fully prepared to be successful in society and the world. We are to be in the world but not of the world. Raise your kids to be able to be good influences, obey God's law, and be successful in the world, but not of the world.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Great point! Definitely two different perspectives will lead to different conclusions. Thanks for sharing that!

[@HomeschoolwithJen]

I really enjoyed this video, Lauren. I agree that there is not a "one-size fits all" solution for all homeschool families in any of the areas of homeschool, be it classroom, socialism, traditional textbooks, etc.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Socialism…I sure hope not 🫣😂😂😉

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Thanks for watching Jen!!

[@PerseveranceMama]

Thank you for saying what you said about socialization! It is hard sometimes to feel like your homeschoolers have a community. Creating that can take work and it does not always naturally come about.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Especially for more introverted types!

[@PerseveranceMama]

@@thepracticalhomeschooler yes! 💓

[@3roachkidsdhe]

One of my kids thrives in public school. One is in a charter school and the other is a happy homeschooler. I tried to out them all in the same school at the beginning of the year. I felt like my homeschooler was missing out in fun field trips and being part of a school but it turns out he is much happier after we pulled him out after a one month trial and brought him back home. The same with my daughter after switching out of a charter and back to public. We got so many comments last year about homeschooling my son I felt like I had to try a regular school setting. The only reason I’m glad we did is that it reaffirmed homeschooling is right for him. My daughter tried homeschooling for one year but she loves the structure of public school. Thanks for your videos and your encouragement and support of other mom’s and families!!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

That’s awesome you’re adapting to what fits them best ❤️ thanks for watching!

[@StephanieMT]

"Stop talking, were not here to soicalize" Anyone ever hear that in school

[@user-bn7dg2km2d]

Lol. Yup my hubbs and I were just talking about that.

[@lynnking5186]

Yes! Thank you!

[@BellosdemiAlma]

we live in a country where there are very few homeschoolers. And my children are sociable, but it is very difficult to create friendly spaces. because the others are full of activities and have no time Here there are no coop or groups in every town. It has really been very difficult for us

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

I’m sorry 😔 I know it can be hard when you desire to have community.

[@claudiacasallas2504]

I really enjoyed the last part of the video. Sometimes people make you feel ashamed when you talk about getting the kids back into school.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Yup 😕

[@LOVEnLIGHTWORKer]

Where I am located they have made it a requirement to attend public school or kids don’t get to sign up for soccer or any other “sport” as not to allow the home schooled kids and public school children to socialize. Like they are trying so hard to punish kids not in public schools! If you don’t attend public in Maine then you aren’t allowed to be social is the message we received loud and clear from it! Shabbat Shalom 🕊💖✨👑💛✨

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

That’s awful! Absolutely ridiculous!

[@LOVEnLIGHTWORKer]

@@thepracticalhomeschooler in agreement with you sister! Keep being a light for moms as you are!!! We are one LOVE💖Shabbat Shalom 🕊💖✨👑💛✨

[@diannaannette6956]

This is a great video. In our 2nd year, I'm still struggling to find a way that really works for my kids, it does get overwhelming listening to all the different voices. I just ask my kids if they would rather do subjects early or experiments in the morning and subjects in the afternoon, they picked the latter so we will see how it goes

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Awesome! And it changed every year (at least that’s what I’ve found to be true).

[@michellebell1406]

This was such a refreshing video! Oh I needed to hear this, thank you! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

❤️❤️🥰🥰

[@kathrynjoseph3331]

Thank you for saying these things. I agree with everything!!

[@Renewed85]

The Christian part .. true but I definitely feel... Lead a child in the way they should go and end the end they will never part from it. Should one of my kids end up an atheist. It definitely won't be because mom and dad didn't give them any type of Jesus or teach them about Jesus

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

That’s exactly what I said ☺️

[@roseylove1543]

We live in a rural area and the nearest homeschooling groups are an hour and 15 minutes away. A fellow homeschooler posted in our homeschooling group for our state asking if there were any coops for a Kindergartener and there weren’t any even in the entire state. My husband and I also share a car. It can be tricky for sure. It’s the one aspect of homeschooling that is hard for me. My daughter is 5 and my son is 3 and they both attend a preschool one day of the week. That has alleviated a lot of worry for me. And it has seemed to filled up their emotional/social cups. I think you are right. It’s really important and necessary to be more open-minded in the homeschool community. Parents know what is best for their children.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Wow, nothing in the entire STATE? Like a whole state? 🤯 goodness!

