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They're Your Kids: An Inspirational Journey from Self-Doubter to Home School Advocate
Is school for your kids a resounding success?
For most of us, education was an uncomfortable process of sitting in stifling classrooms, listening to tedious lectures, struggling over stressful exams, and feeling like we were wasting our time and energy. There were class clowns, ruthless bullies, teacher’s pets, popular kids, and students no one wanted to be around.
What if we admitted to ourselves that the public school system is tragically flawed, instead of blindly relying on the same misguided, decrepit bureaucracy for our precious children?
“Because that’s how I grew up,” just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Our children deserve better than to be institutionalized in an education system developed during the Industrial Age. School shootings, homework, and failing grades are all on the rise. Even school administrators admit that their students are falling farther behind. Politicians throw money at the problem and implement unproven and illogical new “standards,” while the teachers' unions contribute to their campaigns and protect their own.
Sam Sorbo knows there is a better way…
As a mom of three and the wife of Kevin Sorbo, an actor who travels frequently, Sam struggled with simply relying on the status quo for their young children’s public school education. On an extended trip for one of Kevin’s film shoots, Sam discovered she was playing a role herself, as the “substitute teacher.” Nobody likes the sub! Public school was forming a wedge between her and her young ones. It was this sobering recognition that launched her remarkable journey into home education.
Home schooling provides a safer, sounder, and more spirit-centered didactic alternative, even for busy parents, and it's not as difficult as our bloated, entrenched education establishment wants you to believe.
With extensive data and many shudder-worthy examples, Sam explores the systemic inadequacies plaguing the public education system. They may leave you wondering why any discerning parent still puts her faith in public school. Once you understand the disintegration behind the classroom door, the solution becomes clear. This book then guides you through implementing a better educational approach for your family, one that is tried and true. Sam’s extraordinary story, her discoveries, challenges, and triumphs, will encourage you to embrace the wonderful benefits and incredible possibilities of home education for your beloved children.
* Concerned for the future of your children?
* Think you can’t home school because you work full-time?
* Frustrated with your child’s so-called teachers?
* Anxious about schoolyard bullies?
* Too scared to even consider home schooling your children?
Be a hero to your children, skip the school drop-off lines and fund-raisers, and enjoy a better kind of parent-teacher meeting – the one in the mirror!
This book can show you how.
For most of us, education was an uncomfortable process of sitting in stifling classrooms, listening to tedious lectures, struggling over stressful exams, and feeling like we were wasting our time and energy. There were class clowns, ruthless bullies, teacher’s pets, popular kids, and students no one wanted to be around.
What if we admitted to ourselves that the public school system is tragically flawed, instead of blindly relying on the same misguided, decrepit bureaucracy for our precious children?
“Because that’s how I grew up,” just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Our children deserve better than to be institutionalized in an education system developed during the Industrial Age. School shootings, homework, and failing grades are all on the rise. Even school administrators admit that their students are falling farther behind. Politicians throw money at the problem and implement unproven and illogical new “standards,” while the teachers' unions contribute to their campaigns and protect their own.
Sam Sorbo knows there is a better way…
As a mom of three and the wife of Kevin Sorbo, an actor who travels frequently, Sam struggled with simply relying on the status quo for their young children’s public school education. On an extended trip for one of Kevin’s film shoots, Sam discovered she was playing a role herself, as the “substitute teacher.” Nobody likes the sub! Public school was forming a wedge between her and her young ones. It was this sobering recognition that launched her remarkable journey into home education.
Home schooling provides a safer, sounder, and more spirit-centered didactic alternative, even for busy parents, and it's not as difficult as our bloated, entrenched education establishment wants you to believe.
With extensive data and many shudder-worthy examples, Sam explores the systemic inadequacies plaguing the public education system. They may leave you wondering why any discerning parent still puts her faith in public school. Once you understand the disintegration behind the classroom door, the solution becomes clear. This book then guides you through implementing a better educational approach for your family, one that is tried and true. Sam’s extraordinary story, her discoveries, challenges, and triumphs, will encourage you to embrace the wonderful benefits and incredible possibilities of home education for your beloved children.
* Concerned for the future of your children?
