Rant about BAD Homeschoolers

Yes, there are bad homeschoolers who's children would be better off in school. Sadly I've met a few. My first qualm...which I admit is just an opinion, but I do think it's detrimental for the children. Parents who never let their kids play with other kids. Never. I've known 4 kids since moving here who aren't allowed to play with other kids besides mine. We're no longer friends with either family. One family has an only child and he only plays with his dad even when they go to a McDonald's playplace. I feel bad about those children and wonder how lonely their childhoods are.

Second issue, parents who spend all day on the computer for "me time" and expect their children to teach themselves or at least to stay out of their hair. Mind you, I say this while sitting at the computer...during school hours...but my kids have finished their lessons for the day and they're all playing educational games together. They don't need me right now...but there really are women out there doing this all day long claiming to homeschool.

Last and worst issue, which is completely abusive, is parents who medicate their children without a doctors' consent. You can buy anything online...including Prozac and Ritilin. I know a mother who gives these to her child WHO IS COMPLETELY NORMAL so he will stay out of her hair while she spends all day online because he's too much of a typical boy to teach himself! She has not only herself convinced, but her husband and most sadly, her son thinking he has a problem. She even tried to convince me he has mild autism!!! An example of proof from her husband, he jumps on the couch. He literally said this to my husband - father of FIVE boys. Meanwhile because she homeschools, the poor boy has no help. She's also one of the families whose children never play with other children.

So there, I've said my peace. If you're not guilty of these, give yourself some slack as a homeschooling mom. There are far worse ways to harm your child than skipping math for a few days.