Growing Up Unconventionally: A Homeschooling Journey

In 1990, a young boy named Stefan found himself in a tough spot. He was nine years old and hated his new school in Plano, Texas. The teachers were strict, and the environment felt suffocating. One day, his teacher even shook him in front of the whole class. This made Stefan feel miserable. He started writing a novel about a boy escaping school. His mom noticed his unhappiness and decided to take action.

An Unconventional Education

She introduced Stefan to the idea of homeschooling. At first, he was surprised. But soon, he was excited about the idea of learning at home. His mom took charge of his education. She had some unusual beliefs. She didn't believe in traditional medicine or schooling. She thought white people could do a mild form of photosynthesis and that ear shape could determine success. These beliefs shaped her teaching style.

A Day in the Life

Stefan's homeschooling experience was far from ordinary. His mornings were spent doing math at the dining table. The rest of the day was divided into two activities: a project he chose to do alone in his room and errands with his mom. These errands included shopping, watching movies, or sunbathing. Sometimes, if Stefan complained about not learning enough, his mom would test his trivia knowledge in the pool. If he got an answer wrong, she would dunk his head underwater.

Social Isolation

Stefan's social life was limited. He joined Tae Kwon Do and Little League, but his mom was hesitant about him going alone. His one friend from elementary school stopped coming over. Homeschooling in Texas was barely regulated. Parents didn't need a high school degree to homeschool their kids. They could even be under investigation by Child Protective Services and still legally homeschool.

A Complicated Relationship

Stefan's mom's teaching style was unconventional. She believed in following his passions. This meant Stefan spent most of his time reading paperbacks by the pool or in his room. When he finally entered high school, he was unprepared. His first report card was dismal. He felt like a social outcast. But over time, he caught up. He won science fairs and became the editor of his high school paper.

Stefan's relationship with his mom was complicated. She was his only teacher and friend. He felt trapped in a cage of her love. He moved to college in St. Louis and did things that would make his mom disapprove. He gained weight, drank beer, painted his nails, and even wished he was gay. But his mom never let go. She moved to New York City and eventually published two novels. When his mom suggested moving closer to help with his new baby, he declined.

Reflection and Realization

His mom's death in 2020 made Stefan reflect on their relationship. He realized her love was both a cage and a key. It trapped him but also gave him the strength to break free. Stefan's story is a window into the world of homeschooling and its impact on a child's life.