The case against home education

The case against home education

You really should be out working. How can you do that if your kids are at home?

Should I be out working? Maybe I work extremely hard in my house, maybe I run a business, maybe I don't wish to make bloated cats much fatter by putting more food in front of them. Maybe I enjoy spending time with my children before they are not children and go on their journeys into life. At any rate, it's none of your business what I do or don't do.

How can you teach anyone? You don't have a teaching qualification.

I don't pretend to teach anyone. I think that is overwhelming hubris really. Somehow my children managed to utter words and then string sentences together without me coaching them. They stood up and walked and then progressed to running without me showing them how. I trust them to find out what they like to learn and learn it. If they need help, I'm here to give them the benefit of my many years of experience in learning.

How can you get them to behave at home?

My children are not barbarians. They are sensible, interesting, decent human beings and I do not need to make like a lion tamer to have them do what seems to be the right thing in any situation. Again, if they have difficulties I am around to give them advice. Other times, they give me advice. It's a whole advice-giving thing.

Don't you want time to yourself?

If I do decide to be anti-social, I can withdraw into a room not tenanted by anyone else at the time. Or I just ask for some space please. It doesn't happen often because, unlike what seems to be true for so many of the population, I thoroughly enjoy being with my youngsters. They are magic, wise, witty, understanding and helpful.

Can't you let go of them? Is that why you home educate?

We home educate because school was not good enough for my children. They were given no respect there - not even for their natural bodily functions. They were abused in school. They were not allowed to be their unique and wonderful selves. I can testify that they are not abused at home and they are always respected, listened to and deeply and absolutely loved. I can let go of them when they wish to fly away. I know that they are learning and growing and readying themselves to become airborne. When that happens it will occur because it is part of a natural unfolding and the timing is right, and not because they were chucked out of a nest prematurely.

Can I home educate? Me?

Yes, of course. Just begin and let your instincts lead you. We are accustomed to ignoring our deepest intuitive voice and the warmth of knowing that we have developed through generations. Allow yourself to feel what is good for your child and yourself. Your young one will guide you too. Go now and be with your child. They are only babies and youths for a moment of time. Savour it, for that time will never return.