Homeschooling Paige: Finding Passion, Creativity, and Those Priceless Public Reactions

Homeschooling Paige: Finding Passion, Creativity, and Those Priceless Public Reactions Homeschooling. It’s one of those words that divides a room faster than pineapple on pizza. When people find out Paige, my spirited and endlessly creative 15-year-old, is homeschooled through the ILC (Independent Learning Centre) program, the reactions are… let’s just say, colorful. Some folks give the polite nod, their smiles tightening as if I’ve just announced we churn our own butter and strictly wear bonnets. Others gasp, their eyes wide with questions they’re dying to ask but too polite to voice. “Isn’t she missing out on socialization?” “How do you even have the patience for that?” And my personal favorite, “But… why?” So, let’s talk about why—and the unexpected magic that’s come from homeschooling Paige. First, let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, she’s socialized, no, I’m not a certified teacher, and no, I don’t spend every waking moment standing over her shoulder barking out algebra equations. The ILC program is self-paced, allowing Paige to take charge of her learning while I act as a guide and cheerleader. Trust me, this is a lot different from trying to homeschool a first grader (bless those parents). Paige's works better in the evening, during the day she's very much free spirited. People often assume homeschooling means isolation or a lack of discipline. They envision a teenager who spends all day in pajamas (okay, sometimes that’s true) bingeing YouTube instead of learning. But for Paige, it’s been the complete opposite. The flexibility of the program has reignited her natural curiosity and creativity in a way the traditional school system hadn’t. Before homeschooling, Paige was like a flower trying to grow in the wrong soil. She’s always been creative—a bracelet maker, an artist, a dreamer—but the rigid structure of public school seemed to stifle that. Homework deadlines, overly structured days, and constant comparisons dulled her spark. She was doing fine but not thriving. Homeschooling has given her the space to breathe, think, and create. Now, she dives headfirst into her lessons and still has time to let her creativity flow. Her side hustle, Little Miss Pampered, has blossomed as she crafts bracelets with passion and purpose. Watching her design, experiment, and even handle the business side of things (with just a littleguidance from mom) has been nothing short of inspiring. The ILC program offers flexibility that’s been a game-changer for our family. Paige can move at her own pace, diving deep into subjects she loves while still keeping up with required credits. She’s learning life skills too—time management, problem-solving, and even budgeting (because bracelets don’t make themselves, you know). The best part? She’s happier. Genuinely, glowingly happier. Her days are filled with learning, creativity, and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s as though homeschooling unlocked a part of her that had been quietly waiting for permission to come alive. Of course, the public’s curiosity never gets old. “What about prom?” someone asked recently. I assured them that Paige has no shortage of friends and is more likely to attend a bracelet workshop than a high school dance. “But aren’t you worried she’s missing out?” they ask, concern etched across their faces. Here’s the thing: homeschooling isn’t about missing out. It’s about opting in to a different way of learning and living—a way that’s better suited to Paige’s unique needs and talents. Sure, she’s not walking the high school halls every day, but she’s building something just as valuable: a life she’s excited about. And honestly, how many 15-year-olds can say that? I’ll admit, homeschooling wasn’t on my bingo card when I envisioned Paige’s teenage years.It was a knee jerk reaction to solve a problem, one I don't regret for a second. It’s not always easy, and there are days when I question everything. But seeing her light up with ideas, manage her own schedule, and pursue her passions makes every moment worth it. This journey has taught me that education isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, the best way to nurture a child’s growth is to let them step off the beaten path. Watching Paige flourish has been a reminder that there’s beauty in doing things differently—and that the “weird homeschool kid” trope is just that: a trope. So, to the people making those faces when they find out Paige is homeschooled: don’t worry, she’s thriving. She’s learning, creating, and becoming a fiercely independent young woman. Watching her I strive to be as confident and care free as she is. Every single day she teaches me something. Homeschooling has been an unexpected adventure, one that’s brought so much into Paige’s life—and into mine. It’s not perfect, but it’s ours. And honestly, isn’t that what parenting is all about?