* Think you can’t home school because you work full-time?
* Frustrated with your child’s so-called teachers?
* Anxious about schoolyard bullies?
* Too scared to even consider home schooling your children?
Be a hero to your children, skip the school drop-off lines and fund-raisers, and enjoy a better kind of parent-teacher meeting – the one in the mirror!
This book can show you how.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
49 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 17, 2020
Good book. Liked it more, the more I read (which happens to me a lot, actually), but also liked the *second* half of the book more than the first half. The first half is a critique of the modern public school system in the US, and especially a critique of Common Core. I don't think all that much about Common Core myself, but perhaps that's because I don't have any children in the public schools. But I especially appreciated her point about how unscientifically Common Core was applied - it was implemented before it had really been tested anywhere first. Many states accepted it before it had been finalized. And it was something like the tenth major overhaul of public education in recent decades. But this time we've finally got it figured out, right?
(I do not, however, share the disdain for charter schools she expressed in this section, or her concerns that they are not accountable because they lack an elected board. Private schools don't have an elected board either but are, I would argue, more accountable to parents, because if they aren't doing a good job, people will just leave them.)
But the second half of the book will be more appreciated by most readers, especially readers thinking about homeschooling themselves, as it describes her almost accidental fall into homeschooling, the changes she observed in herself and her own children, and also contains lots of practical information about what a day in homeschooling looks like, and resources for readers. I appreciated, actually, that the book isn't really a deep philosophical tome (I read a lot of those), but more just a book, written by an intelligent woman, who tried the public schools, and tried homeschooling, and learned from her own personal experience just why, and how well, the latter can correct the almost-inevitable (at least in our current cultural climate) failings of the former. So, recommended.
(I do not, however, share the disdain for charter schools she expressed in this section, or her concerns that they are not accountable because they lack an elected board. Private schools don't have an elected board either but are, I would argue, more accountable to parents, because if they aren't doing a good job, people will just leave them.)
But the second half of the book will be more appreciated by most readers, especially readers thinking about homeschooling themselves, as it describes her almost accidental fall into homeschooling, the changes she observed in herself and her own children, and also contains lots of practical information about what a day in homeschooling looks like, and resources for readers. I appreciated, actually, that the book isn't really a deep philosophical tome (I read a lot of those), but more just a book, written by an intelligent woman, who tried the public schools, and tried homeschooling, and learned from her own personal experience just why, and how well, the latter can correct the almost-inevitable (at least in our current cultural climate) failings of the former. So, recommended.
March 25, 2021
I really wanted to like this book because I enjoy and care a lot about homeschooling. But I just didn't enjoy this book. The author made some statements without referencing sources and she got off topic and would talk about her own life in modeling and acting in a distracting way, among other things. Also, while I don't disagree with what she mentions in this book, the idea of homeschooling out of fear/being controlled by the system doesn't resonate with me and isn't what inspires me as a homeschooling mom.
October 19, 2019
Informative with a negative bias
While I agree with what the author is fighting for and often agree with what she says, I found it to be a little too negative and whiny for my taste. The information she presents is very convincing...especially about the common core. But I don’t always agree with her bold statements and conclusions. Interesting read.
While I agree with what the author is fighting for and often agree with what she says, I found it to be a little too negative and whiny for my taste. The information she presents is very convincing...especially about the common core. But I don’t always agree with her bold statements and conclusions. Interesting read.
February 17, 2017
Ideally, I'd have had the option for a 1/2 star: this is a 4 1/2 star book, in my reasoned view.
Why you will WANT to read it:
It doesn't pull punches; it comes straight at you, and I definitely suggest you have thick skin, since thin skinned people often don't find much of value in anything that isn't 100% aligned with their own perspective anyway.
It is heartfelt; Mrs. Sorbo clearly doesn't think she has all the answers. She offers up her own take using years of her own experience, yet doesn't act like an "expert" - she DOES qualify as a thought leader, though, and there is a big diff. b/w these terms.
The book is practical, and visionary all at once; there's plenty of looking ahead and even more down in the trenches, tactical insights to be able to borrow & apply
It clearly shows that ~3 to 5% of the American population are 'onto something' - there's zero reason these days NOT to give home educators (schoolers) an opportunity to explain their position and make a case. Mrs. Sorbo does a fine job with this.
