“I would also caution potential homeschoolers to be mindful of how they frame their choice when they talk to their children. Making it about the child or taking a strong us v. them stance against other options can be very isolating for the child, especially if they ever feel like they're not getting the education they want at home.”

Great point. This was one of my concerns I had having spoken to some of the teens who had been educated like this. They all seem to have a kind of “us versus them” mentality against traditional schooling.

“But unschooling requires serious engagement on the part of the parent”

Yep it is much easier to just send your kid to school and make their learning someone else’s responsibility.

“I've seen unschooling families get lazy and end up with 18-year old ballerinas who can't do times tables to save their life”

Would you care to provide details on this? Over email if you would like to avoid a public forum.