# Homeschooling as a Mother's Unhappiness

> A mother's unhappiness shaped Stefan's homeschool curriculum instead of academic learning.
- Title: Homeschooling as a Mother's Unhappiness · Slate Magazine
- Summary: A mother's unhappiness shaped Stefan's homeschool curriculum instead of academic learning. Homeschooling can be a way to cope with parental mental health…
- Keywords: stefan merrill block, homeschooling, mother, mental health, parenting, memorial, Mother's, Unhappiness, Slate Magazine
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/podcasts/death-sex-money/2026/09/homeschooled-my-curriculum-was-my-mothers-unhappiness?via=rss
- Published: 2026-09-22T07:40:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: stefan merrill block, homeschooling, mother, mental health, parenting, memorial
## Homeschooling Started Early
Stefan's mother took him out of 4th grade claiming he was too smart for public school.

> Stefan’s mother said he was too smart for public school. What she really needed was someone to stay home with her.
## Curriculum Was Emotional Support
His homeschool lessons focused on keeping his mother company and pretending he wouldn't grow up.
## Five Years of Ambivalence
Stefan spent five years homeschooling while navigating his mother's mental health struggles.
## Impact on Fatherhood
Stefan now uses his experience to help other parents cope with similar challenges.
## Homeschooling as Coping Mechanism
The curriculum was designed to keep his mother happy rather than provide academic learning.
## Key takeaway

Homeschooling can be a way to cope with parental mental health struggles rather than a path to education.