wendzu Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 We have just begun homeschooling and have looked into a couple of homeschool co-ops. The "problem" is when either my public school friends or my homeschool friends ask Why are you homeschooling, I get eyerolling and a you think your kids are so special sigh.... Thing is I just tell them the truth. I have cut down my response to: My daughter is 6 years old but is working at least 3 grade levels ahead in all subjects. I don't feel the public school system can meet her needs. I don't go into great detail, I am just trying to answer their question. Have you guys found the same level of misunderstanding? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I'd just say that we're gonna keep doing what we've been doing until we hit a brick wall. :-) We'll just keep learning with her till we can't.... and change the subjects. I try not to say my children are ahead or behind. They're just people learning and when I can't get them info fast enough, and I feel like a teacher with 20+ students can.... I'll give them back to a school. Carrie:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babysparkler Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 We have just begun homeschooling and have looked into a couple of homeschool co-ops. The "problem" is when either my public school friends or my homeschool friends ask Why are you homeschooling, I get eyerolling and a you think your kids are so special sigh.... Thing is I just tell them the truth. I have cut down my response to: My daughter is 6 years old but is working at least 3 grade levels ahead in all subjects. I don't feel the public school system can meet her needs. I don't go into great detail, I am just trying to answer their question. Have you guys found the same level of misunderstanding? I get the same reaction. I have started saying something like "PS just didn't work for him because he is working on a different level and with the number of students in each class they just couldn't work with him at HIS ability level." People who know him understand what I mean without any further explanation, and those who don't usually assume that he is working at a lower/remedial level and change the topic so that I won't feel so bad :laugh:. I don't mind if they think that way... and sometimes it even makes others feel better about their own childrens' progress and opens more doors for communication :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lionfamily1999 Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I just say that the school was unable to deal with ds's needs. He's advanced, and sometimes that response makes it sound like he was behind, but it's the truth and it keeps people from getting that sneering, 'oh aren't you so special,' gleam to their eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_Uhura Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I'm with lionfamily.....less is more.....I often just say "DS hated school and developed physical ailments b/c of it. He learns differently from most kids" THat usually ends the conversation. If pressed, I just say that HSing allows DS to pursue interests which are not typical (history, science). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in PA Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I agree with the previous posters -- there are ways to phrase it so that you are telling the truth, but not getting the eye-rolling. My dd is also 6, and I often comment that she was an early reader and would have found the heavy emphasis on learning to read in the lower grades to be frustrating. Lots of people seem to accept that, and saying "early reader" doesn't bother folks as much as if I said "gifted." I also say that we aren't big fans of the testing and test-prep focus in schools, which I'm sure some people interpret as meaning that DD does not test well. Again, I don't really care what they think, and the answer is an honest one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nova147 Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 My dd is also 6, and I often comment that she was an early reader and would have found the heavy emphasis on learning to read in the lower grades to be frustrating. Lots of people seem to accept that, and saying "early reader" doesn't bother folks as much as if I said "gifted." . Thank you for this. I have been looking for a way to minimize the eye rolling -- this fits my son perfectly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmichigan Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 Yes, then toss in the fact that two of my children receive services from the school district, one with a partial enrollment, and I am in a definate minority. The less I say the better. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnitaMcC Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 We have just begun homeschooling and have looked into a couple of homeschool co-ops. The "problem" is when either my public school friends or my homeschool friends ask Why are you homeschooling, I get eyerolling and a you think your kids are so special sigh.... Thing is I just tell them the truth. I have cut down my response to: My daughter is 6 years old but is working at least 3 grade levels ahead in all subjects. I don't feel the public school system can meet her needs. I don't go into great detail, I am just trying to answer their question. Have you guys found the same level of misunderstanding? Most of the people we know, know about our situation so they are not surprised or concerned about us deciding to homeschool our twins for high school. Most of our friends know our kids are special-LOL. Special to us and so we want to do what we think is the path for our kids. Basically all we say is that homeschooling is our best educational path for our twins. Then if they want more information I let them ask questions and then I just answer the questions they ask. Most of the time they just want to know about hsing in general. Often they wonder how I