Parents in general are often the recipients of unsolicited advice and opinions. However, when you make the choice to homeschool, you often have to field a barrage of questions, assumptions, and opinions from everyone from friends and family to random people at Walmart. Here are 10 things homeschool moms are tired of hearing.
But How Are They Socialized?
If I’ve heard this once, you’ve heard it a million times. I can almost guarantee that every homeschool mom has had to answer this question (while trying not to roll their eyes) on more than one occasion. The truth of the matter is that there are plenty of options available to homeschoolers when it comes to interacting with not only their peers, but with children of a wide range of ages. Actually, you may find that homeschool kids actually have more free time to pursue extracurricular activities since they are not limited to just evenings and weekends like their public school counterparts.
Don’t You Ever Get Tired of Them?
Honestly, this question is just plain rude. I don’t know of any parent that doesn’t sometimes need a bit of a break for self-care, but to ask a parent if they ever get tired of their kids seems a bit much. Don’t you think?
Oh, So You Have a Teaching Degree?
Despite what people may think, it is possible to help your child learn without having a teaching or education degree. It really just boils down to being able to do research, being resourceful, and being determined to help your child as much as you can. Many homeschoolers use outside resources (even tutors when necessary) to help ensure their children are grasping the concepts.
When Are They Going to Go to Real School?
The problem I have with this question is the assumption that homeschool doesn’t qualify (in their minds) as being a legitimate educational option. A child doesn’t have to be attending a public (or private) school in order to receive a real, quality education.
What Do You Do All Day?
Did you hear that? That is the joint sigh of every homeschool mom who has ever had to combat the ridiculous assumption that all they do every day is sit at home stuffing their face with Nutella and wine while their kids binge-watch Netflix or power through every video game they own, back to back. Although you would probably be hard pressed to find two homeschool families who have the exact same schedule – it is safe to say that most of them have substantial to-do lists, just like most families.
Do You Mind Doing Something for Me?
One thing that many homeschoolers (and stay-at-home moms) seem to face is people who seem to think that since they are at home during the day, they are constantly available for unexpected houseguests and random favors. Yes, I am home for a good portion of the day. No, I cannot be your built-in babysitter or errand girl.
Your Kids Seem So Normal
Why, thank you. I’m glad to know that you don’t think my kids are the unsocialized weirdos that you assume is the norm for homeschoolers. Never mind the fact that normalcy is subjective (and a bit overrated). In reality, homeschoolers are just like the rest of the population. In short, we have varied and diverse personalities and interests.
You Must Have Super Patience
Although some homeschool moms may have a great deal of patience, that does not mean that we all do. Some of us have the patience of a saint. Some have very little patience. Most have, not surprisingly, an average amount of patience.
Must Be Nice to Have the Time/Money to Do That
This statement almost always has an undertone of judgment or presumption. I think that a lot of people assume that if you homeschool that you must have some sort of privilege. For example, you must be wealthy or have a rich husband. Or perhaps you have nothing else to do with your time so one day you decided to homeschool. In reality, homeschoolers are pretty spread out across the socioeconomic spectrum. You have some homeschool moms who spare no expense on their child’s education. Then you have others who bootstrap and get really creative to ensure their kids receive a quality education. And, let’s face it, time is not something that most people have to spare. It’s usually a matter of understanding your priorities.
You Must Homeschool Because You Want to Shelter Your Kids
I always have a bit of an issue with this one because I think it is natural to want to protect your kids. However, the assumption that people homeschool their kids in order to shelter them from seeing or experiencing anything the world has to offer outside the four walls of one’s home is a bit silly and kind of insulting.
You might also like:
- 5 Things Homeschool Moms Won’t Admit
- Dear Homeschool Mom Facing Controversy
- 7 Reasons Your Kids Will Turn Out Just Fine
- How Homeschooling Can Impact Your Family