A couple minor issues ( too much raw politics - from someone like me who is not a fan of either party, + some spelling errors missed by the editor are about it. )
Why you will WANT to read it:
It doesn't pull punches; it comes straight at you, and I definitely suggest you have thick skin, since thin skinned people often don't find much of value in anything that isn't 100% aligned with their own perspective anyway.
It is heartfelt; Mrs. Sorbo clearly doesn't think she has all the answers. She offers up her own take using years of her own experience, yet doesn't act like an "expert" - she DOES qualify as a thought leader, though, and there is a big diff. b/w these terms.
The book is practical, and visionary all at once; there's plenty of looking ahead and even more down in the trenches, tactical insights to be able to borrow & apply
It clearly shows that ~3 to 5% of the American population are 'onto something' - there's zero reason these days NOT to give home educators (schoolers) an opportunity to explain their position and make a case. Mrs. Sorbo does a fine job with this.
A couple minor issues ( too much raw politics - from someone like me who is not a fan of either party, + some spelling errors missed by the editor are about it. )
February 27, 2018
Having received a Kindle recently for my birthday I was excited to "discover" They're Your Kids by Sam Sorbo in the Kindle store. Since she is one of the speakers on the schedule of the Teach Them Diligently Conference coming up this year, I thought it might be good to read the book.
I was not disappointed. The subtitle of the book, An Inspirational Journey from Self-Doubt to Home School Advocate, really sets the stage for the book. The book is divided into two parts:
1. Why Home School?
2. My Story
As she described the whys of homeschooling, the book is full of facts as she takes the reader through everything from the state of the public school systems to the history and political information a parent needs to understand why home schooling is best for families.
I really liked her story as well because in it I found some great recommendations as well as some things my wife and I can relate to. It is nice to know that a family like hers in Los Angelas can relate to a family like mine in the Midwest. We are all in this together.
Two thumbs up and I'm really looking forward to hearing her speak!
I was not disappointed. The subtitle of the book, An Inspirational Journey from Self-Doubt to Home School Advocate, really sets the stage for the book. The book is divided into two parts:
1. Why Home School?
2. My Story
As she described the whys of homeschooling, the book is full of facts as she takes the reader through everything from the state of the public school systems to the history and political information a parent needs to understand why home schooling is best for families.
I really liked her story as well because in it I found some great recommendations as well as some things my wife and I can relate to. It is nice to know that a family like hers in Los Angelas can relate to a family like mine in the Midwest. We are all in this together.
Two thumbs up and I'm really looking forward to hearing her speak!
June 30, 2016
Mrs. Sorbo's book: They're YOUR Kids, does a great job in outlining some of the issues of the public school system, in a brief, simplified manner. This is beneficial and very accessible to new homeschoolers, and those "on the fence" about homeschooling. She also has a platform to reach many with her passionate message, that most of us do not have. It is an easy, quick read; nicely sprinkled with humor. Mrs. Sorbo has a gentle, encouraging voice, while mincing no words with the truth of the situation.
Unfortunately, due to the lack of a clear thesis, many grammatical errors, and a very disjointed flow in the second half of the book -- I just cannot give it 5-stars. While starting off fairly strong and solid, I had to really slog through starting at mid-point. Serious editing of the book is needed. As a 16th year, homeschool mom of five, I will, however, still happily recommend it to those who are thinking about homeschooling, or who have homeschooled for less than two years. It is an encouraging message that needs to be heard. Thank you, Mrs. Sorbo!
Unfortunately, due to the lack of a clear thesis, many grammatical errors, and a very disjointed flow in the second half of the book -- I just cannot give it 5-stars. While starting off fairly strong and solid, I had to really slog through starting at mid-point. Serious editing of the book is needed. As a 16th year, homeschool mom of five, I will, however, still happily recommend it to those who are thinking about homeschooling, or who have homeschooled for less than two years. It is an encouraging message that needs to be heard. Thank you, Mrs. Sorbo!
