Amanda Owen, 50, fires back after sparking backlash for pulling son, 13, out of school: ‘Education can be many things!’
Amanda Owen has addressed her decision to homeschool her 13-year-old son, Sydney, in a fresh interview on Tuesday.
The Yorkshire Shepherdess, 50, is set to feature alongside Sydney and the rest of her nine children, as well as ex-husband Clive, 69, in the second series of Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids.
Earlier this year, Owen explained on social media how her teenage son had left his school education to be taught at home as he learns the ropes of farming alongside his standard education, following the footsteps of his parents and older brother, Reuben.
While many fans have applauded her decision to allow the teenager to decide on his own future, it seems the family has also faced some criticism as Owen was keen to hit back at certain opinions.
When asked about how homeschooling is going, she replied: “Yesterday I had to have words because he had a maths tutor thing, but he wanted to help fell a tree.
“It’s about balance, and what’s the most important thing, the most pressing thing – it’s all about balance.”
Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, she went on: “Nine children all have their different characters, ideas and skillsets.
“Sydney is focused, he knows what he wants to do, he knows he needs an education…”
Justifying the drastic move, she added: “But education can be many things – a work ethic, empathy and ability to turn your hand to anything and communicate and be a decent human being.
“That can be overlooked. He’s living his best life, he’s enjoying himself.
“He’s been involved with his older bro Reuben, who is his hero. He’s with engines, and I just feel like you sometimes have to take a step into the unknown – I think it was the right choice.”
Touching on the second series of the family’s More4 show, she told Lorraine Kelly: “Time flies!”
She added: “We’re back at lambing time again,” before admitting her focus has been away from the show.
“For the last few weeks, it’s been a flock of sheep that’s all I’ve been thinking about,” she explained.
“The building project has taken a back step, really, I’ve had to put a different hat on.”
Elsewhere, she confessed her busy household remains disorderly.
“It’s always chaotic calamities here, that’s probably what people tune in for,” she said before describing the programme as “a complete mash-up” of different things.
“We don’t know what every day brings, that probably makes the whole thing relatable,” she remarked.
The trailer for the second series of Our Farm Next Door sees Owen commenting: “We have made great strides, but we’re a long way from finishing yet.”
Clive explains in the clip that they’ve faced “extreme” weather challenges, including heavy snowfall and rainfall, with Amanda adding: “It’s been tough going”.
Our Farm Next Door continues on Tuesday at 9pm on More4.