Should I homeschool my kids?

Why are public school kids more protected that homeschool kids?

• I was homeschooled for 5 years. I took classes with other homeschoolers. Homeschool kids (mostly guys) carry pocket knives with them. It isn't unusual and we don't think ...show more

• Answer:

  Ashley, I think you're bright enough to realize that realize that pocket knives are not the weapon on most serious and deadly violence. Generally, it's not the kids that freak out if they see a pocket knife, and I think you know that as well. It's the administrators that have the zero tolerance policies. That's because they think if they allow a pocket knife in class, then they also will be expected to allow other knifes. Taking this a step further, I would be very unhappy if the boys in my son's homeschooling co-op carried handguns. A 14 year old doesn't need to carry a concealed weapon in class. Then again, I don't think you need a pocket-knife in homeschooling co-op biology class either. I'm sure the instruments you're provided will do for a dissection. You carry it (if you really do) because the guys in your group think it's cool. If you were on a camping trip, it'd be something different. And if I were teaching that class, you'd be required to keep it in your pocket where it belongs, not out showing it off for yucks to the other boys. That isn't responsible use of a tool. The truth is 97% of the population is NOT homeschooled, therefore regardless of how well behaved (most) homeschooled kids are, most serious violence occurs outside of homeschooling groups. Most of it doesn't occur in schools either. It occurs in communities and schools reflect their communities. There have been shootings that have nothing to do with the schools every night this week in the inner city 30 miles from me. A pocket knife would be worthless in those gang wars. Oh yeah, I'd protect my kids more if they lived in that community than were we live now in a relatively safe suburb, homeschooling or not. Which brings me to my last point. My daughter goes to a school. My son is homeschooled. Neither is more "protected" than the other. And that is the case for most students I know. Think about what a micro-group your group of homeschooling boys are and maybe you'll get the bigger picture.