will teach the math/science courses and how to get our kids into college from hsing. If they ask specifically what our reasons are for hsing, I list several reasons. -Safety (our zoned high school is known for discipline problems), -Educational (we can meet the individual needs our kids want and the zoned high school is one of the lowest in academics for our county), -Graduate early (our twins want to earn their associates degree by the time they are 18), -Flexibility (we want more flexibility in our lives and homeschooling is very flexible, -Go at the kids pace (faster or slower as needed). If people want more information then I may say a bit about how 14yr old Ds has some special education needs while being extremely gifted and the schools have proven they are unable to meet our son's needs and he is already working at college level in some subjects. We tell how our 14yr old Dd wants to study music and our district offers very little in music program so she will take college classes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kokotg Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I don't get into that much detail. I hate the "why are you homeschooling?" question, actually, because I could probably name 50 reasons why it works better for us than public school would, and I have a hard time condensing it to something appropriate for casual conversation. But mostly I just say something about how we like the freedom it gives us to individualize the kids' educations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KAR120C Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I don't homeschool only because he's working ahead of grade level... so I generally just go with "It's been a great choice for us" or "It's really going great" and move on to something more interesting. Half the time what they really want to know is that I'm not going to spring out and attack their own choices, and the other half of the time they've either considered homeschooling themselves or have a friend or relative who homeschools, and they're honestly curious about how it goes. Only rarely do I meet someone who really truly wants to know how we came to our choices in any detail, and then the honest truth is that when he was the age to start kindergarten, school wasn't really going to be a good fit for him. And by the time it might have been a better fit, we'd found our groove and didn't want to quit. If that's not enough then yeah, they can have the whole story, but I don't think I've told it more than twice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I just say that it's what works best for our family. I don't discuss the giftedness issue unless I know the person really well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunshineMom Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I just respond by saying we can work at our own pace fast or slow, can go on field trips that are of interest and homeschooling is a lot of fun. I never talk about what we are actually doing except the basics such as math, science, history, etc. I did have a friend suggest I send my youngest to school so it would be easier to help my oldest who has learning issues. I told her we have already covered first grade and she would be extremely bored. I stop there in explaining anything else. I only talk to my mother and my husband about what the kids are really doing. I have learned it is just better to say nothing about being ahead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lionfamily1999 Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 Dh has already decided that our youngest is staying home, no K, no preK, nothing. At two, he's already far enough ahead that all either of us see for him in ps is a ton of notes being sent home for not paying attention, interrupting, etc. He'd be bored out of his gourd! Of course, when anyone asks, I say, we're keeping our options open. No sense in starting an argument ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsunshine Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 Lately, I've been using this response: "It gives us a lot more more flexibility." Which it does. Not only flexibility in scheduling, but flexibility in curriculum choices, levels, etc. No need to mention that dc are advanced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffee4 Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I would nicely let others know that you love to spend one on one time with your children and this is a prime opportunity. What more could a mom ask for as they grow up so fast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 But mostly I just say something about how we like the freedom it gives us to individualize the kids' educations. Bingo! Aint it the truth?! That's it in a nutshell, whether your kiddo is behind, ahead, loves music, or has specific academic goals. I also tell people that homeschooling gives my kids more time to play and pursue extracurricular activities than they would have if they were in school all day and had to squeeze things in during the evenings (with homework and dinner and everything). And that last one is the big thing I'm worried about now that ds is going to school for the first time. (Next week!) He's going to be surprised at how much less free time he will have. Wish us luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnia Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 I have answered this type of inquiry with a laugh and something like, "Oh, I'm doing the local school teachers a big favor, believe me!" Often that's enough. If someone is truly wanting to understand, I just answer questions as they come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinderSafari Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 I keep it simple. I usually say "we homeschool" in a cheery, matter-of-fact voice, and wait for any reaction or questions (I rarely get any). So many people don't know what to say when I say we homeschool and I don't want to force them into a conversation they're