Review: The title is VERY misleading
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 12 26, 2013
A better title would not have included the word homeschool, or secrets.  It might have said something along the lines of "How to Encourage Your Child to Have a Successful Education Experience", but even that might be stretching it.First of all, this book is not about homeschooling.  It just isn't.  The author has never homeschooled her son.  She doesn't really seem to have a clue about homeschooling, or it's merits.  Her "secrets" are mainly things any parent does naturally - talk to your kid, spend time with them, do things that are fun and also teach them.As far as her claim that her son "graduated" at 12 (or was it 13?)... Yeah.  Technically, he did not graduate.  He did not complete coursework and earn a diploma.  What did happen is that the child passed a state test that says he knows enough stuff that if he needed to not go to school in order to work, he could drop-out without it being counted as a drop-out.  At least, that's  how I understood it.  The boy still attends school - in a traditional school setting.The author's secrets include such nonsense as if you make it clear to your child what is expected of them, they will do what you want them to do.  Her son is apparently an angel who never disobeys or rebels.  My kids know full well what is expected of them.  Does that mean they always behave just how I would like?  Um, no.The author also implies that world travel is essential to education (and in some degree, I can agree that it would certainly enrich one's experience) and insinuates that if you want your child to be well educated, traveling is a must.  Failing to take into account whether or not most families can afford to take annual or bi-annual trips around the world.  For that matter, she fails to take into account the financial situation of many homeschool families, and throughout the entire book suggests all sorts of team and group activities and sports that can cost quite a bit of money for one child, let alone multiple children in a family that is schooling more than one.So, what it boils down to, is if you're looking for a good book on homeschooling, this isn't it.  If you'd like some suggestions on ways to enrich your child's learning experience, it's a quick read and does have a few gems hidden inside.