You are going to get LOTS of questions about homeschooling.
It’s inevitable.
Often times, these questions will be coming from people who are genuinely interested.
Why did you decide to homeschool?
How do you know what to teach?
How do you find time for yourself?
Whenever I receive questions like these, they usually feel respectful and sincere. Most of the time, I enjoy the discussion that follows. If the person I’m talking with has school-aged children, I’ll inquire about their educational experience. Are they attending a local school? Have they been enjoying their academic year? Just plain and simple pleasant conversation with a fellow parent.
It’s fun to talk about the different subjects being studied and to swap field trip stories. Often times, this segues into chatting about challenges related to the age and stage of our children.
You know, just regular parenting stuff.
Inevitably, I’m reminded of how much common ground we share, regardless of how we are educating our kiddos. I leave these conversations feeling pretty darn good.
But then, of course, there are the critics.
Oh boy, the critics.
What makes you think you’re qualified to teach them?
How will they ever function in the real world?
How are they ever going to get into college?
Sometimes these questions are also accompanied by SUPER INSIGHTFUL AND ENCOURAGING STATEMENTS, (note my sarcasm and an eye roll.)
It’s not good for kids to be home all day.
They need to be around children their own age.
Homeschooled kids are weird.
I know, I KNOW.
Now take a deep breath.
Because the reality is that some people have already made up their minds about homeschooling. For whatever reason, they’ve decided it’s not a legitimate option. Maybe they have a tough time thinking outside of the box. They might just be a confrontational sort of person.
But chances are that it does not matter what you say to these people, because you will not change their mind.
I am now going to repeat that for emphasis.
Chances are that it does not matter what you say to these people, because you will not change their mind.
So please, please, PLEASE, try not to get too worked up when you encounter people like this. Because you will only be wasting your time and limited energy attempting to defend homeschooling.
It’s just not worth it.
And I DO NOT want that for you.
Now, don’t think for one second that my attitude has always been this easy-breezy.
No way. Uh-uh. Nope.
I know all too well the icky feeling of being caught off guard.
I remember times we’d be standing in the checkout line at the grocery store, and I’d hear, “No school for your children today?” Turning around, I would be looking at a not-so-friendly face, staring straight at me, eyebrows raised.
Ugh. Here we go.
Often times after the incident, (YES, I took to calling these incidents) I would conjure up THE perfect response, (ah yes, good ol’ hindsight.) This perfect response was poised. It was diplomatic. I was knowledgeable and confident. There was no way in the world anything thrown my way could stump me.
I was like the most legitimate ambassador for homeschooling to ever walk the earth.
Right, so…
In reality, I was a hot mess.
I was usually COMPLETELY UNPREPARED when it came to responding to these questions.
My pulse would quicken and I’d feel my face turning red. I would fumble and stumble over any words that eventually left my mouth.
We’re talking full-on fight or flight here.
Yeah, I wasn’t exactly the queen of confidence.
Not surprisingly, I hated feeling unprepared and caught off guard. I didn’t want to stop running errands with my children during the day. And I certainly didn’t want to avoid the check out line at Trader Joe’s and Target. Obviously, I needed to figure something out.
I needed to come up with a plan.
Now while deep down I knew I didn’t OWE these people answers, that I didn’t HAVE to engage, it still felt empowering to have prepared comebacks. So I decided that I would brainstorm every possible homeschool related question and statement and come up with prepared responses.
How do I answer all of these questions about homeschooling!?!
And above all else, KEEP THINGS SIMPLE! No need to get long-winded unless of course, you’re on a roll! In that case, keep on going!
What made you decide to homeschool?
We considered all of the educational options available to us. We decided that homeschooling fit our family’s educational goals and lifestyle best.
How do you know what to teach?
As a guideline, we follow our state standards. Much of the curriculum we use is aligned with these standards. We also strongly encourage our children to follow their individual passions and interests.
How do you find time for yourself?
It’s definitely not easy and is a constant work in progress. I’ve learned to prioritize it the way I do all of our other family activities and commitments.
Do you really think you’re qualified to teach them?
Yes, I do.
(I would leave it at that. If they persist and you REALLY feel like you need to respond in more detail, reiterate that you teach using legitimate sources. This could include curriculum aligned with your state’s standards as well as outsourcing classes.)
How will they ever function in the real world?
Since they’re out in the “real world” more than children in school all day, we think they’re learning to function just fine. Also, let’s be honest, the “real world” is changing at such a quick pace, creativity is one of the greatest skills children need to have in order to not just function but to thrive.
How are they ever going to get into college?
The same way all college students do. They will do the required coursework in high school, take the required tests, and apply. Homeschooled students currently attend and are thriving at colleges all over the world.
It’s not good for kids to be home all day.
Perhaps, if you mean all day, every day. But we think lots of time at home is healthy and productive. First of all, it provides lots of time to learn, create, and explore. It also allows for plenty of family time which is very important to us. And most homeschoolers I know are out and about at some point, nearly every day. This is certainly the case for us.
They need to be around kids their own age.
And they are. Sports and extracurriculars provide time with their peers. But we disagree that they need to be around kids their own age all day long. Our children have the opportunity to interact with people of all ages every day. And we believe this is the healthiest type of socialization.
Homeschooled kids are weird.
What a bizarre thing to say. But if by weird you mean curious, interesting, engaged, creative, and diverse, then we’ll take that as a compliment. Thank you!
So here’s what I want you to do.
First, I want you to come up with all of the homeschool related questions you can think of. Next, I want you to brainstorm some empowering answers. Finally, I want you to practice them. Over and over and over again.
And the next time you encounter a question about homeschooling, whether out of genuine curiosity or something that feels more confrontational, you’ll be able to bust out your awesome responses!
PLEASE do not feel bad if you trip over your words, your heart starts racing and your face turns red. Because you’re human and this is normal. It is going to get easier the more you practice.
And the more you practice, the more your confidence will grow.
I Promise.
Are there any questions you’re struggling with? Having a tough time coming up with your responses? If so, let me know – I’d love to help!
Leave a Reply