I replied with my usual patter about how I was homeschooled K-12; my husband was homeschooled for high school; I understand the need for children to learn how to interact with others, including those who are not their family members, etc. I was as respectful as possible, first because this person was older than my own parents and deserved my respect, second because they obviously didn't know many homeschoolers and I wanted to leave as positive an impression as possible.
I've been thinking about that conversation a lot, lately, and things I could have said that would have worked better. And this is what I wish I had said:
I might have couched it in somewhat more respectful terms, but that's really what needed to be said. Don't point at homeschooling as the cause of someone's "weirdness" before you know whether or not they were homeschooled because their parents knew that for whatever reason, they would not fit in with other schoolkids, and they wanted to spare their children that trauma.
My kids don't have any conditions that would make them pointed out as weird. They're not autistic, mentally challenged, emotionally challenged, or anything else. However, both Daniel and Mercedes are very bright and very sensitive. I don't want them to be made fun of because they're smart (like I was in college) or have their sweet, affectionate natures trampled on by kids made of sterner stuff. And while I'm not just homeschooling them to shelter them, I'm grateful I'll be able to shield them from a lot of emotional drama while I'm at it.
Amen and Amen! The very reasons we homeschooled you and John! And the world of Public School certainly hasn't improved! Trust me, I'm there every day, and I see the sensitive, intelligent and sweet kids getting bullied every day. Granted, there are also some wonderful things happening in public schools, but why take the chance when you have this wonderful alternative? I pray you will be able to homeschool your sweet babies all the way through, if possible. And I thank the Lord that you are so wise and wonderful about it all!
ReplyDeleteObviously, not everyone has the ability, temperament, or opportunity to homeschool. Since I'm blessed with those, I wouldn't do anything else.
DeleteOh how I love this. I've had several people tell me all the homeschooled children they ever knew were "weird" or "awkward." But when I ask how many they knew, they'll admit to just knowing that one particular family. If my child is being crazy, crabby, shy, or otherwise acting different I like to remind people that it could just be because he/she is a CHILD, not necessarily because they're a homeschooled child! :)
ReplyDeleteI know, right? Homeschooled kids are not all angels. Public schooled kids aren't all holy terrors. There are plenty of awkward, socially inept kids in public (and private) schools too, and no one says, "They're weird because they're in public school!"
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