not ready for. If they want to ask why, or they have reasons why they could never do that, I have my answers ready! Always cheerful and light. :) Don't you think the teachers are good enough? My husband used to teach, we have many friends who are teachers - teachers have the HARDEST job in the world! We are blessed to be able to have JUST five kids in our school! What teacher wouldn't LOVE that ratio!? Are your kids smarter than everyone else? The kids are able to learn at THEIR individualized pace - faster when it's easier, slow down when they're struggling. It's great. Aren't you worried about socialization? Are we worried about socialization? Absolutely! That's why we homeschool! Our kids are WAY too social, and I want them to focus on academics! We get enough socializing in sports, activities and other things! I could never do that! Do I get drained? Absolutely! It IS hard having them around all the time! We schedule quiet time, and we work on respectful behavior all the time! It's something I'm choosing as a priority for this time in my life right now. So your kids will always be homeschooled? Will I do it forever? No idea! We take it a year at a time. The impression I want to leave is: we're not special, anyone can really do this, it's not always easy, we're not judging anyone - please accept us - see that we're 'normal' people too, feel free to talk to us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendzu Posted August 21, 2009 Author Share Posted August 21, 2009 Thank you everyone. I'm glad to know that it's not just me. I really am not trying to brag about my kids. I have nothing against public schooling and if my kids fit into their scope and sequence they would be there, but they don't. When the question is posed to me, I have found that homeschool moms are looking for me to bash the school system and public school mom's just think that I am ruining my children's lives. In the end, I really don't care what they think I just find it interesting that being academically advanced makes others so uncomfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 To answer the question in your thread title, yes. Mainly because I'm not Christian and I don't use Abeka or something boxed. I keep my answers fairly minimal when anyone asks, and I emphasize that it's so I can work at the right pace for my girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiobrain Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 (edited) I have a bit of a problem avoiding the TaG issue, as I am on the board of a gifted enrichment program and just about all the HSers here know it. I am a bit notorious. I am of the opinion that a LOT of kids who are HSed for non-religious reasons are some level of gifted. This just comes from my own experience. I rarely get asked the question, but when I do I am the one who rolls MY eyes and reply that I have so many different reasons, it is hard to narrow down..... Edited August 22, 2009 by radiobrain spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nan in Mass Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 I say this, too. I say that my children don't learn well in school (sounds like the child's problem) and if I have to elaborate, I say that my older one tried it and it didn't work out well at all, and that the youngest taught himself to read the year before kindergarten so it seemed like a good idea to homeschool him until the rest of his class caught up, and then we just kept on doing it because it was working ok. If I have to elaborate even more, I say that we know we can't sent the older one to school, and that homeschooling is nicer if there are two students. The trick is to make it sound like the problem is with the child, not the school system. I say my children are odd, too, if forced to describe them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 I don't mention Huck's giftedness anymore. I just say, "Oh, he works differently than most kids which makes learning in a typical classroom difficult." This leaves them not knowing why he's "different" and everyone I met has not wanted to ask. :o I'ts a bit deceptive but it works and avoids the risk of their eyes rolling out of their heads. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shiloh Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 I rarely answer the why question. I say instead that homeschooling has worked out really well for us so far. Or I say we're just so happy. Or I say we enjoy the flexibility of being able to travel without being attached to a traditional school schedule. I've been at this a very long time and I have found that it is really easy to offend just about anyone when you define your reasons through negative comparatives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
talexand Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 I'm not great at coming up with a quick answer so I usually just say that they don't fit that well in school, they are a little too far ahead and teachers have too much going on to be able to deal with that very well. I say it in a friendly and somewhat apologetic voice so that no one could take it as a boast or a criticism of the school. But this is usually adressed to parents of the public school kids. Since my kids go to school half time we don't hang around with homeschoolers. We just don't have time to and school is their social outlet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessedfamily Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 "I homeschool because I get to choose some fantastic curricula that the ps teacher doesn't have the freedom to choose. And I can even tailor that." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexfam Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 I've had a few both public school friends and homeschool friends. The one thing that really bothers me is when the homeschool coops start actting like public schools. For example my son is 3 years ahead in math but he coop will not let me put him at his academic level. They say they have to go by his age and be placed with age peers and the age cut off date is Sept. 1 (like the school system). Didn't homeschoolers get out of the PS b/c they didn't like the way they where doing things? Then why does the coop actting like PS. UGH!