Story of a Homeschooler

The amount of secrecy I felt I had to hold really rings true to me with this crazy Josh Duggar situation. I understand family secrets, far far too well.

Hurts Me More Than You: A Poem by Jessica

“‘Bless us, Oh Lord…’ we all sit to pray, / But you neglected to do it well.”

I Am a Survivor: Elizabeth W.’s Story, Part Two

“Physical abuse is not the only threat to a child at home. Emotional and verbal abuse leave damage far deeper, with myriad consequences to a child.”

I Am a Survivor: Elizabeth W.’s Story, Part One

“Homeschooling was the first step my mom took to make sure no one could get involved through children’s loose tongues ever again.”

To the Students of PHC: Talitha’s Story

“Congratulations, PHC, you broke my spirit.”

Depression and Spiritual Abuse: By Kierstyn King

“Looking back, it’s no wonder that all of the feelings and self loathing that lead to my depression, brought depression. I was taught that I was worthless, that I should never think well of myself, that I needed to be humble, I was never allowed to show any emotion that was not a plastic smile. Perfection was constantly demanded.”

It’s Going to Be Okay: By Isabella

“I thought my growing up was normal. The spankings, the yelling, the verbal abuse, all that was normal. Crazy thing is, I thought I was the one messed up. You know, because I was depressed. And dealt with self abuse. And had panic attacks. I must be really messed up if I made dad mad enough to throw my laptop on my bed and threaten to send me a mental hospital.”

Homeschooling and Mental Illness: By Sara Tinous

“Growing up in this environment was a catalyst for my own anxiety and depression. I went from being an incessantly chatty queen bee elementary school kid who knew everyone at my school to someone who only ocassionaly saw one of three or four girls my age and who was afraid to use a telephone to talk to a librarian.”

How Not To Homeschool Your Children: Judith’s Story, Part Two

“I haven’t touched anything academic until very recently, because my love of learning was completely stripped away. I did what I had to do to survive, and spent my spare time watching the ‘stupid’ movies and television shows that I never saw, hiding from society because I was too emotionally exhausted to deal with people.”

How Not To Homeschool Your Children: Judith’s Story, Part One

“My parents started homeschooling me in the mid-90’s. Recently I asked about the factors involved that led them to homeschool, something I never thought to ask about previously because I always assumed it was for the stereotypical reasons. Turns out, they were not ever ‘anti-public school’, nor was it a matter of “we can better educate them at home.'”