text: It's me again!  I think this is a facinating topic.  I think home schooling can be very beneficial.  I am glad I was not homeschooled though, as a value the memories of my high school experience.  \n\nMy step-mother home schools her children.  Her oldest son, my little brother (who is now 16) went to public school until the 1st grade.  She decided to home school him (and the rest of her children that followed) because she did not like the school teaching the students about Halloween.  She believes this to be a day of Satan.  (That's another topic altogether)\n\nMy main concern for her home schooling my siblings is that, although, my step mother is a lovely person- she's not that smart.  I suppose she is learning more about history, math and grammar as she goes along, but she really is flakey.  Simple would be a good word for her.\n\nShe tells me that I HAVE to home school my children when I have them.  I told her that I personally don't feel qualified to be a teacher (which isn't true, but I felt it was the only way for me to tell her I don't want to do that without hurting her feelings) and she actually told me that "It's not about education it's about loving your children longer."\n\nThe good aspects of home schooling can be things like more one on one time with the "students", class time is in a controlled environment, field trips whenever you want, honing in on a child's best subject to really develop what the child is good at doing, etc... I'm sure most home schooling parents are quite capable.\n\nThe negatives are slightly more superficial, but those can be missing out on extra-curricular activities like playing for your school's team, being on a debate team, going to dances, passing notes in the hallways, pep rallies, etc... those things are important too.  (my half-sibling do play for a soccer team, but they will never know the feeling of school pride, wearing the school's colors etc...)\n\nI also feel time apart from one's parents for a few hours a day with one's peers is important.  Sure, there are activities home school kids get to go to without their parents, but in a school environment, there's the aspect of being expected to make decisions and mistakes without having mom and dad right there.  My sister is 15 and still doesn't like being away from her mom- ever.  She told me that her mom told her that she never has to leave home- for college or to get a job if she doesn't want to.  I think she is too dependent, and it worries me.\n\nAll in all, I am not against home schooling, it's just not something I want to do with my future children.  I applaud all those who have the time, patience and the financial freedom to be able to do it.