There are a lot of stereotypes when it comes to being homeschooled. Ones like, "Homeschoolers all wear long denim skirts and don't cut their hair," "They don't have any friends," and "They don't actually do any school work," are not true (at least most of the time …). And then there are some, like "They get to do school in bed wearing pajamas," that are completely accurate.
I personally loved being homeschooled. For high school, I went to a two day a week co-op where I would go to classes just like at a normal school, and then I would have homework and reading to do on the other three days of the school week. For elementary and middle school, it was honestly so rewarding to have my mom as a teacher. I think it definitely cultivated an incredible relationship between us from the start. Sometimes, she would cancel class for the day and we would go to the zoo or a museum and call it a field trip.
I'm not going to lie to you though, there was some that I missed out on. I never got to go to a high school dance, football game, or spirit week, but I also didn't have to deal with much dress code or many rules whatsoever. I did go to prom, but it was a homeschool prom. I don't think it was really the same thing most high schoolers experience. So yes, there are pros and cons. When I came to college, there was definitely a lot I just didn't know not having ever been to high school. Mostly just jargon having to do with drugs and sexual innuendos to be honest. Don't get me wrong, there was definitely a fair share of, "that's what she said," jokes thrown around, just nothing crazy.
Being homeschooled did have its perks! Because the homeschooling community is pretty tightly knit, everyone knows (or at least knows of) everyone. With that, my parents always knew my friends, which meant that my parents were pretty lenient. AKA, I never had a curfew. I could go out on a school night. I could go and crash at a friends house with guys and girls all sleeping in the same room. It was all chill, honestly because my parents knew all of my friend's parents and if something went down, everyone would know pretty quickly. I loved having this freedom and mutual trust with my parents.
I also got to get college credits before high school graduation. Senior year, I was dually enrolled at a community college, taking classes that counted as both high school and college credits. The classes were not even that much more difficult, but I saved so much money. It was a good way to get a taste of what college would be like before actually going 300 miles away to ECU.
With all that being said, I wouldn't change my schooling experience for anything. I loved my freedom, the subjects I got to learn, the relationships I built. If you are thinking about homeschooling your child or switching from public school to homeschooling, I would completely recommend it! It is not for everyone, but if it is for you (or your kid) you will love it!
