The Dr. Psych Mom Show
with clinical psychologist
Dr. Samantha Rodman Whiten Adult Child Of Dysfunctional Family? Read Homeschooled By Stefan Merrill Block
Apr 1, 2026
A discussion about a memoir that explores extreme parental enmeshment through homeschooling. Short scenes of isolation, missed social learning, and blurred child-adult roles are highlighted. The conversation touches on parental enabling, transition struggles entering public school, and the emotional cost of separating from a controlling parent.
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Homeschooling As Enmeshment
- Stefan Merrill Block's memoir is about enmeshment, not just homeschooling, where his mother kept him isolated to remain emotionally close.
- The mother's need to recreate his babyhood drove homeschooling and prolonged his dependent role into adolescence.
Child's Complaints Reinforced Mother's Control
- Block resisted homeschooling but his complaints often pleased his mother because her mood depended on him, deepening the enmeshment.
- She sometimes bleached his hair and tutored other children while he remained socially isolated in their home.
Isolation Stunts Social Development
- Isolation undermined social learning: despite other children being tutored in the house, Block couldn't engage because years of one-on-one parenting left him socially behind.
- Being praised at home for adultlike achievement made typical peer behavior awkward.
