Be Prepared if Your Homeschooling is Challenged

Have you ever been in a situation where people question your sanity because you decided to homeschool? Many of us are familiar with the looks of horror on people’s faces when they discover that we homeschool.

It can be disconcerting to feel like you are constantly defending yourself to people, some of whose opinions matter to you, and some you don’t care a fig about. The remarks one hears range from silly to insulting.

Ginny and I recorded a Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast to help you prepare for those looks and questions in a fun way.

Here are five common questions/comments that we have both been on the receiving end of, and some answers or thoughts to share, so that you are not caught off guard.

Your Kids Will Have No Friends

That this question continues to be asked astonishes me. Study after study shows that homeschooled children do as well or better in social situations than children who attend brick-and-mortar schools.

The retort I have found most helpful is, “I’d be delighted to have you drive my children to their various social and educational activities during the week. You will have to keep the hours from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm free, but I’m sure it will put your mind at rest as to their social development.”

How much time does a properly socialized adult spend exclusively with 20 people within 12 months of his or her chronological age?

You Must Be So Patient

I have a little secret to tell you: I lack patience.

“I have more patience for my own children than I would have for thirty children in a classroom.” That usually stops the conversation.

Homeschooling doesn’t require saintly patience—it simply requires love and commitment. God provides the grace we need each day, and sometimes that grace looks like coffee and a sense of humor.

Doesn’t Having Your Kids Around All Day Drive You Crazy?

Here’s the thing: I actually like my kids. I’m glad I have them. They are funny and smart, and their presence fills me with joy and gratitude.

That’s not to say they don’t drive me crazy sometimes—but so do people who ask silly questions.

I Could Never Homeschool: I Want My Kids to Have a Life

You want them to have a life, so you lock them in the same room every day with the same twenty-five people listening to the same person day after day—whereas my children are out in the world, meeting people, taking classes, and having the freedom to try new things.

Tell me again—who is lacking life experiences?

Your Children Will Know Nothing of the World of Pop Culture

When I’ve been told that it’s a bad thing that rap music isn’t part of my household, I am often taken aback.

Your reply to this silly question can be, “Which R-rated movie would you suggest my ten-year-old see to bring him up to speed?”

Homeschooling doesn’t cut children off from the world—it lets parents introduce the world at a pace and depth that nurtures innocence and virtue.

You’ve Got This!

These mostly tongue-in-cheek replies are meant to give you a jumping-off point to reply to the various things people will say to you.

The point is not to let anyone question your motives or desire to homeschool your children, but rather, let them know that you are equal to the task and unwavering in your commitment.