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 I've also found a LOT of homeschoolers stuck on age/grade. The homeschoolers where I now live set up all kinds of classes and groups (sometimes in their homes, sometimes at community buildings), but they nearly always list an age minimum. Some will even list a grade minimum. I think they sometimes do this to be exclusionary. I hate to say it, but one class in particular listed ages from 7 and up last year... and this year the age minimum is 8. The leader's youngest homeschooled daughter is 8 this year. Interesting... I *know* my 7 y.o. dd would be interested, but I didn't even bring it up with the leader. We've had this age minimum discussion before. She, and other moms here, are very invested in it. They say it's important for developmental reasons and as a way to limit the size of the group. Sigh. Using *age* to limit the size of the group??? I think they're wanting to include certain kids and exclude others. If it was just about limiting the size, why not "the first 10 kids to respond" or something? If it's developmental... well, then be specific when announcing the group and mention the actual developmental milestones needed. Personally, when I set up a group -- if I feel there are some pre-reqs skill-wise, I'll mention the skill set (ability to read or whatever), but NEVER an age. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillary in KS Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 When asked why we've chosen to homeschool, I just answer, "Because it works well for us." Honestly, not many people press for details after that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patchfire Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 Do I feel like a homeschool outcast? Yes. Not that people ask why we've chosen to homeschool (rarely have I gotten that question), but because we're both secular homeschoolers and rigorous, scheduled, use-curriculum-and-follow-a-detailed-plan homeschoolers. We just don't "fit" many places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 When asked why we've chosen to homeschool, I just answer, "Because it works well for us." Honestly, not many people press for details after that. :iagree: This is my standard answer as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 Do I feel like a homeschool outcast? Yes. Not that people ask why we've chosen to homeschool (rarely have I gotten that question), but because we're both secular homeschoolers and rigorous, scheduled, use-curriculum-and-follow-a-detailed-plan homeschoolers. We just don't "fit" many places. :iagree: There isn't a secular group in our area. We did join one of the religious groups for the coop classes and field trips. Ds does fine with the kids, but I just don't have anything in common with the other parents. I usually wind up watching the toddlers while they discuss the latest church project or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RanchGirl Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 You've got two things that might be differentiating you here -- homeschooling itself and giftedness. It could be either or both. If you want to connect with these people, I would suggest don't start out with letting them know your kid is gifted, working ahead, etc. I know you're just being honest -- believe me I get that!! But it will come across as bragging just because of other people's issues, not because of you. And who knows, they may have kids that are working 4 years ahead of grade level but they're dealing with it in a different way than you are (and maybe feeling guilty or defensive about it). Instead you could say something like "homeschooling helps us customize his education to his particular needs" or "he needed something more personalized". I don't feel any need to let people know that my kids are gifted/accelerated, I just let them know we're homeschooling for now because we decided it was best for the boys and worked for our family. When I say we're doing it "for now", but we take it one year at a time, it seems to be less um, alienating (for lack of a better word) to our public school acquaintances. And we have a lot of interaction with them through the boys' sports. They have made many close friends that way, in fact their best friends are public schooled. I want my kids to be able to interact with all kinds of people and they really connect through sports, their particular passion -- regardless of education choices or level of giftedness. We've been able to make many friends this way and I'd like to think we are good examples to them of homeschoolers. After I get to know other moms I often hear things like they wish they could do it if they didn't have to work, or at least "I admire you but I could never do it". So yes I feel different, but not like an outcast, just we're in a different situation, but our kids come together through sports, or Cub Scouts, or whatever. Definitely get involved in a co-op, but again there don't lead with comments on giftedness or advancement, you're going to find lots of homeschoolers doing it for a variety of reasons and with kids at all levels. If you want to discuss your child's giftedness, I suggest you save it for close friends, grandparents who love to talk about their genius grandchildren, or your local gifted support group, or this board -- where parents will understand your comments better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmichigan Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 :iagree: Couldn't have said it better. Which is why I say nothing... :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmichigan Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 You've got two things that might be differentiating you here -- homeschooling itself and