Older Kids - Decompression

Posted on July 30th, 2004 in ADD/ADHD, Getting Started, Otherways Magazine, Problems, Teenagers

By Cafi Cohen

‘He just won’t do anything!’ say the parents of teenagers who have just left school. Prior to beginning homeschooling, these parents have high hopes. They envision their older kids industriously attacking thoughtfully selected curriculum, running a business, publishing a book, graduating early, and winning big scholarship money.

Some of those things may happen, but - in the first days and weeks and months of homeschooling - reality bites. Most new homeschooling families with teens deal with an adjustment period I call decompression.

What is Decompression?

Adults, can’t you see…

Posted on July 30th, 2004 in Otherways Magazine, Teenagers

Teenage Suicide and Compulsory Schooling

by Lyn Loxton

Adults, can’t you see it?
You’re killing all the kids,
Don’t you realize that in your papers
We’re not just statistics.
Each headline is a tombstone
Erected to the dead.
And one more child has killed himself
By blowing off his head

This poem was written by Melanie, an attractive 17 year old, just before she committed suicide - it was her fourth and final attempt. To outward appearances she had it all - lovely home, caring parents, academic success in a well- known private school, and plenty of friends. What more could a young person ask for? Her diary, however, told a very different story. It told of a free-spirited young girl who had struggled with conformity her whole life. The thoughts most mentioned are the loneliness that comes from feeling misunderstood and her sense of isolation from her peers. The very last thing she scribbled on a pad of paper was:don’t know what is wanted…alone by myself…sorry to all….so sad.