Jenelle Evans, the former star of *Teen Mom 2*, has recently announced that she has opted for homeschooling her children, Kaiser, aged 12, and Ensley, aged 9. This decision comes in the wake of her son Kaiser experiencing persistent bullying related to his weight at school. In an update shared on her Instagram account, Evans explained that this new educational path is motivated not only by her desire to protect her children but also by her ongoing struggles with health issues.
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In her candid video message, the 34-year-old mother reflected on the challenges Kaiser faced, first in one school and now again in a new environment. “I know some of you are thinking, ‘She’s too dumb to homeschool her kids. She doesn’t know what she’s doing,’” Evans said, addressing critics of her decision. “Listen, I’m not the teacher in this. I just put them on the computer,” she added, indicating that her children are enrolled in an online programme.
A significant factor in Evans’ choice to pursue homeschooling stems from her diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a debilitating condition characterised by chronic pain, usually affecting an arm or a leg. She explained that since her diagnosis, tasks that were once routine have become overwhelming. “I’m crying in pain on and off throughout the whole day,” Evans shared in a previous video, highlighting how the condition has impeded her ability to manage daily school drop-offs and pickups.
The reality star noted that the demanding school run took up a considerable portion of her day, often extending to two to three hours. “I literally was taking two hours, three hours out of my day in the morning and afternoon just to do drop-offs and pickups,” she lamented. The pressure of managing both her health issues and her children’s education prompted her to rethink their schooling arrangements.
Throughout her journey, Evans has expressed a desire for greater control over her children’s learning experiences. “Also, I feel like I know what they’re being taught as a parent and I don’t have to worry about any craziness being instilled inside their head,” she stated. Furthermore, she sees homeschooling as a flexible option that allows her children to accompany her if she needs to travel.
Following the transition to homeschooling, Evans reported positive feedback after the first week, stating that it has been “going great” so far. She was pleased to share that her children managed to complete their schoolwork in approximately two hours each day. They are currently enrolled in Acellus Academy, an online programme designed to facilitate homeschooling. Evans noted, “So far, no complaints,” indicating her satisfaction with the arrangement.
In addition to Kaiser and Ensley, Evans is also a mother to her eldest son, Jace, who is currently receiving care at a mental health facility following a concerning incident earlier this year when he allegedly pointed a gun at his grandmother. Celebrating Jace’s 17th birthday on August 2, she expressed her pride in him, remarking, “Being a teenager can be hard, but you seem to handle it well. You’re so smart, curious about life, and handsome.”
As Evans navigates the complexities of parenting while managing her health, the choice to homeschool appears to be a strategic and thoughtful response to the challenges she and her family face. By prioritising both her children’s emotional well-being and her capabilities as a parent, Evans is forging a different educational path that she hopes will benefit her family in the long run.