Janie Grace Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I was homeschooling at a coffee shop recently and working on spelling with my ds. We were going over the sound "eigh" as in "weigh," "neighbor," etc. He had finally gotten it and I said, by way of review, "and what is the other way we can spell the 'ay' sound?" (I was asking for "a-y.") Ds has slow processing speed. He sat there thinking quietly, looking at his paper. He wasn't frustrated, he was just pondering. I repeated the question slowly... "let's think, besides 'eigh,' is there another way that we spell the sound 'ay'?" The older man at the table next time me (probably 60) said, "You homeschool?" "Yes," I replied. "Well, aren't you going to give him any more hints?" He shook his head, as if appalled, gathered up his things and left. He did not wait to have a conversation; I guess he just wanted me to know I was being unreasonable with my son. I was so flustered, I quickly said to my ds, "think about the words 'way' and 'may.'" I wish I hadn't let this guy get to me. I was so shocked that he'd reprimand me for my teaching style, and I immediately assumed I was in the wrong. After he left, I was so mad. I wish I had said, "no, he doesn't need a hint, he's almost got it." Or SOMETHING. What would you have said? Have you ever had someone overhear you teaching and tell you you were doing it wrong?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 It's hard because we are never prepared for comments like his. Try to let it go and not worry about it. :grouphug: There are many things one could say but it doesn't really matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 In the aftermath I would have wanted to say, "eh, bugger off, old man." The reality of it is I'd still be picking my jaw up off the floor. How rude! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 "No". He doesn't need to know why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kerileanne99 Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 "You are so right! A hint is definitely in order...how about as in 'go A-WAY' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted October 21, 2013 Author Share Posted October 21, 2013 "You are so right! A hint is definitely in order...how about as in 'go A-WAY' :lol: Perfect! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 From his reaction, it sounds like he was probably anti-homeschooling to begin with. I doubt there's anything you could have said to him that would have made any difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I'm pretty sure I would have just stared at him with my mouth open until he got embarrassed and left. Like I do when some idiot gestures at me for NOT driving improperly. I would not have thought of "go a-WAY" but that's pretty good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 You might thank him for providing a wonderful opportunity to teach your son manners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I would have looked at him, shocked, said, "Thank you," (as in, "why are you speaking to me?") and turned back to my kid. It probably would have been the rude response. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt--later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albeto. Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I think the way in which you handled that was classy. There's no reason to always share what we're thinking. His was a good example of why. You effectively ignored him and went on with what you were doing, showing not only him, but your child how polite people can ignore inappropriate and rude interruptions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I think (hope) I would have had the presence of mind to say something polite but dismissive like, "Oh, I think he's just about got it, thanks." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomatHWTK Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I don't think it would have bothered me at all. Suggesting more hints isn't that big of a deal. Maybe the man thought it was a tough question. Maybe he struggled in school and would have liked more hints. Overall, not a big deal, IMO. FWIW, anytime a conversation starts with "You homeschool..." you should be braced for something completely odd to come next. Now, when I answer "yes," I sometimes get a positive response but I am always braced for something else. I have no problem laughing off the looks or comments because I know our lifestyle and our schooling rocks. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2_girls_mommy Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I usually smile and make a friendly comment like "I might have to pretty soon " or something like that and turn back to my stuff. But that is what usually comes to me. If I am in a bad mood to begin with then I might be a bit perplexed for an answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjones Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 A silent stare can be very effective with rude jerks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Cheerful voice: "Oh, are you an English teacher? Or a spelling tutor?" Let him credential himself. Then you've either gained an ally or let an idiot out his own self. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess in the Burbs Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I don't have the ability to say witty things on the spot. I would have just ignored the man. But even if you have a prepared response, they don't get it, so why waste your breath ?? And since he walked away it was clear he wasn't trying to sway you to his opinion anyway..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mytwomonkeys Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Hugs. I'm really sorry that happened. Really, I imagine his comment had more to do with something in his own past then how you were actually teaching your son. It probably had very little to do with you and more-so what it triggered in him for whatever reason. I don't know how I personally would have responded, but the best you can do now is to simply not let it bother you. Hugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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