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In the last 30 years or so, a quiet revolution has begun, and it's changing the way people look at the compulsory nature of school forever. What started out in the 60's as a radical choice made mostly by parents concerned about the lack of religious teaching in public schools has evolved into something spectacular...something so perfect that it seems intimidating. And it's available to any family willing to make the change.

So often, when people find out that my kids do not go to school, I get responses like * Oh, I could NEVER do that. I*m not smart enough.* or *I don*t think I could stand being with my kids all day every day.* and *You must be really disciplined.* Truth is, I don*t have a college degree, but I am absolutely *smart enough* to be a home schooling parent, and I have every right to do so. I don*t necessarily consider myself a disciplined person, either, and that is just one of the multitude or reasons why home schooling is a perfect match for our family.

There are many reasons why a family might choose home schooling over public or private school. A child may have an illness or disability for which public school cannot provide proper care. Of course, public schools try hard to be politically correct, and will do what they can to assist any children with difficulties, but it's hard enough for one adult teacher to watch over and effectively control a class of 25 *normally functioning* students, much less having one or two kids thrown in who have very special medical and physical needs.

I can think of no environment more nurturing, more secure and loving, especially for a physically ill or disabled child, than the comfort and familiarity of their own home and attentive parents. After all, who understands a child's needs better than an attentive parent?

Home schooling is perfect for Moms like me who work from home. It gives flexibility and plenty of time to spend with the amazing individual minds that society calls my children.

Perhaps the child has been labeled ADHD and put on medication. These narcotics subdue the active child, effectively enabling him to sit still longer and to *pay attention* to what the teacher deems important...a necessary requirement in school. Home schooling, however, imposes no such limitations. If your child needs to bounce, to talk, to run or even to roll, these things can be allowed and even encouraged in a home schooling environment.

The negative and long lasting effects of the commonly prescribed drugs are now coming to light. Concerned parents are becoming more skeptical of physicians quick fix diagnoses and the schools insistence that such things are required to keep the classroom *functioning*....especially when it involves their own children.

Perhaps the child just doesn't excel in school, has discipline problems or just plain 'hates' it. Why make them do something they hate every day? Why not give them the joy that comes along with being free to learn on their own time and focus on what interests them?

No matter what the reason a home schooling parent gives for taking their child out of school, one thing is certain. Home schooling is growing in popularity to the point where almost everyone knows someone who is or was home schooled. It may be a quiet revolution, but it's voice is growing louder year by year.