7 Shocking Facts about Unschooling A Teen

I know. Some of these seem like total blasphemy.  That’s because we’ve been sold a bill of goods that simply isn’t true. But these are the facts. And now that you  know the truth, how much easier can you and your teenager’s life be? Awesome, right?

• • DIPLOMAS ARE OVERRATED.
    Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need a diploma. In the odd chance that you may need one so an admissions clerk can check a box – you can create one with a Word File. Same goes for transcripts.
    This might interest you:  UNSCHOOLING AND TRANSCRIPTS.
  • 18 IS NOT A  MAGICAL  NUMBER.
    Have you noticed how everyone starts to shift gears when you’re in your teens? Like somehow the race has just gotten way more serious? It’s because much of our society thinks that 18 is the “finish line.” As if learning is simply going to stop happening once you reach that big graduation date.  It’s such hype. You have an entire lifetime to learn and make choices – and change your mind again! There’s no big rush. Relax.
  • THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER.
    Your flexible schedule will allow you to experience some awesome internships and/or travel opportunities. Check out this collection of camps, conferences and adventures for teens:  UNSCHOOLED TEEN OPPORTUNITIES.
  • REAL LIFE “COUNTS.”
    Instead of trying to force your teen into a particular acceptable mold (usually for college,) do the reverse. Let the mold be created by your teen. Stay with me on this. Life is full of so many chances to learn everything you need to know for adulthood. But if you’re too distracted meeting criteria or completing lessons – you miss all of it! And it’s ten times more intriguing out in the real world. And, if you need a little incentive, colleges love applicants that have explored their interests and simply have more life experience.
    Maybe this might help convince you:  TOP DOWN VS. BOTTOM UP
  • AVOID SO MANY NEGATIVE ASPECTS!
    Homeschooled teens have numerous advantages  because o f homeschooling. They’ve preserved their natural love of learning. They’ve avoided unnecessary stress. They’ve had the freedom to make choices.They have better socialization and better influences in general.
    Read more about all of this in  LEARNING FROM THE TEENS.
  • GET OFF THE CONVEYOR BELT TO COLLEGE
    College is the right path for some kids and their career choices - but not everyone! Society seems to push kids on a passive conveyor belt from high school to college. Wouldn't it be better to explore ALL the options for upper teens and early 20s? It might help parents to look at why they think their kids should just blindly go on to college... the world has changed. Even delaying it a little might allow your teens to know themselves a little better so they can walk with confidence on the path they're choosing.
  •   FINALLY YOU CAN CATCH SOME ZZZZZ’S.
    Home educated teens aren’t sleep deprived! Study after study shows how the teen’s need for sleep is being completely overlooked with a typical high school schedule. And we all know how any of us act when we’re over-tired: cranky, more stressed, inhibited creativity, poor memory. How could they possibly be learning much at all?
    Read more about  TEENS AND SLEEP.