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Comment by Yizahi | Hacker News Reader

Poor kids :( . Hope the damage won't be lasting for them, at least they did went to proper schools previously and have some basics taught.

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I'll gladly stand up my 7 homeschooled kids next to any public school kids.

All tested above grade level on state mandatory testing throughout their schooling.

Two graduated early (some with college credits).

My adult children (4 sons, ages 19-25) have gainful employment, living on their own (2 own their own homes), and standing on their own. One is married (I got a grandkid!), all have friends, communities they're involved in, and are healthy (physically and mentally).

None take prescription meds nor struggle with anxiety or depression.

Poor public school kids... I hope they can find help for the damage they suffered. <grin>

You didn’t mention how many went to college

Given they are sufficiently successful to be living on their own, married, and some with their own homes, whether they went to college is probably an inappropriate yardstick of success. I mean, be real. If a 25 year old is married and owns a home, but doesn't have a BSc are they a failure? What are we doing here.

OP is free to chose their metrics. I wouldn’t trade education for a home personally. I think it’s interesting how they chose their metrics.

None chose to go to college so far. The kind of work they wanted to do didn't require it so they didn't. If they had wanted to be medical doctors, lawyers, or some kind of physical engineer, I'm sure they could have gotten into a good college and found a good job for that.

One is a commercial sheet metal worker and owns his own home.

Another is a Linux sysadmin and owns his own home and has a spouse and a child.

Another is a restaurant equipment repairman and rents.

Finally, my 19 year old just started his airplane mechanic apprenticeship and rents.

My other three are still in school and living in our family home.

The thought at you need college degree to find meaningful employment or to live a joyful life is simply false so I don't consider it a metric for homeschooling success.

I teach my kids how to learn and encourage them to get out there and be productive doing work they enjoy and raising their own families.

Success in my book means they can function as an adult, stand on their own financially, find a good spouse, and bring me some awesome grandkids to spoil.

I don't have a college degree but I make plenty to raise 7 kids while working from home. I got to be there for all their first steps and struggles through Algebra 2 and everything in between. I wouldn't trade working from home and homeschooling for anything. It's been very fulfilling.

Now where's my grandkids! <grin>

we are discussing on HN. The population of commenters here is likely very different than the homeschooling population.

And yet there are many homeschooling parents in this discussion thread (including a single-income dad of 9 whose kids are homeschooled). But I'm quite aware that I'm the exception on HN.

Assuming you are Mormon, is home schooling sort of another form of virtue signaling Mormon families employ or is it more of a way to ensure your families don't get excluded? Like, did you really have a choice in the matter once you realized you either go full Mormon or leave the church entirely?

Mormons aren't the only people with large families. Ultra-conservative Jews, Muslims, and many Christians have large families. What I don't think I've ever seen is a couple who is non-religious or atheist and has a large family.

Not sure if you are disputing something I didn't say but yes, you are correct.

Catholics aren't so much anymore but used to be the same. My parents both had 5 siblings growing up.

Not all Catholics, just the ones who go to the traditional Latin Mass. :-)

We have a neighbor down the street that is non-religious that has 5 kids (public school). Maybe that's not 'large' in your book though.

God says children are a blessing and I know it to be true. I'm grateful for all the children he gave me (7).

Bad assumption on your part. I'm not Mormon.

Protestant Christian and most of my Christian brothers and sisters look at how many kids I have and that we homeschool and think I'm a little crazy (just like most non-Christians). I'd say probably 1/3 of the families in our church homeschool though. It's a wonderful community to be a part of and if I sent my remaining kids to public school, I wouldn't be asked to leave.

I'll take the L but it still sorta maps to where I was going with the Mormon angle.

I've been around Mormons, not a religion scholar, but it seems plausible to me the same "one upsmanship" mormons have with missions, large paternalistic families, avoiding "outsiders" (see: homeschooling), etc are common in other religious communities. Like maybe the protestant Christian one you are in?

> 7 homeschooled kids

Wow that's a lot, how did you manage?

Only seven? :-)

(My wife and I have had 9.)

God provides every day and I'm very grateful.

I've been working from home for nearly 2 decades and have flexible hours.

My wife handles the majority of the grade school years (basic reading/writing/maths) and I teach most of the middle and high school.

They've always been involved in co-ops, church activities, and get plenty of socialization. They're emotionally mature, civically responsible, and others focused. We take them when we volunteer at local non-profits, whether that's sorting clothes at the local thrift store or picking up trash at a local park. An example of service becomes a lifestyle of generosity. It makes for great kids and even greater adults.

Put the time and work in to your kids. Nothing else will provide greater dividends.

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