I’m nervous to go to school. Should I go?

[Graci_e]

I’ve been homeschooled since 4th grade because I used to have a lot of anxieties with school, especially socially. I’ve worked on this through a therapist for years.

I want to go to school. I feel like I’m missing out on a lot not going. I don’t really have friends or a normal teenage social life. I don’t want to miss out on a formal (prom) or graduation. I want to make friends and have a life I guess.

But I’m a little anxious about it. It would be a big change. There’s a lot more school work involved, longer days away from home, etc.

The school we’re looking at is great. They even go away on camping trips and they have an equestrian team (I ride horses). It’s a nice, supportive school.

Should I go? I don’t want to miss out on having friends and the normal teenage stuff. But I’m also scared that I’ll regret it.

[OlderAndWiser]

Your life will periodically include challenges to do new things and they will be things that might make you uncomfortable. The only way to conquer this demon is to tell yourself that you will not allow the demon to win, you will fight, and you WILL overcome the obstacle. If you pust yourself to do this, your anxieties will resolve rather quickly and you will probably be very glad for your decision. If you back away from this now, it will become easier to back away from every challenge in your life and that means you will forever miss out on many things. Be brave and do it!

[OlderAndWiser]

Thanks for MHO!

[ChrisMaster69]

Can you try before making a decision

personally I would go for it.

it’s a sort of way to prepare you for wider world.

socialising, making friends, learning who is a friend and who is not, basic life skills stuff

you often learn to have a tougher skin when dealing with others.

[Graci_e]

I’m not 100% sure if I can try before fully committing. But yeah, you’re right. That’s what my therapist said too

[ChrisMaster69]

@Graci_e personally going is a good move as part of counselling etc, it lets you learn if your coping works also to face things you may not want to but you learn.

That’s life, it’s about learning, experiencing things, learning about life and how different people are.

Also it is part of building a social network among your peers etc

[Graci_e]

Yeah my therapist was super excited about the idea for me. She thinks I’m ready for it but I’m just a little bit worried.

I’m also worried because I’m going to start breeding my dog as my own business, so there will be like 2 litters a year and I’m worried about having to leave puppies. My mum would take good care of them though.

[ChrisMaster69]

@Graci_e let your mum help you, she will be most likely really happy to if it means you getting out of house to school.

Would you board or come home each day

[Graci_e]

I would come home each day. The schools near my mums work and about 30 mins from our house.

Yeah she said to me just before that it would probably mean that I’d stay home the first few days after my dogs give birth, and after that I’d be good to go back to school.

[ChrisMaster69]

@Graci_e well no real reason not to go then.

It’s really a case of gritting your teeth and going for it.

Personally it’s a great opportunity and as you said they have horses.

[Graci_e]

Yeah I think it’ll be okay. I feel like I’d be missing out on a lot if I don’t go.

[ChrisMaster69]

@Graci_e thank you for MHG, most appreciated and good luck.

[Graci_e]

All good :)

[RedStealthOperative]

I think you should give it a chance. If you don't like it, then explain why to your parents.

I was socially awkward and grew scared to interact with people in my preteens, which lead to homeschooling. I sometimes regret it, though, because of all of the social interaction I missed. I know it's never too late to learn, but it still kinda feels like a gap in my life that could've helped me ease into being more socially confident. However, I'm not saying that you necessarily NEED school to grow into being socially confident. I think it's just how you use your time there that makes up the difference.

Hopefully if you do go, you have a lot of great experiences!

[Blackcosmo]

I understand what you're going through. I'm also homeschooled, don't have many friends, have social anxiety, and not much of a social life. I'm also planning to start public school in maybe a year or so. I'm telling you that you don't want to miss out. Since you have anxiety, you should target it earlier in high school instead of leaving it till later because it will be so much harder to deal with. Making new friends is an amazing thing and high school is an amazing experience. I suggest you go and if you do I wish you the best of luck!
Take care!