[@roseylove1543]

@@thepracticalhomeschooler it’s Vermont, it’s not a big state. And in the Vermont homeschooling group on FB it has about 2.8 thousand and there were no suggestions for a coop. That question was also asked in other groups on FB with no luck either. So I’m assuming that there is none.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

@@roseylove1543 aww that’s a shame 😕

[@nadjam.2225]

PARKS !! just go to the park between 2-7 pm- kid will learn to play with a bunch of kids / a playground near a school would be ideal. mom of 3 :)

[@PlanPrepPray]

Thank you for being bold about the shaming and acknowledging that we need to be more Christ like ❤

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Thank you! ❤️

[@magdawind13]

You are so encouraging. You truly have God’s heart, and I really enjoy hearing your opinions and your wisdom. Thank you for your channel 💕

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Thank you so much!! I’m hoping to not upset anyone, but speak in love ❤️

[@ThisHomeschoolHouse]

Such a great video! I agree with so many of your points. The beauty of homeschooling is that it’s unique to each family. Regarding the faith of our children, I always think about the fact that Christ is THE perfect parent and yet we rebel all the time! We must raise our children in the ways of the Lord, but ultimately their salvation is 100% His work, not ours.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Great point!! Love that!

[@shaialguno9788]

This video came right on time but surely I have mixed thoughts and emotions about it, because it is just super true that how I wish I can tag people right now haha! Mixed I say because, I feel bad that there are just some people who would say this is the right thing and you should not do this, do that. True that homeschooling is different in many ways from public or private schools, but should a parent or a child wants a school-ish homeschool space or room then just be it. If a mom (like me) likes to cut and paste and do many things to help our "study time" be fun and engaging (because I have a son who would study but we are still working on -- not moving too much when it is writing or reading time). Another is about socialization, I am deeply offended (and I say this that I am not yet into homeschooling, but I am doing "study time" in a day with my son) that our relatives would tell me or to my son directly that he is different. They would say "why are you talking about planets when you are only 3 y.o?... you are weird... oh here is our little dude in his OWN WORLD AGAIN" and the worst comment? "Bring him to a therapist, he does not seem to socialize enough". It blew me away. I will not leave a very long comment here, haha but I think you can feel what I felt or if not, at least you understood that at some point it was offensive. They see him "weird" playing with rocks, leaves, and saying "hi" to the sun and sky while other kids are playing either a digital game or a physical game. One time, it led me to question myself "how weird is weird?", because honestly and I say this not because he is my son, but I do not see anything weird in all that. So yes, thank you for posting this video that everything and everyone is different and there is no one and only path to raise a child. We can all have a common goal which is to raise them smart and strong but along the way, we can all take different routes and that should be okay. Being in a group or coop or what people call it does not work for me, for us. We have no one but us and we have a 10-month old and our son is just 3, so yeah it is quite chaotic now and we are bit far from things like that. God bless you! I am aiming for him to be homeschooled but it seems in our country as of the moment it is just too much hassle so semi-homeschooled I guess because I would have him in a "modular" schooling while others choose purely online schooling and face to face due to all this health issues and crisis. At least in a modular set up, I can still teach him. I will take it from there, I guess.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

I’m sorry you received criticism about your son…that’s the worst, especially from family 😕 but if you feel led to homeschool and you enjoy it and your son does too, you don’t have to feel the need to give it up! Do what works best for you both ❤️

[@kristenb6717]

Preach 🙌 Such refreshing opinions 🙌 Fantastic video 🙌

[@petitearrow]

Love this!!!! 👏🏼 I think these videos are so healthy for the homeschool community.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mymalayaper3766]

I’m a teacher. So I would love to have a classroom type (but better) of homeschool room. I don’t for matter of space and it’s ok. But yes, I’m a very traditional. Though I don’t follow a schedule is more like a flow not in the same time or order everyday. If something my kids doesn’t like, or doesn’t work for them; sure I’m willing to switch things.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Aww 🥰 Yes the teacher in you is itching to decorate, I bet!! I always loved seeing how my teachers decorated their classrooms!

[@jenniferoliver164]

Sometimes family members have other elderly /disable family members that they have to take care of as well, so they cant socialize quite as often as they would like to.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

True, good point!

[@lisamonalisahikes]

I always find it funny that people will tell me how sweet, kind and wise my daughter is and then in the next breath will say but how is she so social 🤦‍♀️ so the same thing goes for non homeschoolers… not everyone that is in public school are social either- we are all different … people need to stop assuming anything on both sides of the fence

[@BearBettermentSchool]

Unpopular Opinion: Worksheets are Awesome! I love worksheets and so does my daughter. For the way our brains work, they are fun! We love nature study, reading beautiful books, going on field trips and so many other eclectic ways to get immersed in our learning journey, but also… we love worksheets! 🤷‍♀️

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

We love them too!! 😄

[@HerDailyJourney]

I agree on the traditional curriculum or approach

[@firstchoiceautonb5400]

I don't want our kids to be socialized my husband says he can pinpoint when he went fell in with a bad crowed and i was a very bad girl LOL (far worse than he could have ever been). Our middle child is like him, our other two are like me and thus concerning to me..if they end up showing off or acting silly at school for attention i'd be so sad for them. I also don't want to lose my happy worry free kids! Would socialization change my eldest son and make him think his purple owl is lame? There are plenty of examples lol. Also now a days here so much is wrong with school.. in canada this month we had a male teacher have quite the incident that made international news. It was awful. My husband said we can just put them in all kinds of extra curriculer activities so they can meet normal like-minded families and friends.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

What I’m referring to is when homeschoolers give other homeschoolers advice about socialization

[@worldofweeze]

This was good, Lauren👍🏻

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Thanks, Erin!

