Do you remember your experience in school? There are so many issues and gaps in our education. Now, as our children grow up and step into the world, the parent’s role in our children’s education is even more important. Yet, many of us blindly trust an outdated and often restrictive educational system that may not truly serve our best interests. Costs are escalating, educational quality is questioned, and the true value of traditional schooling is under more scrutiny than ever.

In this episode of We're Talking Shift Podcast, we're joined by Sam Sorbo for a conversation about education. As a passionate advocate for home education, Sam shares why sending your children to school for education is not the best choice, and why the parent’s role is even more important todayv. She highlights the abuse and issues that are prevalent in the current educational system. Together, we explore the powerful alternative of home education.

Tune in to the full episode and reevaluate what education means for your family. It's time to uncover the transformative potential of taking charge of your children's learning experience and educating them to be truly enlightened and empowered!

Sounding the Alarm on Education
"Your education informs the way you interact with the world. It informs everything you think, believe, and do," declares Sam Sorbo as she examines the current state of the education system. Sam Sorbo is known for her work in Hollywood as an actress, writer, and producer. Now, as an advocate for home education, she is determined to sound the alarm and empower families to embrace alternative approaches to learning.

Sam shines a light on the pervasive issue of societal conditioning through the education system. Education, far from being a neutral tool for empowerment, has been utilized to stifle individuality and critical thinking. Drawing from personal experiences, she shares the journey of withdrawing her child from traditional schooling due to systemic flaws. Her message is clear: the education system, as it stands, is failing to fulfill its fundamental purpose of nurturing good humans.

"What education really has done is it has decimated education," Sam asserts. Unfortunately, there are still many who realize the shortcomings of education yet continue to support the same system. People have been conditioned to be comfortable rather than embrace the possibility of alternative approaches to education. It’s time to wake up and realize these problems in education today.

The Parent’s Role in Education
What do you think is a “good school”? Is it one that excels in maths and sciences? "I realized that education really involves the whole child," Sam reflects. There is a need for a broader understanding of what true education is. It's not just about academics; it's about nurturing the overall character and values of the child.

The traditional schooling systems are failing our children by stripping parents of their rightful authority and involvement in the educational process. This disconnection not only impacts the child's academic growth but also their personal development and family relationships. She points out a troubling trend where schools often usurp the authority of parents and guardians in their children's lives.
 
It’s important to remember that the parent’s role in education is critical — we can’t just be bystanders. Sam challenges parents to re-evaluate their roles and consider the profound impact their direct involvement can have on their children’s futures.

Abuse at the Hands of the Educational System
Abusive is not often a word used to describe schooling. However, when you truly think about it, the abuse truly exists. Sam highlights that the very structure of our culture hates children, limiting their potential and failing in its role of educating them. She lists the little and big ways that the system can be abusive: 

• Discouraging children’s infinite and natural curiosity, 
• Dictating children’s schedules and actions, 
• Unknown treatment of our children under teachers who are strangers, 
• Training children to conform and not nourish their unique gifts and individuality, 
• Teaching children that their value lies in how much money they can make, and 
• Not nourishing children’s spirituality and purpose, especially for young men.

If the parent’s role in education was a bigger one, we could protect our little ones. Children are born with an infinite capacity for curiosity, but the school environment often seeks to control this by imposing strict rules on when and how they can express their thoughts. Sam also shares a story about her daughter's early school experience that had led her to believe that she was stupid— this seemingly small moment had a significant emotional impact during their formative years, embedding a sense of inadequacy that took years to unlearn. 

Why Do People Shy Away From Home Education?
Despite realizing all these holes and problems in the education system, many parents still hesitate to embrace home education. For some, it's the fear and lack of understanding of what this entails. Sam states,  "They’re selfish, they’re scared they have no idea what they’re talking about and they don’t know how to do any research to figure it out.” This, coupled with a deep-seated reliance on traditional schooling, makes the prospect of home education daunting for many.

Many people aren’t sure if it’s the parent’s role to teach their children. However, Sam argues that with the right resources and a committed approach, parents can effectively guide their children's education. Beyond that, it’s important to remember that education is more than just providing information. It’s about cultivating curiosity, bringing out their inner gifts, and developing a good values system and characteristics that can help your child grow into a good human being.

The Truth About the Lack of Value in College Education
Why should you go to college? Sam expresses strong skepticism about the value of a college education, particularly in light of its soaring costs and uncertain returns. She criticizes the current higher education system for being a financial burden that often fails to prepare graduates for the real world.
 
Loree and Sam discuss how many careers require a college degree. However, practical experience, vocational training, and self-directed learning can be more than enough. Sam urges potential students and their families to critically assess the true benefits of college. Don’t simply adhere to societal expectations and decide if it truly is worth it.

Protecting Your Children with Home Education
As the episode ends, Sam talks about why home education is a critical educational choice and why the parent’s role in their child’s upbringing is important. She re-emphasizes the importance of protecting your children from abuse and issues in traditional schooling environments.  “Just open your eyes because the world is full of opportunities for home education,” Sam advises, highlighting the safer, controlled environment that homeschooling can offer. 

Sam also talks about how home education can turn the focus to character focus and personal development. By taking charge of their children’s education, parents have the unique opportunity to instill strong moral values and foster a sense of responsibility and integrity often overlooked in schools.

Homeschooling also allows for a wonderful tailored educational experience that can adapt to the child's learning pace, interests, and emotional needs. This gives your children the opportunity to become well-rounded individuals ready to face the world with their unique gifts, innate curiosity, and strong values and purpose.


We invite you to reflect on the parent’s role in their children’s education and futures. Are you fully aware of the impact of your educational choices on yourself or your child? Consider home education not just as an alternative, but as a vital approach to fostering a well-rounded, capable, and emotionally intelligent next generation.
 
Explore more about essential education with Sam’s books and resources on her website. As you make this educational shift for you or your child, keep your mind open to learning more. Tap into your inner child and be curious.

Listen to more episodes on the We’re Talking Shift Podcast to explore more topics on education and the alternatives to traditional schooling.