The only thing that HE families have in common is that they home ed some or all of their children. Religion, philosophy, beliefs, teaching (or deschooling) style, parenting - vary across the whole spectrum.
The variety is part of the fun of HE. Whenever you feel weird, are judged or have to defend your decision to a stranger, it's reassuring to know that there are other people being more radical. (But probably handling it better).
I was speaking to a wise mum recently who has been home-edding for many years. Her children are a delight; polite, confident, kind - kids like hers do more to big-up HE than any parent banging on about individual learning and freedom. She confessed it took years to feel comfortable with her family's decision. It's hard enough to trust your own judgement when there's no measure of success. It's even harder not to care what other people think, especially people you respect.
We're lucky that our friends and family are broadly (cautiously) supportive. Perhaps because they've been there every step of the way as we've deconstructed our life from high earning, exhausted corporate cogs to .. well I'm not sure what we are but we're out of the machine and we're still exhausted, just happier. They know we're not afraid to take control, to have less, to change direction or admit when we've taken a wrong turn. To say I'm grateful for the support would be a huge understatement; it's a lifeline.
The biggest anxiety is still the responsibility. Another HE friend explained that the fear for her is having no security blanket - no school, teachers, bullies, classmates to share the blame if things go wrong - if test scores are low, detentions are issued, friendships change.
If you home ed there's nowhere to hide. You only have two options: 1. Take full responsibility for any problems that arise and beat your self up until you can't stand. 2. Remember that things go awry because this is real life.
There is no destination, just a journey.
So let's make jelly sculptures.
