I just found out my best friend is being Home-Schooled?

(((Maggie)))) I've missed you! You missed the Keith Moon Moment of Noise for the death of his anniversary :( That's ok, we'll have another.

As for your friend, it sucks for both of you. It'll be an adjustment for you both but you can do it. Unfortunately, since she's 14, she has to follow their rules and do what they want but that won't be forever. This is happening for some reason, maybe her parents need to learn something out of all of this...and you are going to learn something too. Patience, flexibility, acceptance of change. I dunno, but it will be something.

In the meantime, you can continue to be as supportive as you can. You'll have space to make other friends, not that anyone will take her place, her place in your life is going to just change a little. But all relationships change, anyway, it's a sign of a healthy relationship where you can let another person go through their changes without fighting to keep things the way they were.

You're pretty grown up for 14, more mature than a lot of other 14 year olds...heck, more than some adults. It's all going to turn out alright, you'll see :)

H-e-l-l-o Maggie! I have missed you.

Too bad about your friend. Her parents are the one with the problem. Taking her out of public school isn't going to "change" her. Please don't dismiss her feelings regarding her sexual preference. 14 is not to early to know those types of things. Some people know when they are children. I do commend you in stating that her being bi does not change how you feel about her as a friend & person. Only a real & loving friend can make such a statement.

All relationships go through changes. True friendships don't fade because of not seeing each other everyday. My bf and I only see each other on weekends and we've been friends for over 30 years. We just know each other and from the sound of what you are saying, both of you do as well. Please don't think I'm not taking your concern seriously. I am. But strong bonds never break. Remember that. You will probably be friends for life. But again, relationships of all sorts have changes that occur. How you deal w/those changes is key. I have always told you that you are much "older" & wiser than most average teens. Things have a way of working out as long as you remain open-minded, honest and supportive.

When your missing her, give her a call or play a song that you know she likes. Think of the fun times you've both have shared and hell, if it's a funny one...laugh out loud! Nothing and no one can take away your memories. If you ever need to talk...I'm listening! Take care my dear and so good to have you back on Y!A!!

Okay, just today I was talking to another mom at my son's preschool about this. I was telling her that home schooling was looking VERY good to me these days although I do NOT have the patience for it. That is why I am not a teacher. From my experience, kids who come from a strange home, are strange, whether they are home schooled or not. I am saying strange, because I got that vibe from your question, kids home schooled that you have met are socially strange?? Maybe not, but that's what I understood. :) I know people who home school their children and they are some of the best kids I have ever met! Seriously. I wish I knew their secrets. But some home schooled kids are odd parents (as some are anywhere) and of course, those kids are odd too...that is all they are exposed to. I will keep my kids in public schools because I think it's important to socially develop my kids and like I said before, I AM SO NOT A TEACHER! :) All in all, I agree with you...but it just depends on the parents.

Wow. That is a hot mess. In one way, you are dealing with someone who has made a choice for their sexual preference being bisexual. In another way, you are dealing with a minor and parents who still have the final say on how their child behaves and who associates with their child.

If the parents removed your friend from school because of her sexual preferences, anyone who supports her choice could be seen as problem to the family. If I were you, I would not advertise that you are pro gay rights and that you support your friends choice to her parents.

There are many schools of thought regarding sexuality. Some people see sexuality as genetic and that individuals need to discover what their true sexuality is.

Other people see sexuality as a behavior. This was more of an accepted belief in the past. When that was the norm, there was normal, good behavior and abnormal, bad behavior. Gays, lesbians, and bisexuals were believe to unduly influence others, persuading them to change their behavior. In that regard, we would all be bisexual and we could be persuaded to be gay/lebian, bisexual or straight. Because of this, many gay and lebian people were not allowed to teach children because parents feared that their behavioral choice, to the parents would consider a bad behaviorial choice, would also influence their children.

If I were you, if you want to continue seeing your friend, I would not advertise the fact that you are pro gay rights. Your friends parents may not like it and feel that, just as they removed their child from that school to avoid the negative influences of the school, they might falsely believe that you are an enabler of their child's "bad" behavior.

There are some very creepy and backward methods that parents take to attempt to "cure" their children from the "disease" or "illness" of gay and lesbian choices. In the past, parents might have a child committed to a mental health clinic, prescribed pyschosexual drugs to inhibit their sex drives and counsel them on the "correct" choices. But no board certified mental health counselor would treat a person like that today.

Another thing would be the parents home schooling the child and then trying to cure the child through holistic medicine which is the holy rollers trying to caste the demons out of your friend. "She is possessed by the devil!" And all that sort of stuff.

If the child is adopted, if parents act like that you could report them to the Department of Social Services. But if the biological parents behave like that I am not sure if there is anything you can do.

Sadly, I think your friend may have to go into the closet with her behavior until she can move out at 18 and have her own life.

Maybe you could write notes to each other during the day. Then trade after school. I had the same thing happen to me when I was in school but we had known each other since kindergarten. I currently homeschool my two oldest children because my husband and i don't like the public school where we live. My kids are usually done by noon or one with all their work. so your friend should have plenty of time after you get out of school. good luck!

e-mail each, video chat

I religious, but I think if they can't accept that their daughter is gay, then they have no right. She has 4 more years before she is free. Come over just enough, but not so much that the parents will be supectius. Public school can't take away religion. that is so dumb. Try to get a new friend but don't replace her.

It's an issue with the girl's parents and there is nothing you can do. All is not lost since you can both enjoy each other's company on the weekends. Pity how some people who claim to be Christians can show this lack of love for their children.

Sorry to hear that about your friend, I think her parents should give there heads a shake. All I can say to you, is be close to your friend as you can and always be there for her. Remember there is always the phone, and as you say the church. And if your on the computer, is another way. I really hope you guys get to see more of each other. Tell your friend to hold her head up high and be proud of who she is.

take care and all the best to your friend

dave

I'm wondering if the Pastor of your church talking

to them will help. They should know home schooling

isn't going to help what they consider a problem. Removing

her from her friends and social environment will more than

likely make things worse.

If it doesn't mix in with others and see what turns up

Make new friends.

But keep thee old.

One is silver and the other gold.

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