giftedness. It could be either or both. If you want to connect with these people, I would suggest don't start out with letting them know your kid is gifted, working ahead, etc. I know you're just being honest -- believe me I get that!! But it will come across as bragging just because of other people's issues, not because of you. And who knows, they may have kids that are working 4 years ahead of grade level but they're dealing with it in a different way than you are (and maybe feeling guilty or defensive about it). Instead you could say something like "homeschooling helps us customize his education to his particular needs" or "he needed something more personalized". I don't feel any need to let people know that my kids are gifted/accelerated, I just let them know we're homeschooling for now because we decided it was best for the boys and worked for our family. When I say we're doing it "for now", but we take it one year at a time, it seems to be less um, alienating (for lack of a better word) to our public school acquaintances. And we have a lot of interaction with them through the boys' sports. They have made many close friends that way, in fact their best friends are public schooled. I want my kids to be able to interact with all kinds of people and they really connect through sports, their particular passion -- regardless of education choices or level of giftedness. We've been able to make many friends this way and I'd like to think we are good examples to them of homeschoolers. After I get to know other moms I often hear things like they wish they could do it if they didn't have to work, or at least "I admire you but I could never do it". So yes I feel different, but not like an outcast, just we're in a different situation, but our kids come together through sports, or Cub Scouts, or whatever. Definitely get involved in a co-op, but again there don't lead with comments on giftedness or advancement, you're going to find lots of homeschoolers doing it for a variety of reasons and with kids at all levels. If you want to discuss your child's giftedness, I suggest you save it for close friends, grandparents who love to talk about their genius grandchildren, or your local gifted support group, or board -- where parents will understand your comments better. :iagree: Couldn't have said it better, which is why I say nothing. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RanchGirl Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Thanks Mel! :) Also I forgot to add that even when you say nothing, the people who get to know your child will usually eventually notice it themselves. It's not a state secret by any means! But somehow if they have made the discovery on their own, they feel more comfortable with it...perhaps because by then they know my sons and/or me well enough to know we have plenty of areas of "ungiftedness" to balance things out haha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Do I feel like a homeschool outcast? Yes. Not that people ask why we've chosen to homeschool (rarely have I gotten that question), but because we're both secular homeschoolers and rigorous, scheduled, use-curriculum-and-follow-a-detailed-plan homeschoolers. We just don't "fit" many places. This is me to a T. It's good to know I'm not the only one. Now, do you live anywhere near me? LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 I am teaching a class this year at a homeschool co-op. I did specify grades but was flexible. THe class is US Government/Ecomonics. I had two concerns. One was that economics needed Algebra as a pre-req so I didn't care what age your child was for that part, you needed to have done algebra. The other issue was current events. We would be covering those and discussing those. This past year that would potentially include such topics as Gov. Sanford's behavior, Chris Brown beating and choking Rihanna,slavery in hair salons in NJ, ramifications of health reform policy, murder of the late term abortion doctor, etc, etc. I feel fine discussing these ideas with high schoolers. Younger children, it completely depends on their maturity. I do have a 13 year old who will be in the class. Most others will be 15-18. Do I think a 10 year old who has finished Algebra is good in the class? No. And that is because of the second point. I am not going into graphic details on whatever unsavory issues come up but I still think that the kids should be old enough to understand what adultery is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Chris, Instead of saying a 10 year old (regardless of the fact that the child has done Alg I) isn't a good fit due to age, why not be specific about the reason: discussion of adultery. I think it's really important to remember that children do not have the same life experiences based on age. I can imagine that a 10 year old whose own family has dealt with adultery might be very well versed on what it is. There could be a 10 year old who is very intersted in the news and has followed certain stories, for whatever reason. I know my own 10 year old would NOT be well versed on the specific topics you mentioned and I would NOT want him in that class. (He has also not yet done algebra.) BUT I think it's important to remember that not all 10 year olds do have the same life experiences. There could possibly exist a 10 year old who could handle and participate in a class like the one you mentioned. I know the "outliers" are few and far between, but they do, nonetheless, exist. Why not keep an open mind? