And so it begins..” I thought the schools first day was yesterday? Why aren’t you in school?” We have had that question asked many times over the years. After all I have 5 kids and we have homeschooled for ten years. It’s hard not to notice us in a store, or office.
Most people are just curious. They are wondering if they read the newspaper wrong or their memory is shaky. There is no malice in their questioning. I tend to answer those questions with a laugh and agree. Then just say we are homeschooling our children. I have had wonderful conversations from a grandma of a homeschooled family, people who are really curious and wanted to know if we used books. You name it we have been asked it.
Including intrusive questions about family size and religious beliefs. I encourage you to tread carefully and answer only what you are comfortable with. I have had mom’s come back to me years later and tell me my gentle answer has encouraged them to try homeschooling!
Then there are the quietly sneering group. “Oh so hooooomeschool” with a face that makes you think they are taking out the kitty litter. Okay I get it. You don’t like homeschooling and have just pigeon holed my family into the lunatic fringe. Time to move on. I do not engage these people in conversation ESPECIALLY in front of my children. Most of my kids are on the autism spectrum they have real problems understanding body/facial language so they will not understand the double nature to this kind of conversation.
Openly angry response “That’s just ridiculous!” or “You can’t do that with a special child. You aren’t smart enough.” oh the things I have heard on this one would melt the computer screen. Sadly some people feel the okay to let it rip when they realize you are a homeschooler.
I have had several approaches from this group:
-You obviously need some education as to your inability to teach your child.
-You can’t do that, I can’t!
-There has to be some law you are breaking.
I try to end the conversation as soon as possible politely if I can. Or I am willing to walk away from this type of person. For many that are this aggressive anything you say will only fuel their fire. Again I will not stay and talk with my children present. I do try to point out there is solid evidence homeschooling is a wonderful educational option.
I just don’t feel like it is my responsibility to change every heart or correct every wrong I run into. I do make a point of praying for that person later. Perhaps the next time they run into a homeschooler they will have less animosity and more curiosity!
Finally and most heartening is the growing group of “GREAT JOB!” or “What book are you using for math, my wife doesn’t like the one she picked.” Yipee! When I went home to Ohio I found the most homeschooling friendly community I have ever been in. There was an openness to us everywhere we went! That is what I pray for all over the nation and world.
We are taking nothing from the community, or the public school system by our homeschooling. We are not lunatic fringe material. We are soccer mom’s, football dad’s, elders in you church, co-workers and fellow college students. Regular freedom loving families!