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Has anyone else noticed the difference in attitudes between homeschool kids and public school kids? It’s like they’re living in two different worlds! Whether it’s being nicer to others, following directions, or just the general vibe, it’s hard not to wonder: What’s going on in those different learning environments?
Let’s talk about it.
First off, homeschool kids live in a totally different atmosphere than public schoolers. They’re learning at home, in smaller groups (or maybe just with siblings), which seems to encourage a certain level of calmness—or at least controlled chaos, depending on the day. They’re in an environment where they’re constantly surrounded by people who know them, understand them, and—let’s face it—probably have a little more patience than your average classroom teacher managing 25 kids at once.
A lot of parents in homeschool forums have chimed in on this topic, noting that homeschool kids tend to be more poite and cooperative in everyday situations. Maybe it’s because they’re interacting with a wider age range of people throughout the day—talking to adults, siblings, and even other homeschoolers in co-ops, rather than just peers their own age. Learning how to navigate different social circles could give homeschoolers a bit of an edge when it comes to manners and consideration for others.
Then there’s the whole following directions thing. Many homeschool parents swear their kids follow instructions better than public schoolers. Perhaps it’s because homeschool kids are used to a more flexible schedule and don’t feel like they’re constantly in a “sit still and listen” boot camp. With the freedom to learn at their own pace, they may not feel the need to push back as much when they are asked to follow directions.
But before we get too far into “homeschool kids are little angels” territory, let’s be real—no one’s kid is perfect (well, maybe yours is). Homeschool kids have their days too, where “following directions” turns into “why are you STILL not cleaning up after your science project?!” And hey, public schoolers are balancing a lot more social dynamics and structure every day, so props to them for navigating that jungle!
At the end of the day, it’s all about the environment and the unique challenges each group faces. Whether you’ve got homeschoolers who are as sweet as pie (or occasionally as stubborn as a goat) or public schoolers who can charm you one minute and drive you crazy the next, the differences in attitude aren’t necessarily better or worse—just different. What have you noticed about your homeschool kids versus their public school friends or cousins? Let’s hear your stories—because honestly, we all know kids will keep us guessing no matter where they’re learning!
