What’s Happening Wednesday: The benefits of homeschooling

There are some really interesting stories going around about homeschooling and parenting in general this week. Here are just a few that you might be interested in:

18 Reasons Why Doctors and Lawyers Homeschool: This article is so revealing and it lists several reasons why we homeschool, too. It’s written by an MD who works at a hospital my daughter used to go to for prematurity evaluations. Some highlights of why these families homeschool include better schedules, more family time, better parenting and academics, values instruction, more sleep, increased socialization and many more. You might want to bookmark this one to show it to that aunt or uncle who always objects to your homeschooling when you see them during the holidays!

A new study has shown that homeschooled children are both happier and healthier than kids who go to public school. The study was conducted by the National Jewish Health Center and has examined students for 20 years. They discovered that homeschooled kids get more sleep, which is important since sleep psychologists estimate that almost half of children who attend public school do not get enough sleep.

The Steubenville rape case has shocked everyone to the core, but I am hoping that this awareness to rape, as well as how our children are valuing one another, will cause some much needed changes in our nation. Out of all of the articles I’ve read about it, these two stand out in what I think is good advice for both boys and girls, as well as parents:

A Letter to My Sons About Stopping Rape

Raising Our Daughters in a World That Devalues Them

Ultimately, however, I think we need to focus on teaching both our daughters and sons about body autonomy and respecting one another. I wrote an article at Feminspire about raising a daughter with body autonomy, but I also note that the same techniques can and should be done with our sons. I list several ways that I am consciously raising my seven-year-old, and really encourage you to add your own ideas, too.

Photo courtesy of Sara S.

This is a castle the kids in our homeschool group made at the park out of moss, sticks, trash and other odds and ends.