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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To disagree with home ed

407 replies

Freshton · 12/05/2026 21:57

Unless in extreme cases (ie SEN, extreme mental health or other complex needs) or parent is qualified teacher, I fundamentally disagree with home ed.

It's insular and doesn't prepare kids for the real world.

I've seen first hand some shocking examples that I can't go into for confidentiality reasons but common thread was parents arrogantly assumed they had same skills as teachers with masters degrees. Reality was kids were really behind, had no proper structure or routine.

It's worrying that so many people see home ed as a viable lifestyle choice. I know school system not perfect at all but isolating children at home or in small home ed group echo chambers isn't healthy.

OP posts:
zebrazoop · 12/05/2026 22:04

Major safeguarding risk

FaceBothered · 12/05/2026 22:04

We had this thread last week and opinions were pretty split amongst the bun fights.

durdledoris · 12/05/2026 22:04

I couldn't agree more op and think parents who home educate are doing their kids a disservice- yes l know school doesn't work for everyone but the families l know haven't done it with their kids' best Interests in mind and it scares me these kids will have no structure or proper education.

MyArtfulGreySloth · 12/05/2026 22:03

Too many people think they can play pretend teacher, print cute worksheets off Twinkl and that’s it. They have no idea how to teach a child.

mumofoneAloneandwell · 12/05/2026 22:02

But the reasons you mention really arent extreme cases, theyre very common occurrences

SeanMean · 12/05/2026 22:02

Also agree!👍

Lottapianos · 12/05/2026 22:00

I have similar concerns. You'll probably get screamed at on here, but I hear you