Home schooling

This morning I was in the grocery store and I over heard two women talking about someone home schooling their kids. I thought How weird and kept going down the aisle. Then all of a sudden I thought of my blog page and my final paper. What a good idea, I thought, I can argue the effects of home schooling vs. public schooling. Now, I dont know anything about home schooled kids. I wasnt one and I know no one who home schools their own children. When I think of home schooling I picture kids sleeping in till noon and hanging around in their pajamas watching TV all day. Finally they will get around to doing a little reading or social studies. I also have visions of these kids never leaving the house to interact with "outsiders". They seem to be confined to the home like cult members in a secret society. It seems like child abuse or some strange paranoid fetish on the parents part. Why wouldnt Moms and Dads want their children to interact with other kids? Are these kids allowed to ride their bikes, go to the mall, watch movies, etc. or do the lead this very sheltered life?

I had never heard of home schooling until maybe the last 10 years. I can understand some parents not wanting their children to go to public schools and be exposed to sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. :o) And I completely understand the fear of sending your child to school one day only to hear on the news their school errupted in terrible violence and your child was shot nad or killed. In some aspects public schools are changing maybe for the worst. When I was in high school I couldnt wait to see all my friends and find out the latest gossip of that day. See what everyone was wearing and who had dates for the weekend. What about all the extra activities the schools provide; friday night football games, pep rallies, school dances, plays...These are all aprt of my memories I couldnt imagin not having. What about graduation, putting on that cap and gown, walking across the stage to get your diploma. Knowing your parents, family and friends are all watching you with such great hopes and dream for your future. If I didnt have these memories I dont think my life would feel complete. College is the usual next step for high school graduates. Can home schooled kids fit in i a college setting. Never being away from their parent could they survive a freshman year in the dorms. Away from home, all alone, I WANT MY MOMMY!!! Aaaaagggghhhhhh!!!