LIFE

Dear Carol,

I am home-schooled, and I was supposed to go back to public school this fall (which would be my freshman year)—but my dad keeps changing my plans. Instead of public school, I will be starting my first year of high school online. Being at home is affecting me more than my dad knows. I haven’t been able to connect with other kids my age in over a year and do fun stuff like clubs after school. I was really looking forward to living a normal life again. My dad keeps going back and forth, saying I am going back and now saying I’m not.

- Home-Schooled

Dear Home-Schooled,

I’m sorry this has been so hard. Since it won’t help to yell “Dad! It’s not fairrrrr!” or “I’m missing too many parties!” try to approach him calmly and maturely and in a way that will help your case. Text or say something like: “Dad, I love you, and I know you love me and want what’s best for me. I think I need to go to public school this fall. I’m not learning effectively enough online, and I could use help with chemistry and algebra. And making a friend or two and playing on the club soccer team would probably be healthy for me too.” Is there someone else who can advocate for you? A coach or aunt or grandparent? A pastor or neighbor or a friend’s mom? When parents and kids are motivated and home-schooling is working, great. But when it’s not? That’s not good for anyone. Since your dad’s on the fence, you may be able to convince him. I hope so.

Carol Weston is the author of 16 books, including Girltalk, Ava and Pip and Speed of Life, which is a novel about a 14-year-old girl who writes to an advice columnist. Check out carolweston.com and follow her on Instagram @carolwestonnyc.

Need more life advice? Read more Dear Carol here:
💟 "Dear Carol, My mom won't let me dress the way that I want"
💟 "Dear Carol, I'm worried that my family doesn't like me anymore"
💟 "Dear Carol, How do I support a friend who's struggling?"

We want to hear from you! Go here to submit questions to Carol about every sticky sitch life throws at you.

by GL | 8/1/2024