What is the typical homeschooler? I think the idea behind that is seriously flawed. I have not met too many who fit into the category of a typical homeschooler perfectly. Of course many have elements of what is considered typical but nothing is absolute. I inquired what that may mean and many said the following:
Christian
Stay at home moms
Large income
Sheltering
Those who do not like the school system.
Conservative
Jean jumpers (that made me laugh)
Homemakers who have it all together.
Organized
Creative
Living for their children
Those who do not vaccinate their kids.
I found some of those answers surprising and some I expected. I’m not sure how typical I am if that is the list I am being compared to. I fall into a few such as Christian, conservative, and creative. I am not organized. I did vaccinate my kids. I live for the Lord and not my kids. I have a small income. I do not own a jean jumper. I am not anti-school or sheltering. I would love to say I have it all together but that is far from the truth. I was a stay at home mom but now I work out of my home and I homeschool.
It is funny how the world views others who make different decisions then themselves. I suppose we all have images in our heads of certain types of people. That is normal and harmless if you are willing to be flexible in your thoughts and outlook.
Lately, I have come across homeschoolers who break the mold. They have a sense of style, they allow their children to explore the world, and some even play video games over making crafts or cookies. I have even met some who watch Star Trek. Perhaps a new realm of nerds or misfits have decided to homeschool. Or perhaps, homeschooling is simply a personal choice based on individual family needs.