[@robbiegleason4462]

As true as your statements are regarding homeschooling with a Christ-centered philosophy not guaranteeing our kids will choose Christianity when they grow up, it plants a lot more seeds in our kids and doesn't diminish the power of raising our kids this way. The Bible says to raise a child up in the way he should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. God allows people to make their own choices and some kids do stray away, but prodigals do return home one day. The more seeds we plant in our kids, the more fruit comes from it. It just grows at different rates and at different times. I have a prodigal myself, but I truly believe one day he will come back.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

I'm so sorry you're going through that and I do hope you can have reconciliation one day! But that's actually not what that verse means, and it unfortunately gets taken out of context quite often, even among pastors and teachers. God never promises a fool-proof outcome to anything. Like I said in my video, it is still certainly the responsibility of the parent to instill Biblical principles and exemplify Christ, to pray for and love our children, and to raise them how we feel the Holy Spirit is leading, but also realize they have free will. To say that every prodigal child will come back one day, just because they were raised in a Christian home is a harmful message and puts all the shame and blame back on the parents (if their child does not follow Christ). Not only that, but more importantly, it essentially takes away the child's free will and the Holy Spirit's ability to work in their hearts. It's stripping away God's power and promoting the parents to that position. That's absolutely not how the gospel works. I truly hope you aren't living in that shame ❤

[@theselittlesprouts]

Great video Lauren!!! ♥️

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Thanks friend ❤️

[@AdventuresofEmilyandLily]

Wonderful talk thank you

[@HerDailyJourney]

I grew up just like you. I agree with you regarding our kids salvation

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

It’s hard and can be scary to think about but definitely prayer for peace of mind is helpful!

[@auntshell29]

Ok I just appreciate you soooo much.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

I appreciate you too!! 🥰

[@melissaroush]

Another great video. It’s funny my daughters love tests too. So I give them tests. 🤷‍♀️

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

I don’t get it, but to each their own 😂😂

[@StarKirtman]

I agree with majority of what you said

[@macandchezzz]

I can’t agree with what you said more. Some of my kids are homeschooled and some of mine go to public school. I’m here to help them learn however that be. I was turned off from some of the Facebook homeschool groups because of all the teacher and school bashing. It was really disappointing to see. I even one time saw someone post that they wouldn’t take their kids to Chuck E. Cheese because there are germy public school kids there.😔

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Yikes 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@jerilyn-ourhomeschooltable]

That’s a terrible thing to say. This is why I’m not on FB anymore. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@mymalayaper3766]

Great Video!!! ❤

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Thank you 😌

[@RockSimmer-gal4God]

I know that nothing will make my Kids Christians if they don’t want to follow Christ!!! We can onli do so much!!! Idk if my youngest daughter will go to school, but my older kids need individual teaching so I can’t see them going to school ever again!!! I want them prepared for their future!!! I’m not against a tutor for these kids or classes that suit them but every subject at school won’t work for them!!!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Makes total sense!!

[@thelittlesimplethings7842]

Love your video but it was wad it to hear you say ... Just because we have Christian curriculum and we do devotionals, doesn't mean your child's going to grow up to be a strong Christian. Even though that's so true

[@Randibunny]

My kids did public school for the first few years cuz there dad wanted it cuz he was homeschooled and my kids are just weirdos 😂 they were socialized and they still strange we homeschool now still strange 😂😂😂😂 like y’all can’t talk the odd out of people

[@hollyrivers9955]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

❤️❤️❤️

[@lifewithginab]

Homeschool Elite... yikes! 🥴🤣

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Yea 😮‍💨😬🫣

[@alenatorres7071]

0% religious. Mainly because I grew up in a super religious family and it turned me away from all organized religions.

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

I’m sorry that you were hurt by the church/religion. That’s not how it should be 😔😔

[@alenatorres7071]

@@thepracticalhomeschooler We have been discussing finding a non-denominational church because we do see the value in it especially for the kiddos. Thanks for your videos! First year homeschooling my 5 yo and we're loving it!

[@lifewithginab]

It's so unfortunate when homeschooling families feel like they are better than someone who doesn't... or does things a bit different. I remember when I used to work and homeschool... a homeschooling mom told me that she feels bad that I have the desire to do it all and the best way to homeschool is when a mom is at home fully. It just rubbed me the wrong way when some people have no idea what you are going through and your why's... great video Lauren as always ... getting people to think and self-reflect!

[@thepracticalhomeschooler]

Ugh…we both know all too well that not everyone has the privilege and opportunity to be a full time mom and not work. I’m sorry 😞. And in regards to your previous comment…speaking of homeschool elite *ahem*