A "Teenage Non-Homeschoolers View" of Homeschooling

Last night Shayna was "running the lines" at my husbands soccer game with other kids from her team. She needed to be there by 6 pm. So, off I go to drive my darling daughter down to the fields. I walk her onto the fields and so I can "steal" a moment with Donnie who I haven't seen since 7 am (I never see him during soccer season !)

Donnie made a comment that one of his players "Alison" is concerned about Shayna.

"Why I ask him ?," thinking "Alison barely knows Shayna.

Donnie replied, "She is concerned about her socialization as a homeschooler. I will tell you more at home."

Three hours later.... Donnie and Shayna arrive home from the JV and Varsity game. Shayna had a great time and is off getting ready for bed.

I ask Donnie about "Alison" and her concern..... please remember "Alison" is only (maybe) 14.

Somehow, on the field, homeschooling Shayna came up. "Alison" said, "I feel sorry for your daughter. She is going to have problems with socialization (yes, at 14 she said that). She will never know how to deal with "peer pressure"."

Now, can you believe a 14 year old said this. My goodness ! That is EXACTLY one of the reasons we homeschool. We want our child to LEARN and be PASSIONATE ABOUT LEARNING and not have to worry about all the other crap that goes on inside those school walls.

Donnie replied to "Alison", "Don't worry, my wife and I make sure we practice "peer pressure" on her so she knows how to handle it if she needs to. We role play it with her." (totally not true)

"Alison" just looked at her coach with a puzzled look on her face and said, "That will work for her. Good job !"