Theresa is a homeschooled adult. Her mom educated her at home starting in the fourth grade. She was kind enough to answer a few questions for me, and I am sharing them here with you. If you ever wanted to know how homeschooled adults turn out, then you will want to read this blog entry and the previous ones as well. This is part three of my interview with Theresa; you may want to go back and read part 1 and part 2.
One of the things I was dying to know from someone who was homeschooled is what advice they would give to current homeschooling parents. Theresa replied, “Relax and have fun learning! Learning and honing skills are exciting. Let your children see by your example how this is true, by your enjoyment of reading and researching things that make YOU curious.” She adds, “Don’t constantly compare your child to some other homeschooled or public schooled child. Moms can be such guilt factories. Yes, you need to know your educational philosophy. Yes, you need to have a plan and work it. However, the thing I am most often tempted to say to homeschool parents is “Stop stressing, relax and have fun!”
Now loosen up and have some fun educating your children!
What does Theresa do now? Here is her response to that question: “I am wife and helper to my dearest friend, James; mama and teacher to my 6 children, ages 10 weeks to 10 years old.”
Seems like Theresa fits in well, as a families.com member!
As a mom that homeschools her own (and loves it), Theresa has a unique advantage… her own experience. She says, “I have no concerns about my children getting into college if they choose to do so. ACT or SAT scores mean a lot, and I have a printer if they need me to print up a high school diploma (which would be just as pretty and as legal as that issued by any other private, nonaccredited school in IL).” She should know. It worked for her!
Finally, I asked Theresa how homeschooling has influenced her life. Her response was, “I think that homeschooling has helped me to look for ‘outside the box’ solutions to problems. It has also helped to become an independent learner, able to set goals and work a plan to achieve them.”
I truly hope my profile of Theresa has inspired you. As a first generation homeschooled child, she is proof that homeschooling produces adults who are happy, well adjusted and well educated. Thank you Theresa!
Theresa is a new member at families.com.
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