September 13, 2016
While I do not agree with the author's political or religious views, I always respect someone who questions the current education system. I agreed with every point she made in that regard. She even brought some problems to light that I had yet to think of, including the fact that the grade set up inherently and subconsciously encouraged her older son to treat her younger son badly. While I did not appreciate the fact that her political complaints took up so much of the book (about half), I am so thankful that she preaches how easy it is to home school and how it creates a 24-hour-a-day learning atmosphere. I love that. Anything to empower more people to take their children's education into their own homes and hands is wonderful.
May 23, 2018
It's a nice book. I found it when I started thinking about homeschooling my children. Despite the differences between her reality as an American homeschooler mom and me, a Brazilian homeschooler father, many of the topics were a perfect match, regardless of the geographical and cultural differences. I am not satisfied with the education my children were getting, event that they were at famous and expensive schools and to homeschool was a way I found to actually be able to give them the tools they will need to go through life. I totally agree with the author that the real goal is to teach how to learn and not what to learn.
July 30, 2019
Sam Sorbo has certainly done her research. We had the distinct pleasure to hear her speak at two homeschool conferences this year. This book confirms what we already know about government schools being broken. She exposes this in the book and then shares her experience with homeschooling. My husband and I are in complete agreement with Mrs Sorbo. Pick this up to read for yourself and then pass it on to a doubter.
May 25, 2019
A really good book for the mother who is considering homeschool but needs an extra little boost.
November 11, 2019
I highly recommend this book if you are even remotely interested in home schooling your children. We are new to home schooling, and I feel more confident than ever in our decision.
July 8, 2021
A must read for ALL parents that truly care about their children's education. Whether they are in public schools, thinking about homeschooling or already homeschooling. This was the most easily understood explanation of the breakdown of the education system. The how, why, when and what happened to the system that got us to where we are today.
Within the first 2 chapters I had already made my full decision to completely change our HS rountine (not like hers but implementing some ideas that she gave). It encouraged me to proceed with my gut feeling that I do know what is best to be teaching them and that much of what is in textbooks is busy or just repeatative work. Thank you so much for writing your words down for all to learn from, A++ teacher, Mrs. Sorbo.
Within the first 2 chapters I had already made my full decision to completely change our HS rountine (not like hers but implementing some ideas that she gave). It encouraged me to proceed with my gut feeling that I do know what is best to be teaching them and that much of what is in textbooks is busy or just repeatative work. Thank you so much for writing your words down for all to learn from, A++ teacher, Mrs. Sorbo.
September 2, 2024
Fantastic read. Sam’s journey of waking up to the failings of public school and taking her children’s minds and futures into her own hands. She is an outspoken advocate for homeschooling and well worth seeking out her platform.
September 4, 2017
Excellent book. Every parent with a child in the public school system needs to read this book. And to those friends of mine who live close by ....you are more than welcome to borrow my copy!
January 20, 2023
They're Your kids!
May 15, 2024
Not my favorite book. It has a lot of great information in it. Bashes the public school a lot and is written in a negative tone in my opinion.
January 13, 2025
An absolute “must read”! Sam shares truthful and well studied insight, empowering parents to take their children’s education back.
November 19, 2018
while others may balk at her hard hitting, no nonsense even abrasive approach, i for one found it needed and buoying. this conversation needs to be had (that's what i saw this as, a conversation with her) with each other. i have already experienced people so quick to ask or assume that my daughter is 'going to school' soon yet there is a disconnect if not resistance to THIS conversation being had in return. To that thinking/assumption being challenged. i challenge you to read this. it'll be a confrontational read. no passivity can be had.
pg 111 ... in our culture we almost constantly ask our children's permission for doing things-even when we are doing things for them. "I'm going to make you lunch, okay?" What does 'okay' mean, if not, "Is that acceptable to you?" And, depending on the tone, it might even imply some sort of title, like "Your Graciousness" or , "Your Highness!"
