From the end of July 08 this website will no longer be updated but will remain online as an archive.
For current information about home education in Australia please visit the Home Education Association of Australia.
While there, please consider joining this vital support network that works hard to promote home education in Australia.
Please note that Beverley Paine is unavailable to answer telephone and email inquiries, etc. Please join a support group in your state.

Home education is a legal alternative to school education in Australia. State governments are responsible for regulating home education.
Different states have different requirements, however homeschooling families are able to develop curriculum and learning programs
to suit the individual needs of their children.

© Beverley Paine

Roger has no intention of finding permanent or part-time work just yet, and despite owning a car, he isn't that interested in getting his license to drive. I am always fielding questions about his employment situation and this is difficult - much worse than trying to explain homeschooling! He's a young 18, not at all ready to move into the adult world and he keeps evaluating his sister's impoverished and stressful life and comparing it to his comfortable, relaxed lifestyle. I can't blame him for hanging at home, helping out and generally acting like a 'retired gentleman'! He does a little bit of computer trouble shooting now and then, for pocket money, and doesn't have any ambition. It is hard to not succumb to the paranoia so prevalent about youth and success in our society.

Something I've noticed over the years is how many children follow their parents' career paths. My brother became a fitter and turner, like Dad, and my sister and I tried motherhood and housewifery, with an active role in education (both in the home and in educational institutions), like Mum. I glance around at people I know and see the same thing happening, and find examples splattered across the media. Movie actors, doctors, politicians, writers, plumbers, scientists, mechanics, musicians. Centuries ago this was typical and made sense, but there is no reason for people to do this nowadays, yet I see it still happening. Children following in their parents' footsteps. Schooling doesn't seem to make much difference. It's an interesting cultural pattern.

Nothing changes as the children grow into adulthood. I am 'mother'. and a traditional mother, locked into the role of 'relationship builder'. I'm the person they all (Robin included!) come to with their problems and needs. Robin is the one they boast to or chat about life in general (not personal problems, of course - that's mum's role!) Did I create this dichotomy in my parenting practice? Of course. Even with eyes wide open we fell into gender stereotypes. Upon reflection I see that this is who we are and what we want from our lives. It reflects our traditional family values.

Want to Read More?
Browse the Articles Index or the Curriculum Index