By now you know I love studies and facts. Yet I know they are fallible. That is what I found when I looked for studies about homeschoolers and happiness. There are about two studies, both done by homeschool related agencies. That would deem them biased, although I do tend to trust homeschoolers more than some people. But at the same time I don't blame people for not trusting the information. I wondered if homeschoolers, when they get to be adults are any more happy, well adjusted, giving citizens than your average person. I tend to think it may be true for a number of reasons. 1. Homeschoolers have more downtime to look into themselves and their own interests. I think this is vitally important to really know what will give you satisfaction out of life and out of your relationships. 2. Homeschoolers tend to have less peer pressure. In my experience with my kids, most of the kids they associate with are securely grounded in their place with their family. They feel they belong, and therefore are secure, lessening the need to put others down, pick on others, and participate in other activities associated with insecurity, making them more confident to be who they are. 3. Homeschoolers can have amazing access to personalized experience. My kids have petted so many animals, been on so many tours of so many places, and in general experienced so much of life first hand it is just amazing. Surely this would help them visualize their future likes, abilities, and opportunities. 4. Homeschoolers have more time to invest in philanthropy. My kids have sorted shoes for people in Haiti, helped in a garden, and we visit a nursing home monthly. Besides the fact that whenever they are curious we can talk about living conditions anywhere on the earth, I can tell them about the loans we do through KIVA, and if they want to help anyone anywhere, we can work on doing it. They have a wonderful opportunity for a global perspective.
That is my theory. More time to know yourself, your family, your community, your world, and the opportunity to participate in it, makes for a happier, more giving person. I don't know many adult homeschoolers. The ones I do know tend to confirm that theory. The couple of biased studies out there tend to confirm my theory. But my experiment won't be complete for quite a few years, and I can't wait to see the outcome. Well, I can, I am in no rush for everyone to grow up and leave me, but I will be happy for them to find their place in this world. I hope my contribution to their lives will outweigh the baggage I leave them with, and that they will confirm the satisfaction theory I am inflicting on their lives.
That is my theory. More time to know yourself, your family, your community, your world, and the opportunity to participate in it, makes for a happier, more giving person. I don't know many adult homeschoolers. The ones I do know tend to confirm that theory. The couple of biased studies out there tend to confirm my theory. But my experiment won't be complete for quite a few years, and I can't wait to see the outcome. Well, I can, I am in no rush for everyone to grow up and leave me, but I will be happy for them to find their place in this world. I hope my contribution to their lives will outweigh the baggage I leave them with, and that they will confirm the satisfaction theory I am inflicting on their lives.
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