Asking your child's permission, by using the word, 'okay,' is ceding most of your power from the get-go. "Don't pull your sister's hair, okay?" "Eat your dinner, okay?" "I'm going to punish you now, okay?" It's absurd, but it happens all the time.
dog eared pg 109, 111, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 120, 126, 131, 133, 136, 137, 144, 147, 149, 150, 157, 159, 162, 163, 173, 175, 182, 186, 188, 190, 192, 199, 201, 202, 210,
pg 111 ... in our culture we almost constantly ask our children's permission for doing things-even when we are doing things for them. "I'm going to make you lunch, okay?" What does 'okay' mean, if not, "Is that acceptable to you?" And, depending on the tone, it might even imply some sort of title, like "Your Graciousness" or , "Your Highness!"
Asking your child's permission, by using the word, 'okay,' is ceding most of your power from the get-go. "Don't pull your sister's hair, okay?" "Eat your dinner, okay?" "I'm going to punish you now, okay?" It's absurd, but it happens all the time.
dog eared pg 109, 111, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 120, 126, 131, 133, 136, 137, 144, 147, 149, 150, 157, 159, 162, 163, 173, 175, 182, 186, 188, 190, 192, 199, 201, 202, 210,
June 20, 2016
I agree with many of the political reasons for homeschooling. I draw the line at conspiracy theories.
The first part of this book was a basic overview of the history of education from a negative perspective. Public schools are evil. The system is broken, etc. I just can't agree 100%, there are so many good teachers and administrators trying to really help children. I don't think the government is out to ruin our country, although there is certainly evidence that government control and socialism start by indoctrinating our kids at a young age.
The second half of the book focused on how to not be overwhelmed by homeschooling and how the author homeschooled her children. It was brief, jumped around a lot, and didn't really provide any detail that was helpful.
This is an ok read for anyone who is considering homeschool, but there are better books out there.
The first part of this book was a basic overview of the history of education from a negative perspective. Public schools are evil. The system is broken, etc. I just can't agree 100%, there are so many good teachers and administrators trying to really help children. I don't think the government is out to ruin our country, although there is certainly evidence that government control and socialism start by indoctrinating our kids at a young age.
The second half of the book focused on how to not be overwhelmed by homeschooling and how the author homeschooled her children. It was brief, jumped around a lot, and didn't really provide any detail that was helpful.
This is an ok read for anyone who is considering homeschool, but there are better books out there.
January 28, 2017
Sorbo is an avid Homeschooler and of course I love that. She is preaching to the choir here. She makes excellent points, although they can come across sometimes as a bit paranoid, though those points are not without merit. I am already a believer in homeschooling so there is not a lot new here for me to learn, which is why I gave it 3 stars. But if you are on the fence about homeschooling, Sorbo makes a compelling case for it.
January 25, 2020
I'm already homeschooling, so this book was a lot of the same for me. That doesn't mean Sam Sorbo didn't make some good points. If you're on the fence as to whether or not to homeschool, this book might be the one for you.
Keep in mind that she makes a lot of assumptions based on her own world view, so take what she says with a grain of salt.
Keep in mind that she makes a lot of assumptions based on her own world view, so take what she says with a grain of salt.
January 27, 2017
Not enough stars. I HIGHLY recommend this book to all. If you are thinking about, new at, or a veteran homeschooler, this book is for you. Mrs. Sam Sorbo gives insight to her journey as well as siting various facts as to why you should bring or keep your kids home.
June 17, 2020
Inspiring!
Inspiring, well-researched and highly motivating! I now feel more convinced and equipped to take back the education - and the souls - of my children from the godless grip of government.
Inspiring, well-researched and highly motivating! I now feel more convinced and equipped to take back the education - and the souls - of my children from the godless grip of government.
May 19, 2016
Excellent; highly recommended for anyone considering homeschooling.
Want to read
May 31, 2016Interview with the author.
July 18, 2016
Great book! For anyone who is thinking of homeschooling, is homeschooling, or has any questions about homeschooling, this is a book to read! YOU can homeschool even if you think you can't!
February 4, 2017
Good info and I appreciated the links to other books and videos to view.
May 27, 2018
I liked the research and information given in the first half of this book about common core and the public education system, it truly makes you rethink public schools. The second half, explaining the author's homeschooling journey, would be most beneficial for those just starting to think about homeschooling. An overall good read for the "why should I homeschool" "or how to start/I'm worried I won't be able to do it."
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews