Anti vax

[Jennybeans401]

I have friends who home ed but they are all anti vaxxers and very much believe that the government is in a conspiracy.

I'd like to home ed but I find it really off putting, are all home edders anti vax or am I just unlucky that my friends are all opposed to vaccination?

I know two local HE groups. One has only has a couple of anti-vaxxers; the other is in a very 'arty/alternative' town down the road, and about a third of them are. I'm a boring, middle-of-the-road townie type and it doesn't seem to be a problem!

You will always meet people who fit the stereotype.
So yes here are anti vax home educators. Just as there religious types, those home educating as a last resort because of SEN, current/ex teachers who have lost faith in the system, the hot-housing 'tiger-parents', and the hands off running wild types. Basically all those stereotypes people have because they've met a couple of families like that are real but they are only part of the picture. For one those stereotypes alone create a diverse picture, but then you have the majority of home educators who don't fit a stereotype or maybe are spread over several.

It really is a diverse group. I have never understood those who say home educated kids won't learn how to socialise and rub along with people different, as you really do come across all sorts. Admittedly some grous/activities can get dominated by a certain clique or vibe. So persevere and hopefully you find somewhere welcoming.

I'm in one group that is dominated by anti-vaxxers that go on about it, it drives me nuts but unfortunately it contains my son's two best friends. Another neighbouring town has a far more reasonable scene.

I've been completely put off home ed, I met up with a group in the holidays. I am sure there are other groups further afield that might be better but I don't really want to have to travel too far.

The children were lovely but the mums I met were all anti vaxxers, the main topic of conversation was the vaccine and how Covid is a conspiracy. They all genuinely believe this! I had brought snacks but all the parents and children were vegans.

There were other things, I just felt that we were clashing in terms of values and beliefs. If I was just dropping dds off (as in school) it wouldn't make a difference but I had to stay and chat.

@Jennybeans401
I’m sorry you’ve had this experience and been put off. Are you sending your child to school?

All I’ll say is yes you will find this ‘type’ of person in home Ed circles but I can assure you that they are not representative of all home educators. Where I live we have a thriving home Ed community which is growing all the time. In it there are so many different ‘types’. You are not getting a true picture from one meet-up. It takes time to find your ‘tribe’ like any situation in life.

Do what’s best for your child and maybe don’t make the decision based on vaccination alone.

Ps the vast majority of my home Ed friends are not vegan either 😆

I home ed and there is a very definite "type" there that sways towards anti vax but there are tonnes of pro science, pro vaccination types too.