[Emii_Urashima]

It depends on the country you are in. You are better off being homeschooled if you are in the USA. I have some relatives there and they were in public schools, but eventually their parents decided to homeschool them. There are far too many distractions for learning. The students bully and harass. The teachers are all a part of one political party and they are only interested in pushing a radical agenda. They have little interest in actually teaching. You would probably be pressured by your teachers to join clubs that you are not interested in. If your beliefs are different than theirs, you will have serious problems.

[TheSpaceGnome]

If you want to go, you should, if you don't want to go, you shouldn't.
You may regret it, you may not, but you can always go back to homeschooling if you hate it.
Personally I prefer being home, but you may be different, and it is indeed much easier to make friends at school for some, and when you become an adult, making friends your age nearby who share your interests and hobbies, will feel impossible at times, so school is a good time to make lifelong friends.

[Graci_e]

Thank you :))

[TheSpaceGnome]

You're welcome.

[Zodiac10]

When I get nervous and anxiety about something, I think the phrase "wreckless ambition". Sometimes you just gotta go for it. Even if it's not pretty and there may be stumbles, that's a part I'd the process and you learn to appreciate those stumbles down the road. That's how you get confidence. Just. go. do. it. it won't be pretty. Maybe it will. Maybe it will be great. Maybe it will be horrible. The only way to know is just go for it!

Have wreckless ambition. Just got for it!

[Graci_e]

Thank you! That’s great advice.

[exitseven]

It is natural to be nervous. It sounds like a private school so it may be hard to be the new kid as well. Just try and be friendly and try to seek out people you have things in common with. Get involved with the Equestrian Team you will meet people there.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you could have a trial week? See how you find it for the week and then make your decision. I was homeschooled for most of my teenage years, I tried going back to public school but the school I was attending wasn’t at all supportive so I struggled and ended up being homeschooled again. If they have a good support system then it could be a good fit for you.

[Graci_e]

Yeah they have a great support system

[Opinion Owner]

That’s good. I think the only way you’ll know for sure is if you give it a try. Is the option to return to homeschooling still available if you don’t like it?

[Graci_e]

Yeah the option will still be available

[Static_In_The_Attic]

Every journey starts with one small step & as for you I say go for it because if you never try you will never know. Go to school, make a few new friends & no matter what never give up, never give in & keep moving forward.

[Apulu_Imback]

Nope you won't regret it! Honestly after being home schooled in Lockdown I also feared to go meet the world but I don't feel any regrets. You will enjoy it! Go kiss the world! Live your life girl!

[WhiteBoyChill]

You should definitely go. Its normal to feel afraid but its important for your development. And if it doesn’t work out, you still tried and have nothing to feel ashamed of

[Aiko_E_Lara]

Just go. It will be a new experience for you and it's gonna train your confidence. It's an opportunity and you might regret it if you won't take it.

[Graci_e]

Thank you :)

[Aiko_E_Lara]

*Hugs*

[Sour-rose]

Yes. Do it. Or stay where you are and learn at home.

[Anonymous]

Generally when we are worried about going to do a thing everything ends up being fine when you get there.

It's not like you are going to be eaten by lions.

[KrakenAttackin]

Change is always hard. Just be prepared for a lot of initial anxiety and disorientation, which will pass. Eventually you will make friends and adjust to the rhythm. Give it a chance!

[Tstrbrainer]

Just go ahead and see how it goes.
Usually school comes with fun memories too

[RandomGuy1030]

No you shouldn't go. you'll be hurt and attacked. you'll have less time to learn what you want to learn. Every kid wants to be homeschooled its a dream come true.

[WhitneySnow]

I def think you should go. You won’t regret it.

[Liuz02]

Yes you should defo go

[jimmy2]

I hope you are blessed by a go into school

[Bigjake1019]

You should go!

[Graci_e]

Thank you :))

[Bigjake1019]

Your welcome