Dear Dr. Ablow…An Apology Just Doesn’t Cut It

“I would suggest that other parents follow my lead and apologize to their kids for what passes as primary and secondary education in America, too. ”
– Dr. Keith Ablow, Fox News

Don't be sorry that your kids have to go to school. Do something about it.

Dear Dr. Ablow,

Recently I read with interest your op-ed column on Fox News in which you advised parents to do as you did and apologize to their kids for having to waste their time in school. 

“As a parent myself, I literally apologized to each of my children—and not just once—for the fact that so much of their time as grade school and junior high school and high school students (even at private school) was being spent on memorization, regurgitation and rote learning that amounted to busy work and the warehousing of them, physically and mentally.” – Keith Ablow

Don’t get me wrong. I hear you loud and clear, and, more importantly, I agree with you, but what good is an apology? You’ve said it yourself that the U.S. educational system has not only failed its students, but “dehumanizes them.”

Those are pretty strong words for someone who has continued to faithfully send their children to an institution that clearly has harmed them.

“…their kids might start to think that their instinctive distaste for regurgitating inert information means that there is something wrong with the way they think, not something wrong with the way the educational system dehumanizes them. They might start to distrust themselves, instead of the adults around them (including most of their parents and most of their teachers) who pretend to be wholly committed to nurturing them and educating them, when the truth is that they could reach deeper and kindle, in them, far more intellectual and personal growth.” –Keith Ablow

Why?

Why do you obediently send them there when you are well aware of the damage being done?

The sad part about it is that you’re not alone. There are so many people who get that the school system is a failed social experiment. You’re so close to the answer, but then you just brush it off, and say, Oh, well. Sorry, kids.

Stop spouting off empty words, and do something about it!

Approximately 2.5 million children are currently being homeschooled in the United States right now, and I’d wager that a good portion of those kids are being homeschooled because their parents felt the same way you do. As the educational system continues to fail miserably, that population is bound to grow more and more with each passing year.

Through the years, this educational approach has proven itself over and over again, so why wasn’t it even mentioned in your column? I get that it’s hard- I homeschool ten of my own kids, but I feel strongly enough in my convictions that I will do whatever I need to do to give my kids the lives- and education- they deserve.

And, contrary to popular opinion, homeschooling is not a luxury afforded to only stay-at-home moms. There are single homeschoolers, working homeschoolers, and people homeschooling their nieces and nephews. It is entirely possible for almost anyone who is willing to think outside of the box for the sake of their own children.

Believe me, I wholeheartedly agree with your concerns, but do you honestly believe that a simple apology is enough? I think not.

Actions speak louder than words.

Author: Shelly Sangrey

I'm Shelly, a Christ-following, homeschooling Mom of eleven children ( okay, not ALL children. My oldest is 23.) I met my husband right after graduation, and we've been together ever since. Though my life can be hectic at times... okay, ALL the time, I wouldn't change it for anything.

24 thoughts on “Dear Dr. Ablow…An Apology Just Doesn’t Cut It”

    1. Thanks, Camie. I hadn’t even planned on writing this, but after reading the op-ed, I couldn’t stop stewing over it, so I thought, “Might as well blog about it. Otherwise, I won’t get it out of my system.” And I was right. I feel much better now. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  4. And if you can’t homeschool, you can at least add educational activities to accompany regular schooling.

    Found you on #fridayfrivolity! Hello!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. That’s certainly a good idea, although I think if you feel that strongly about the negativity of the school system, you should do everything you can to ensure your child doesn’t have to waste their time there anymore.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. I wasn’t upset at that. It was very frustrating to me that he was so passionately against what goes on in schools but then went on to have an attitude of, “Oh well. Just apologize to your kids for sending them to school,” as if that would change anything, instead of actually DOING something about it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment