How do you answer people when they question your decision to homeschool? What are common questions you get from others?
Choosing homeschool for educating our children is a very personal choice. There are many benefits of homeschooling and these are the things I list to people who ask about it and are willing to listen. Some people already have a negative opinion, and if they do, it can be hard to get them to understand otherwise. Before I began, I did a great deal of research and armed myself with facts and statistics about home education and home educated children. I also educated myself on the laws of homeschooling, this was very important to me. I needed to know my rights because others often don't and try to tell you things that are incorrect. I am most often asked about socialization and testing. People want to know how my children make friends and does the goverment require testing for them. Socialization for us is different than most as we move almost every month. The kids have plenty of pen pals and playmates, just not always the same ones. People are somehow convinced that since we stay at home we are not held to the same standards as goverment educated children. If anything, I have found that HS families hold their children to higher standards and expect more. I know that what I am doing is what is best for my children. I do not allow others to make me feel bad or question my decisions. I hope this helps.
Alot depends on who is asking and why and what mood I'm in. A pretty general, calm, short response I often give is "Because I want my children to learn how to think, not what to think." If I'm in a situation where I don't care if I make the other person feel bad, I might say "Because I didn't have children to turn them over to the government." In this same situation, you might want to play up all the benefits of HS such as, "So I can spend as much time as possible with my children, so my children's precious time won't be wasted by the non-academic issues that arise in school, so my children can learn in a safe, secure and loving environment . . . " Then immediately follow up with the question, "So, why did you choose to subject your children to public school? Maybe I'm just in a crabby mood today, but it really irks me to think that we have to justify our desicion but they don't even stop to think of what they are giving away by sending their kids to PS. True, some people are just truly intrigued by the HS concept and we could even maybe persuade some of them by our explanations so maybe I shouldn't be so defensive about it. I'm just short on sleep today. . . .
You're not defensive, you are RIGHT! We should not have to justify our decisions to anyone. I like the idea of turning the tables on them and asking them why they do what they do. Great response.
My "pat" response is "This is how we (dh and I) feel God is leading OUR family." You can politely explain that your children were given to YOU to raise not THEM (ie: the questioners). After careful consideration, taking into account the condition of most PS and society today, it is not something you wish to expose your children to. Your children are quite capable of being just as social, thank you very much, so they don't need to worry about them being raised in a bubble, isolated from the rest of society. If it's family, you might have to lay down the law to them. But that's almost another topic in and of itself (albeit one that comes up again and again, because of its relevance!)
I usually give the answers that are already listed here. BUT, I also say before I answer, "I'll tell you, but when I'm done I want you to tell me why YOU chose to put your kids in public school/private school/etc". I mean, I think it's "assumed" that you're going to put your kids in school when they reach a certain age. I know lots of people who have never even heard of homeschooling. I was in my 20's before I had ever met anyone who had been homeschooled. There is a lot of ignorance out there.
I tell them that I do not want the public school raising my child and I do not believe they area qualified to do so. If they ask more questions, such as socialization, I ask why do they think they will not be properly socialized. I find if you ask them questions regarding their doubt, often they will not be able to answer. Patty
I give all the reasons listed. I also tell them that it is a decision that was best for our family! It is funny that people have the nerve to question us because we are not doing what the majority of society is doing, I bet they would have their feathers ruffled if we question why they would want to send their precious blessings away for 8 hours a day.....but it seems that the homeschoolers I know have manners so we know better than to pry in others personal decisions!:wink: :!: Blessings, Shawna
What do you all say when people say, "I could never homeschool my children", then list reasons such as: they're too social, I couldn't put up with them all day, I need the break, it's good for them to get away from me for awhile, etc.?
I tell them that anyone CAN do it, if they want to. But I also make it clear through the conversation that it is a personal choice, and there's nothing wrong with chosing NOT to.
I get the long list of why's not to homeschool too. I just say with being military it's nice to use the same curriculum each year. I don't have to worry if my daughter is behind or ahead. I live in military housing and I usually give out this reply.
well, that is something I been ask since day one with my family. I say it's for the best for me and my family. I now don't say anything. I don't bring it. I don't talk to them much it doesn't pay to get all worked up.
I simply tell them that I understand how easy it can be to get overwhelmed and that homeschooling isn't for everyone.
I tell them hs is not for everyone. But, I want to be with my children they grow up so fast they will have plenty of time for social and I will have all the breaks I need and wish I didn't have. (The days will get long) I also do let them know my girls have more social life then I ever have then I start telling them, everything they do and they never say anything after that.
I tell them that anyone can homeschool if they desire to do it. It takes time and commitment. When it comes to their children being too social, I ask what their children do for socialization in school that they can't do in homeschooling. Patty
we mostly get asked 1. What is hs? (I teach them at home) 2. What about socialisation? (What good things will my 10yo learn from 30 other 10 year olds?) 3. what about testing?(we don't do it - I don't think it's necessary or appropriate for primary school aged children) 4. how long will you do it? (I don't know - indefinately at this stage) I actually find people are genuinely interested, rather than opposed - many have never heard of it. The conversation almost always ends with them telling me all the reasons why they couldn't do it. I tell them I didn't think I'd like it either, but the relationship I have with my kids now is very different and much closer, and I really love that. I reckon if I can do it, anyone can.
That's mostly what I encounter. Most people (not all, of course) do have the sense not to be outright rude.
