Since when do you not get to choose how your child is educated?

In New Hampshire, a judge ordered that a 10-year girl be forced to go to public school instead of being home schooled by her mother. How is this fair?

The mother and father of this young girl divorced shortly after she was born and custody was granted to the mother. So this gives her the right to choose how she is educated, the right to choose her religion, and it also gives her the responsibility to care for the child, feed her, clothe her, and make sure she is safe. As long as the mother is doing all these things, where is the harm in home schooling? The articles states "the girl's home-schooling consists of sitting in the corner of her mother's bedroom, where she receives her lessons on a computer screen." I understand the concern if the girl was being kept inside all the time and not allowed outside or allowed to go anywhere. My understanding of the article was the girl isn't locked away. She does her studies in her mother's room, in a corner. But how do we know that "the corner" isn't equipped with a desk and any other necessary items needed for her to study. With the "going green" economy, I would not be surprised if home schooling hasn't gone green as well and done away with paper, along with several insurance companies and banks.

The article also states that the young girl is "academically promising" and interactive with her peers. So again what is the big deal with this girl being home schooled. Apperantly her mother is doing a good job of teaching her if she is "academically promising." So why not let her continue school they way she is instead of making her start a "new" school.

This article kind of hit home because I had friends growing up that were home schooled and I believe they turned out fine. They had a very social life outside of their studies. Plus, I believe that the courts are overstepping their bounds more and more every day. Why is it ok for the courts to decide what the child should be exposed to. That is the mothers job. If the child isn't in danger, and isn't being neglected or abused, then what is the harm in home schooling. I do agree that children need social interaction but again why is it up to the court to decide where she gets that social interaction from. Rather it's from talking to people in her neighborhood, in the supermarket or walking done the street, or if it's from going to a public school. As long as it is not from a pediphile or someone who is going to endanger her life.

I would feel violated or betrayed if I could not home school my children if I chose. I would defenitly make sure that they had time for study and time for play. I would not want to be cooped up in a house all day and I would not make my kids be that way.