Will My Children Miss Out On Prom If We Homeschool

Deciding to homeschool your children is a big decision.  Taking on a child's education can seem monumental and scary.  As a parent we are worried that we won't be able to provide our children with the knowledge they need to be successful in life.  But, if you have been following along with my previous posts, you know that you are definitely enough for your children! You can absolutely do this  'homeschool thing!'

If you have missed them, you can catch up here:

How To Begin Homeschooling In 5 Easy Steps

An Overview Of The Most Popular Homeschooling Methods

The Importance Of Flexibility In Our Homeschool

But, aside from education there is one factor that really seems to stop people in their tracks.

SOCIALIZATION

Basically it all comes down to this: Will my children be weird and not fit in socially with their public school counterparts?

This seems to be a huge road block for many when it comes to homeschooling.

Good news.  It is also one of the biggest misconceptions.

I grew up in the public school system.  In high school there were the 'cool kids', the 'geeky kids', the 'athletic kids', the kids that walked across the street to smoke cigarettes on lunch break.  Basically, it was a huge group of teenagers with different likes, personalities, and abilities.  Some of those kids were awkward and shy.  Some were outgoing.

So why would it be any different in the homeschool community? You still have a huge group of teenagers with different likes, personalities, and abilities.

I feel there is often an unfair expectation for homeschooled teens.  They are who they are whether they are in a school setting or whether they are at home.  I believe the biggest difference is that at home a teenager has the ability to spread their wings and discover who they are without unnecessary peer pressure or being 'pigeon holed' from other students and the school's administration.

What once was obscure, homeschooling has exploded into mainstream society by leaps and bounds.  It is not uncommon for people to at least know of someone that is homeschooled.  Businesses and organizations are realizing this and opening their arms to this fast growing community.

Prom, sports, theater, music, scholarships, college... yes, they are all available to homeschoolers.

Whether it is local homeschooling groups getting together and offering these things, or whether you attend a local High School to supplement what you are doing at home, the possibilities are endless.

Dual credit, while attending High School at home while getting college credit, is a fantastic option for those that are college bound.

Flexibility is also another wonderful thing about being homeschooled.  Our schedules are much more open and conducive to opportunities during the day, like internships, smaller class sizes, and spending more time with family and friends.

Every area is different.  Depending on where you live there will be different opportunities.  Spend time researching what is out there.   Ask questions, contact college admission boards, talk to your local high school.  Sign up for homeschooling groups, and if you can't find what you are looking for then start it yourself.

My two sons have been homeschooled their whole lives.  They are now 17 and 16.  They have had the opportunity to speak at the State House in Ohio (where we are from),  coach sports teams, volunteer at day camps, go on missions trips, play High School soccer for Crossroads, play in a youth band, go to Prom, get Summer jobs.... I think you get the idea.

We often fear what we don't understand.  Don't let misinformation and lack of knowledge keep you from homeschooling your children, if that is what you desire.

If you have any specific questions, please leave a comment.  I will try to address it in a post for you.

Channon