Seventh-Grader Wants to Be Homeschooled

When your child turns to you for homeschooling, it says a lot about you as a parent and is a predictor for success.
Q
My seventh-grader wants to be homeschooled. Do you think it's too late to begin homeschooling at this age? Seventh grade has been the worst for her — her best friend moved, she had problems with another girl, and her grades haven't been as good as last year's. She says all the kids are mean and she doesn't want to go back.
A
No, it is not too late! In fact, now is the perfect time to help your daughter achieve academic success. Teens are currently the fastest growing segment of the homeschool population. The fact that your daughter has turned to you and asked for help says a lot about you as a parent. Many teens express their unhappiness or dissatisfaction in destructive ways. Your daughter, however, has confidence and trust in your ability to guide her through the challenging and often difficult adolescent period. By homeschooling your daughter, you are giving her a wonderful gift that will truly make a difference in her life.

For information about how to get started, please visit our How to Homeschool Information Center. Be sure to read Leaving School and Learning at Home and Homeschooling Teens. Good luck!

Isabel Shaw is a freelance writer and homeschooling mom of 15 years. She and her husband Ray homeschool their two daughters, Jessica and Amanda. Besides being a contributor to FamilyEducation.com, Shaw has written for Home Education Magazine, The Link, Homeschooling Horizons Magazine, The Homeschool Gazette, and other publications.

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