The Hidden Factor in Choosing to Homeschool: Social Role Selection

🎙️ Episode Title:
The Hidden Factor in Choosing to Homeschool: Social Role Selection

📝 Show Notes:
In this episode of Not That Hard to Homeschool, Lisa Nehring uncovers a concept you've likely experienced—even if you’ve never had a name for it: social role selection. It's the reason why many families—both decades ago and today—decide to homeschool their children.

Lisa shares insights from her master’s thesis, exploring how social dynamics in school settings—bullying, exclusion, pecking order, and even being overlooked—push many families to seek something better. She explains:

✅ What social role selection is (and why it matters)
✅ Why parents want more authentic, empowering social environments for their kids
✅ How homeschooling, online learning, and hybrid options give families agency over their child’s social development
✅ Why academic skills, soft skills, and social role selection are the three pillars of a solid education

From Elon Musk’s rapid innovation mindset to the value of logic, Latin, and collaboration, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration for homeschool families seeking to prepare their kids for success in the real world—without sacrificing their well-being.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Traditional schools often force kids to self-navigate toxic social hierarchies

• Homeschooling allows families to intentionally curate their child’s social and educational environment

• Kids need more than academics—they need critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity

• True North Online Academy is designed to support all three pillars: academic, soft skills, and healthy social development

📚 Mentioned Resources:

• True North Online Academy Spring & Fall Class Catalog

• [Biographies & Memoirs Class for Future Leaders]

• [Middle & High School Logic Courses]

• [Dual Degree Info Meeting Registration Link – Coming Soon!]

👥 Join the Conversation:
Thinking about homeschooling or switching up your child’s educational environment? This episode will give you a framework to think more clearly—and confidently—about what really matters.

🎧 Listen Now and start reimagining education through the lens of purpose-driven social and academic development.