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reya Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Try saying, "We want her to reach her full potential," and leave it at that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlovebaker Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 I rarely answer the why question. I say instead that homeschooling has worked out really well for us so far. Or I say we're just so happy. Or I say we enjoy the flexibility of being able to travel without being attached to a traditional school schedule. I've been at this a very long time and I have found that it is really easy to offend just about anyone when you define your reasons through negative comparatives. Perfect!!! I think it's strange to tell someone you don't know that well all the details of your kids' grade levels and IQs, or even to say that the public schools are not good enough for you. There's nothing wrong with those being your reasons to homeschool :) but no need to share it with acquaintances or get upset because people ask. Most people who ask probably don't care that much but are just making conversation. Just my two cents! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Wallace Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 We have just begun homeschooling and have looked into a couple of homeschool co-ops. The "problem" is when either my public school friends or my homeschool friends ask Why are you homeschooling, I get eyerolling and a you think your kids are so special sigh.... Thing is I just tell them the truth. I have cut down my response to: My daughter is 6 years old but is working at least 3 grade levels ahead in all subjects. I don't feel the public school system can meet her needs. I don't go into great detail, I am just trying to answer their question. Have you guys found the same level of misunderstanding? No, because I basically don't go there. We just say that we could provide our daughter with a good education and that we loved teaching her. This is also true, but not necessarily the largest slice in the "Why We're Homeschooling" pie chart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Wallace Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 I've had a few both public school friends and homeschool friends. The one thing that really bothers me is when the homeschool coops start actting like public schools. For example my son is 3 years ahead in math but he coop will not let me put him at his academic level. They say they have to go by his age and be placed with age peers and the age cut off date is Sept. 1 (like the school system). Didn't homeschoolers get out of the PS b/c they didn't like the way they where doing things? Then why does the coop actting like PS. UGH!!!! Wow, what's up with that?:confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 I give even less detail. I tend to say something like, "Home education suits our family." Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillieBoy Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 I think I approach it situationally. If they are genuinely intrigued and want to know why I give it to them. You never know when you "convert" :001_smile:. Similarly though if I feel it's asked with a raised lip then I give the curt, quick but polite answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlovebaker Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 ... we were converted after my kids went to pub school from K until 3rd and K until 5th and I'm sure the two families that convinced me have no idea! One told me (a college professor by the way) that she did it for her three kids in middle school only (two were in college at the time) and the other had young kids and said it made her family life more manageable (great for us because two of our three kids are competitive in baseball). I listened but didn't agree aloud until I mulled over what they said ... both ideas stuck with me - and whammo! I'm a homeschooler. So maybe the moral is, people are just making conversation (not a bad thing) and it's not like they don't care at all but are just getting to know you and don't mean anything evil and, on top of it, you never know who you may inspire. I am proof of that! Kudos to your good attitude, Billie Boy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medieval Mom Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 We have just begun homeschooling and have looked into a couple of homeschool co-ops. The "problem" is when either my public school friends or my homeschool friends ask Why are you homeschooling, I get eyerolling and a you think your kids are so special sigh.... Thing is I just tell them the truth. I have cut down my response to: My daughter is 6 years old but is working at least 3 grade levels ahead in all subjects. I don't feel the public school system can meet her needs. I don't go into great detail, I am just trying to answer their question. Have you guys found the same level of misunderstanding? I haven't read all the responses, so I'm sorry if I repeat. When someone asks this of us, I simply say, "Homeschooling is the best fit [or choice] for our family right now." If they press, I say, "We started homeschooling in Kindergarten, and we both loved it so much that we decided to continue with it." I never mention that my son is working so far ahead....;) (Usually my son is with us, and I really don't want to be discussing his "levels" in front of him, either.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StartingOver Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I have learned from many years of homeschooling, not to give any more info than required. If they ask why - Homeschooling fits our life style better. If they ask what grade - I give them the age related grade. If they ask what curriculum - I give them names of the books not the level. It is just so much easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillary in KS Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I have cut down my response to: My daughter is 6 years old but is working at least 3 grade levels ahead in all subjects. I don't feel the public school system can meet her needs. LOL. Sometimes less is more. I would just say, "It works for us" and then move on. "How is your little Jenny doing in dance class?" or whatever. If they don't know you well enough to know why you're homeschooling, they don't need the kind of details you're giving them. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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