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Sharing about the time my CHILD was asked the RUDEST question EVER about homeschooling. How did I respond? The answer may surprise you!
Breaking the news that you are homeschooling to family and friends is hard. Very heard. But, one other pet peeve of mine in the homeschool department is when complete strangers, random acquaintances, and other people who have NO business sharing their thoughts respond rudely to the fact that we homeschool.
One such occasion happened at our local public school when my daughter was very young. I’m sharing that experience below.
Now, I’d love to know, what has been the rudest response you’ve had when others find out you homeschool?
Have loved ones not thrilled about you homeschooling? Check out these related posts.
People can be so mean! So sorry
Not a question but a comment to me when someone I know well found out I was homeschooling. “I just don’t want (child) to be like that one weird homeschooler we knew years back!”
I am such a sensitive person that after that comment I embarrassed myself and started balling!! So much for the support!
Asking your 6 year old about drugs? Ugh. People are ridiculous.
I would’ve felt the same way had that happened to me and my son. You handled that situation calmly and respectfully. When we first started homeschooling, my son was 6 and the question that blew me away most was “How will he know to say no to drugs?” I was stunned. It’s like there is this huge misconception that only schools teach important things and only schools give children friends.
If someone asks ME a questions (whether respectfully or disrespectfully) I can choose whether or not to answer it. When someone asks my young CHILD a question disrespectfully, that’s a whole other ball game.
I have to say you are very blessed if that’s the worst thing someone has said/asked. I know it sounds mean but that woman probably believed homeschooled kids don’t have friends. There are far too many misconceptions around homeschooling because we have lived in shadows out of fear so long. The only way people will learn, that society will learn, is if questions are asked and answered honestly and with respect. (When I say asked and answered with respect I mean that we respectfully answer them, not that they necessarily ask respectfully.) Without answers it implies their question/comment is true. Sometimes I like to lead an answer with, “That is a common misconception…” It validates that they aren’t the only one who thinks that so they don’t feel dumb and it provides correct information. We also need to remember that the lack of information also breeds false information.
Homeschooled kids don’t have friends. Answer: Actually that is a common misconception. Because homeschooled children aren’t forced to conform to a school setting we are able to go places and do things where we meet tons of other people. By doing that we are able to make friends and set up regular times to play with them in an enriching environment. The children are free to decide who they want to develop deeper relationships with and in turn create more lasting and deep friendships.
My girls already get asked that! It’s crazy what the world deems important.
When I was in 8th grade, I remember being at a clothing store, picking up an order with my mom, and the lady at the counter asked me about missing out on school dances. I thought she was silly. I didn’t care about school dances at all, and had never even thought about it. Our family didn’t go to dances, anyway!